Here’s the ultimate collection of all the potential road trips from Madrid that you can enjoy to explore Spain like an expert, beyond its capital and major cities.

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7 Best Road Trips from Madrid, Spain

Where to travel from Madrid

Since the number of my travels on the blog keeps growing and it’s becoming harder to find specific content on Spain, my latest task has been improving navigation. Now, you can search travel stories by region and trip duration. Last week, I put together an article on all the interesting road trips visitors can plan while based in Barcelona. This week, I want to share new insights on where to go from Madrid.

While visiting the Spanish capital of Madrid is a must-do on any Spain bucket list, most travelers are unaware of the many possible itineraries that can be combined with a simple Madrid city break. Madrid is one of my favorite Spanish cities, and I’ve already lost count of how many times I’ve visited.

In this article, I aim to provide a broader perspective on traveling across Spain from Madrid, highlighting a few lesser-known sights and destinations. I’ll also include links to detailed guides for each itinerary mentioned, allowing you to plan your trip to Spain with insights from my 15+ years of travel experience in the country.

Madrid or Barcelona as a first stop in Spain?

I often get asked whether it’s better to start Spain road trips in Madrid or Barcelona. While Barcelona is usually the more popular option due to its excellent international flight connections and pleasant Mediterranean climate year-round, I’d say that choosing to start your Spain road trip in either Madrid or Barcelona largely depends on the region you’re most eager to explore.

Barcelona is ideal for coastal road trips, such as from Barcelona to Valencia or Tarragona, while Madrid, being located in the center of Spain, is well-positioned for exploring all the other regions across the country, including Northern Spain and the lesser-known Extremadura region on the border with Portugal.

For a general 3-week Spain itinerary by car, I often recommend starting in Madrid and heading to the coast via Barcelona to explore Spain in a clockwise direction. However, for train-focused itineraries, I frequently suggest starting in Barcelona and then heading to Madrid, as the Spanish capital has more train connections to the rest of the regions.

Top 7 Road Trips from Madrid

1. A road trip around Madrid

When comparing Madrid and Barcelona as travel destinations, I often highlight that I’ve always enjoyed Madrid slightly more due to the large number of iconic Spanish landmarks that can be easily reached within a day from the Spanish capital. While Barcelona is surrounded by the Costa Brava and Tarragona/Costa Daurada (which are also great destinations), Madrid offers quick access to places like Toledo, Ávila, Segovia, El Escorial, the oldest European university in Salamanca, the iconic windmills of Don Quixote, the palaces of Aranjuez and La Granja de San Ildefonso, the stunning square in Chinchón, the lesser-known regions of Cuenca and Soria, and many more landmarks that go beyond the picture-perfect towns along Spain’s Mediterranean coast surrounding Barcelona.

As a result, the most popular road trip from Madrid is actually a drive around the capital to visit the major landmarks and small towns nearby. You can check out my detailed 7-day itinerary around Madrid in this post. To personalize it, you can also refer to my post on small towns near Madrid to add more stops to your road trip.

This particular trip took place in the summer, which, honestly, was not the best season for exploring the surroundings of Madrid due to the heat. In July and August, temperatures can soar to 35 – 40°C (95 – 104°F), making sightseeing quite challenging. However, we chose this time of year because of my husband’s vacation dates and the opportunity to visit the lavender fields, so despite the weather, it was still an amazing trip in terms of the places we got to see.

If you can, plan this Madrid road trip for early autumn (September with temperatures between 18-25°C or October with temperatures between 13-23°C), as it is the best time to visit. Late spring is also a good option, though May can be tricky. Starting from May 2nd (Madrid Community Day), the region hosts many local celebrations, which may lead to vacation closures in some areas, making it less efficient for sightseeing. April is generally better, while June can be unpredictable – some years the weather is still pleasant, around 25°C/86°F, and other times it’s already very hot.

In winter, Madrid can get quite cold, with temperatures ranging from 2 -10°C (36 – 50°F). However, I’ve personally visited the city multiple times in December to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, which can be quite charming.

2. Madrid to Barcelona road trip

Another popular road trip option from Madrid is to drive all the way to Barcelona, which is a great choice for those who want to visit two of the most iconic cities in Spain while also exploring some lesser-known gems along the way. In my opinion, it’s not the most scenic drive in Spain in terms of landscapes, as it takes you through central Spain, known for its flat and dry terrain.

