Cheap One-Week Spain Road Trip from Granada traveling east to Almeria, Alicante, Albacete, Madrid, and Ciudad Real

Your exciting road trip through Spain starts when you reach the incredible city of Granada, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Granada and begin your adventure in Spain.

Granada is a popular cheap holiday destination in Spain with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Spain, Granada is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Spain shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Granada is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Granada is Restaurante Palacio Andaluz Almona. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,367 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Granada, El Mercader is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 998 diners.

Flamenco Granada - Tablao Jardines de Zoraya is an excellent example of a great bar in Granada offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,495 customers.

You can also hang out at Continental Café Pub Granada, another of locals’ go-to bars in Granada. Continental Café Pub Granada is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 2,318 customers having rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Puerta del Carmen is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Granada. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 1,595 bar-goers.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Spain!

Day 2 of your road trip across Spain is another proof that cheap holidays in Spain can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 2 wonderful destinations — Granada and Almeria.

Take the opportunity to see S. A. I. Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25,036 visitors.

Plaza Isabel La Católica is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,894 travelers.

Granada is also the home of Alhambra. Around 127,431 people have rated this architectural ensemble an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Nasrid Palaces. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from a total of 20,263 reviews, a visit to this point of interest is a great idea.

This day of your vacation in Granada is also your chance to admire Mirador de San Nicolas, Granada. This must-visit scenic viewpoint enjoys an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 63,173 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Granada, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Almeria. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 47 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

While exploring Spain is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Almeria has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Almeria on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Spain shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Almeria is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Almeria is Jovellanos 16. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,101 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Almeria, Tony Garcia Espacio Gastronómico is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,200 diners.

Locals recommend going for a drink at Milestone Restaurant & Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 695 customers.

Another popular bar you could swing by after dinner is La Consentida. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,010 customers.

Casa Puga also makes the list of popular bars you could visit tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,567 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Spain with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Spain!

On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Spain, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Cartagena, Elche, and Alicante. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Alicante.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Almeria and set your GPS to Cartagena. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 4 min. Upon reaching Cartagena, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Roman theatre of Cartagena. This extraordinary archaeological site has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 18,504 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cartagena, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Elche. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 8 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Parc Municipal one of your first sightseeing stops in Elche. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,887 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

El Palmerar is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,060 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Huerto del Cura. This garden has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,389 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Alicante, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Elche to Alicante may take around 26 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Alicante offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Spain. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Alicante has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

We recommend a local favorite like Nou Manolín. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,895 customers.

Heladería Borgonesse is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Alicante. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Alicante you might want to check out is La Taberna del Gourmet. La Taberna del Gourmet is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 3,691 reviews.

If you’re up for getting a drink after dinner, El Portal Alicante - Krug Ambassade is a great place to go. Around 2,120 customers have rated this popular bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Pinocchio Gelateria Cocktail Bar has an atmosphere and drink selection that guests especially enjoy. Pinocchio Gelateria Cocktail Bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,140 reviews and is considered one of the best you can experience in the city.

Another top-rated alternative for a celebratory drink is 26 Cocktail Room. If this is where the night will take you, you’re in for a fun time in Alicante. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 960 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Spain!

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Spain will take you to the city of Albacete, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Albacete, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Spain, including Alicante, el Castell de Guadalest, and Albacete.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Mercado Central de Alicante. This much-appreciated building is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 24,503 reviews.

Next up is Santa Bárbara Castle. This castle has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 35,044 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Archaeological Museum of Alicante. This archaeological museum has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,768 reviews.

Set your GPS to el Castell de Guadalest and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 55 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. El Castell de Guadalest beckons with new experiences!

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to el Castell de Guadalest and set your GPS to Albacete. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 21 min. Upon reaching Albacete, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Albacete. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Albacete, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Savor the culinary delights of Albacete, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

Visit the popular Restaurante El Alambique. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,326 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Spain is GOIKO. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,032 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful El Callejón de los Gatos. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,546 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a day, pop into Liverpool Pub. This bar is considered one of the best in Albacete and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,161 customers.

You may also want to check out Bar restaurante LA BONITA. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your evening endeavors. Bar restaurante LA BONITA. Is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 954 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Martina Restaurant & Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,056 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Spain. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Spain!

Day 5 of your road trip across Spain offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Alcala de Henares and Madrid. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Madrid.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Alcala de Henares. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 46 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Set your GPS to Madrid and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 40 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Madrid beckons with new experiences!

While exploring Spain is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Madrid has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Madrid on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Madrid, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

Salmon Guru is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,802 customers.

Coque is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,191 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at El Social, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 944 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city. El miniBAR is a popular option with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,297 customers.

Another top option is Areia. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,973 customers.

James Joyce Irish Pub Madrid is also a great place to continue your evening. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,124 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Madrid!

Day 6 of your road trip across Spain is another proof that cheap holidays in Spain can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 2 wonderful destinations — Madrid and Ciudad Real.

Kick off the day at Main Square, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 152,388 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Market of San Miguel. Market of San Miguel is a building with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 106,296 reviews.

Museo del Prado is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This art museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 98,929 visitors. In a single year, this art museum hosts approximately 3,497,345 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit El Retiro Park. This urban park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 162,386 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a famous association football venue in Madrid. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 120,158 travelers.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Ciudad Real. This car ride takes around 2 hours 20 min.

Ciudad Real offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Spain. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Spain, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Ciudad Real that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Spain!

On day 7 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Spain, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Jaen and Granada. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Granada.

When you’ve had your share of Ciudad Real, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Jaen. Your travel time is around 2 hours 4 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Centro Cultural Palacio de Villardompardo, a remarkable cultural center where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,420 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Jaén Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,392 travelers.

San Lorenzo's Arch is another must-visit attraction. This renowned sightseeing destination offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 497 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Castillo de Santa Catalina. This well-loved castle boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 5,060 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Granada, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Jaen to Granada may take around 1 hour 16 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Granada. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Granada, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Granada offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Spain.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Restaurante Jardines Alberto. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,578 customers.

Restaurante Fairuz is another local-favorite restaurant in Granada. Restaurante Fairuz serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,239 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, El Trillo Restaurante Granada is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Jaen. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 of 5 stars from around 1,605 customers.

After dinner, stop by one of the best bars in Granada. Hannigan & Sons often offers travelers and locals alike a great time. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,442 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at Restaurante Oliver. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,516 customers.

Los Manueles Reyes Católicos - Restaurante Granadino is another top-rated bar in the city. This place enjoys an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 15,266 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Spain! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Granada!

Your budget road trip vacation in Spain is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Granada.

On your last day in Spain, take time to indulge in shopping at Granada’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Spain. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Granada.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Granada, consider a top-rated restaurant like d'Sano. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,118 customers.

RESTAURANTE TINTA FINA is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,665 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Botánico Café. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,553 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Spain and your fun memories in Granada.

You’ll then say farewell to Granada. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Spain!