With summer on the horizon, travelers are swapping city-hopping for the freedom of the open road. Spain—rich in coastline, mountain passes, historic towns, and vineyards—delivers some of Europe’s most rewarding road trips. And few places are better suited for a convertible.
Javier Sobrino, founder of Descubriendo Viajes, a Spanish travel platform specializing in curated stays across Spain, shares five routes that are best experienced with the top down and a flexible itinerary.
1. Costa Brava: Blanes to Cadaqués
This northeastern route hugs the Mediterranean, offering sea views, rugged cliffs, and charming towns. Start in Blanes, make your way through Tossa de Mar with its medieval fortress, and stop in Calella de Palafrugell, known for its whitewashed houses and narrow coves.
Local tip: Sa Tuna, a small village near Begur, is a quiet spot for a seaside lunch.
Best time to go: Late spring or early fall for good weather and lighter traffic.
2. Andalusia’s White Villages: Ronda to Arcos de la Frontera
Southern Spain’s “pueblos blancos” shimmer against rolling hills and bright skies. Begin in Ronda, with its dramatic cliffside setting, pass through Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra, and finish in Arcos de la Frontera.
Don’t miss: Setenil de las Bodegas, where homes are tucked into rock overhangs.
Best time to go: Spring for blooming wildflowers or autumn for cooler temperatures.
3. Pyrenees Drive: Jaca to Aínsa
In northern Spain, the Aragonese Pyrenees offer winding mountain roads and panoramic views. Start in Jaca, pass through Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, and explore the stone village of Aínsa.
Side trip: The Valley of Tena is home to alpine lakes and trails, mostly undiscovered by international travelers.
Best time to go: June to September, when meadows bloom and weather is ideal for outdoor stops.
4. La Rioja Wine Route
This loop through Spain’s most famous wine region mixes vineyard landscapes with medieval towns and striking winery architecture. Begin in Logroño for pintxos, visit Haro’s wine cellars, and explore Laguardia’s hilltop streets.
Cultural highlight: The Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture in Briones is one of the most comprehensive wine museums in the world.
Best time to go: September to October for the grape harvest and autumn colors.
5. Mediterranean Coast: Valencia to Alicante
For a blend of beaches, modern design, and relaxed coastal towns, this east coast route delivers. Visit Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, pause in Denia and Altea, and end in Alicante.
Hidden gem: Xàbia’s Granadella Cove boasts some of the clearest water on the Mediterranean.
Best time to go: May or late September, when sunshine is abundant and the crowds thin out.
Spain’s beauty lies in its variety—coastal roads, mountain passes, vineyard trails—all within a day’s drive of one another. A convertible adds a sensory layer to the journey: the scent of pine, the shift in temperature, the freedom to pull over when something unexpected captures your attention. Plan your route, but leave room for detours—you never know where the next unmarked turn might lead.
Mary Jo Manzanares is a founder and the editor-in-chief of The Traveler’s Way, an online travel magazine proving informational and inspirational travel recommendations for curious Baby Boomer travelers. She has been a speaker at various industry events and has a personal travel blog at Traveling with MJ. When she’s not traveling, Mary Jo likes lingering over a cup of coffee, wandering in a museum, sipping wine at a cafe, and sharing it all with friends and readers. Mary Jo’s top travel destinations are Italy, Portugal, and the Caribbean.