However, some of the landmarks you encounter on the road are quite unique. The route connecting Madrid to Barcelona also passes through Zaragoza, another major Spanish city famous for one of the country’s most renowned cathedrals, as well as being the birthplace of Goya and home to some striking examples of Mudejar architecture. You can check out the full itinerary in this post.

On the road from Madrid to Barcelona, you’ll mostly drive through central Spain, including the Zaragoza region. The best time to visit this area is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is comfortable. Since there’s little shade to escape from the sun, yet it can get quite chilly in winter. In spring, temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), and in fall, from 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F). Summer (July to August) can be quite hot, with temperatures soaring to 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F), while winters (December to February) are cooler, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F).

3. Northern Spain road trip from Madrid

Another popular road trip option from Madrid is Northern Spain, which is quite broad since there are many unique regions in this area that could each deserve their own separate road trip. If you have up to 10 days and it’s your first time in Northern Spain, I would recommend heading from Madrid to the Basque Country, La Rioja, and Navarra. These three regions are located right next to each other, and you can also make a stop in Burgos on the way to/from Madrid (or Buitrago de Lozoya or Aranda de Duero to try the famous “lechazo“).

However, in the map below, you can see other alternatives in case you plan to explore other regions of Northern Spain, like Cantabria, Asturias, or Castile-León. You can save this map on Google here.

On the map, I’ve divided most of the northern Spain landmarks into three separate itineraries, each of which I’d recommend at least 7 days for. However, you can easily connect them if you have a few weeks for this trip to Northern Spain from Madrid. Please note that I have not included Galicia, another region in Northern Spain known for Santiago de Compostela and El Camino, as in my opinion, it’s a bit too far for a road trip from Madrid. I will create a separate article about this region soon.

To plan any Northern Spain itinerary, you may find the posts Northern Spain in 10 Days, Top Northern Spain Beaches, and One Day in Burgos helpful.

If you decide on the first road trip option from Madrid (the regions of The Basque Country, Rioja, and Navarra), check out for more details: 3 Days in the Basque Country, 3 Days in San Sebastián, 3 Days in Bilbao, Weekend in Rioja and Navarra, and Things to do in La Rioja. For the second road trip option (the regions of Asturias and Cantabria), check out the Asturias Road Trip, Is Asturias worth visiting, and The Most Beautiful Villages in Asturias. I currently do not have detailed posts on the Castile-Leon itinerary but hope to add them soon.

My favorite time to explore Northern Spain is during the summer, preferably June or July (since August is a popular holiday month across Europe, and there are many more tourists). I also enjoy late spring and early autumn, as these seasons are milder and more comfortable. Northern Spain, including regions like the Basque Country, Asturias, and Castile-Leon, tends to be cooler compared to the rest of the country, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in summer.

Northern Spain is known for its rainy climate, with winter temperatures often dropping significantly, making it quite cold. The average temperatures in the Basque Country, Asturias, and Castile- Leon during winter range from 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F). While it may be colder and wetter than other regions, Northern Spain is less touristy compared to Costa Brava or Costa Blanca, providing a more peaceful and scenic experience.

4. Pyrenees road trip from Madrid

The Pyrenees mountain range, located on the border between Spain and France, is one of my favorite areas to visit in Spain. It is known for its iconic national parks and some of the best hikes on the Iberian Peninsula. While you can plan a road trip to the Pyrenees from both Madrid and Barcelona, this will mean focusing on different regions of the mountain range. From Barcelona, I recommend this 7-day Pyrenees road trip, which includes Andorra. From Madrid, I suggest following this 10-day Pyrenees itinerary.

However, if you have at least two weeks for your road trip to the Pyrenees, you can follow my complete 2-week itinerary across the region. Save this map on Google here.

So far, I have visited the Pyrenees during every season, and I’d say my favorite time is from April to June and September to October. These months are perfect for enjoying the local nature and hiking. July and August are also great since the mountain climate is still much more refreshing than the rest of Spain, thanks to the high altitudes and abundant greenery. However, the Pyrenees tend to be much more crowded during these months compared to the rest of the year.

