15 Days in Spain - 3 Unique Road Trip Itineraries

Itinerary #1: Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Extremadura

This 15-day road trip allows you to experience regions of Spain most tourists never see. It begins in Madrid, and you'll quickly hit the road south to La Mancha, the land of "Don Quixote," windmills, arid plains, and stunning national parks. From there, you'll head west to the Extremadura region, home to some of the most well-preserved medieval towns in the country.

This epic road trip takes you through central Spain in an area not typically visited by travelers. You'll start and end in Madrid, where you can learn about the country's unique history and culture. In between, you'll first visit Toledo to discover how three different cultures lived harmoniously together for centuries, then head down to Almagro, stopping in the scenic Las Tablas de Daimiel for an excursion through the wetlands. 

Next up is driving through beautiful La Mancha on Day 6, home to Spain's famous windmills featured in Cervantes' "Don Quixote," delicious manchego cheese, and over 300 vineyards. Visit Mérida with its incredible Roman theater, then head west to Cáceres and stop at another park, Monfragüe, where you'll undoubtedly see wildlife. Stay in historic and charming Trujillo before returning to Madrid for your final two days, complete with a flamenco show. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Galicia & The Basque Country

On this fast-paced excursion of Northern Spain, you'll take the less traveled road filled with incredible scenery. After a couple of days in Madrid, you'll drive north to wine country and follow the pilgrims' route into beautiful Galicia. You'll sample delicious regional cuisine and visit historic cathedrals before hitting the Cantabrian Coast for a memorable stay in San Sebastián with day trips to rural Basque Country.

Spain's northern reaches aren't typically on bucket lists, but this road trip proves why it should be. Start in Madrid for historical and cultural activities, including visiting the Royal Palace, eating a lot of tapas, and strolling through the city center. Then head straight north to the Ribera del Duero wine region, where you'll find several old castles dotting the skyline. Explore the city of León, founded in the first century BCE, then continue northwest to the scenic autonomous region of Galicia.

Galicia is known for its natural beauty, which you'll witness at places like Ribeira Sacra, a mountainous river canyon, and the Cíes Islands. Here you'll find tropic-like beaches and incredible seafood. Finish your adventure along the Basque Coast via Oviedo, home to the famous sidra (cider). Discover the urban energy in Bilbao and San Sebastián, plus the traditional vibes of rural Basque Country with a farm visit. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Andalusia

Discover popular Andalusia when you take to the road on this Southern Spain itinerary. Starting in the Spanish capital of Madrid, you'll drive south to historic locales like Toledo and La Mancha on your way to Andalusia, where Moorish history and excellent food await. Besides enjoying wine and tapas tours, you'll visit historic cities like Seville, Granada, Ronda, and Córdoba.

With 15 days, you can dig deep into Andalusia, Spain's southern region. To mix it up, you'll start in Madrid to learn about the country's history, visit the Royal Palace, and enjoy the local gastronomy, including classic tapas. Then head south, first to Toledo, known as the "City of Three Cultures," then to La Mancha. Though arid, this area has the world's largest continuous wine-growing region and those famous windmills. Now it's time for Andalusia, starting in historic Córdoba, home to the unique Mezquita, a mosque and cathedral in one.

After two nights in Córdoba, continue to Seville, where you can visit the Seville Cathedral, explore the Royal Alcázar, and take a day trip to Jerez de la Frontera for sherry and horses. You can't miss Ronda, the region's largest "White Village" set atop a gorge, then make your way to Granada for one of the country's most popular sites, the 14th-century Moorish Alhambra. After exploring the countryside and taking a tapas cooking class, end your trip with a final night on the coast in buzzy Málaga. Learn more

More Great Spain Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Spain? Check out these other Spain road trip itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of excursions to hit the highlights.