I have also visited the Pyrenees in winter, mostly for skiing and weekends in Andorra. Winter is a great season primarily for snow and winter sports. During the rest of the year, you can enjoy hiking, adventurous activities, and the charm of local small towns. The average temperatures in the Pyrenees range from 5°C (41°F) to 15°C (59°F) in spring and fall. In summer, temperatures can range from 10°C (50°F) to 25°C (77°F), depending on altitude, but usually, it’s around 20°C (68°F) almost everywhere across the region, unless you take a lift all the way up to the mountains. Winter temperatures can drop to -5°C (23°F) or lower in higher areas, while lower valleys hover around 0°C (32°F). Under the hashtag #Pyrenees, you can check out my multiple travel stories in the region.

5. Central Spain road trip from Madrid

Madrid is a great starting point to plan a road trip across central Spain, which, beyond the famous Don Quixote-themed route, is full of hidden gems. This road trip is perfect for fans of undiscovered Spain or frequent travelers who have already explored much of the Iberian Peninsula.

Central Spain’s weather varies by season: in spring (March to May), temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), while in summer (June to August), temperatures can reach 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F). Fall (September to November) brings cooler temperatures, from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), and winter (December to February) can get quite cold, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F).

I usually recommend dividing central Spain into two separate itineraries: one that includes Toledo, Don Quixote landmarks, and the Tablas de Daimiel National Park, and another focusing on the hidden gems of Cuenca, The Enchanted City, Albarracín, and Teruel (y clicking on each of these destinations, you can read a detailed post about my visit, including all the things to do there). You can save this map on Google here.

I suggest at least 7 days for each of these Central Spain road trips from Madrid. However, if you have more time, you can easily connect the two routes to see both areas. If you look closely at the map, you’ll notice a few landmarks that are marked but not connected to the main itinerary. These are optional but would make great additions if you decide to combine the two road trips.

To discover even more landmarks for your Central Spain itinerary, check out the posts on the best things to do in Castile-La Mancha, the best places to visit in Aragon, and the most beautiful villages in Teruel.

6. Madrid to Valencia road trip

One of the most popular weekend break destinations for locals in Madrid is Valencia. While there are plenty of budget-friendly high-speed train tickets available on Trainline for this route, planning a road trip between these two Spanish cities is a fantastic way to visit unique local landmarks along the way, covering both central Spain and the Mediterranean coast of Valencia. Popular stops halfway through are Cuenca, and The Enchanted city. You can check out the full list of stops and the itinerary in this detailed post.

On the road from Madrid to Valencia, you’ll mostly pass through the Cuenca region in Central Spain, so the best time for the trip is during the transitional seasons when temperatures are more comfortable, like in spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). In spring, average temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), while in fall, they vary between 12°C and 22°C (54°F to 72°F). Summer (July to August) can be hot, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 35°C (64°F to 95°F), though evenings are cooler. Winter (December to February) is colder, with temperatures averaging between 0°C and 10°C (32°F to 50°F).

On the blog, you’ll also find a few road trip itineraries starting from Valencia, perfect for extending your Madrid-to-Valencia drive into a longer trip. Options include a 7-day Valencia road trip, a Valencia to Alicante road trip, and a Valencia to Barcelona road trip.

7. Extremadura and Southern Spain road trip from Madrid

Another great road trip destination from Madrid is the lesser-known region of Extremadura, located in the west of Spain along the border with Portugal. Extremadura is a treasure trove of hidden gems, with Cáceres being one of the most underrated Spanish towns (though it has recently gained attention after featuring in the HBO series House of the Dragon). Mérida is another highlight, famous for its remarkable Roman ruins, making the region a top destination for history lovers in Spain due to its iconic landmarks. You can check out my full Extremadura itinerary in this post.

Extremadura is often regarded as one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Spain, partly because it is considered the country’s poorest region. Yet, thanks to its strategic location, you can easily combine a visit to Extremadura with a road trip through southern Spain, a visit to Columbus-related landmarks, a weekend in Seville, a trip to the Algarve in Portugal, or even a city break in Lisbon – just a few hours’ drive from Mérida.

The region of Extremadura enjoys mild winters and hot summers, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) in winter to 35°C (95°F) in summer. Last time I visited in October, the temperatures were perfect, around 20°C (68°F).

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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

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