The dilemma of a sustainable traveller: you want to fly less, but have plenty of adventure. Luckily, Spain is closer than you think! By car or train, you can quickly travel to this sunny holiday country, where culture, nature and delicious food await you. In this article, we list three beautiful regions that are perfect to discover by car. Get in and let the adventure begin!
Holidays to Spain
In cooperation with TUI
Spain is a land of surprises. Whether you are drawn to the rugged peaks of the Pyrenees, the idyllic coves of the Costa Brava or the cultural and culinary delights of the Basque Country, there is something for everyone to discover. Spain has it all. And the nice thing is, the north of Spain is easy to reach by car, and the international train offers more and more options as well. Yihaa!
Basque country: culinary hotspots and rugged coastlines
Located in northern Spain, close to the border with France, the Basque Country is a perfect destination for a sustainable road trip. You can reach this region from the Netherlands in about 14 hours by car. Would you rather travel by train? You can do that too! You'll get there even faster by train: in ten hours. Via Paris, you travel by high-speed train to Hendaye, after which you can easily continue to Bilbao or San Sebastián. The Basque country is special thanks to its spectacular coastlines. Surfing villages like Zarautz and the vibrant city of Bilbao with its iconic Guggenheim Museum are real highlights. San Sebastián is a must-visit for foodies, with the best pintxos and Michelin-starred restaurants. Nature lovers are also in for a treat, with green hills, fishing villages and the impressive Gaztelugatxe: an island chapel on a rock in the sea.
From left to right: Basque Country, Costa Brava and views of the Pyrenees. All beautiful destinations in Spain and the good news is: you can reach it well by car and sometimes by train.
Costa Brava: sun, sea and idyllic villages
The Costa Brava in the north-east of Spain is also easy to reach. You can get there by car in around 13 hours, and by train via Paris you can even reach Barcelona in 11 hours. This region may be known for its vibrant nightlife, but it offers so much more. Explore idyllic bays with clear blue waters, charming fishing villages like Cadaqués and historical gems like Tossa de Mar with its medieval city walls. Cultural cities like Girona, with its atmospheric old town, and of course Barcelona, packed with sights, are also located in this region. Add the Dalí Museum in Figueres and a lovely Mediterranean climate, and you have the perfect mix of relaxation, culture and adventure.
Pyrenees: mountains, adventure and tranquillity
The Spanish Pyrenees are an impressive mountain area perfect for adventurous travellers. You can reach the Pyrenees by car in around 12 hours, depending on your route. This region offers everything nature lovers could wish for: from spectacular hiking trails in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park to the idyllic Aigüestortes, famous for its crystal-clear lakes. Visit picturesque mountain villages such as Benasque and Taüll, where Romanesque churches offer a glimpse into the Middle Ages. There is also plenty for sports enthusiasts to do, from canyoning and climbing to skiing in the winter months. For relaxation, visit spas like Caldes de Boí, known for their medicinal hot springs. In short, the Pyrenees are a nice mix of adventure, culture and tranquillity in unspoilt nature.
We hope you've found inspiration for a holidays in Spain by car, because there is also so much beauty to see and experience closer to home.
More travel tips in Europe
- Also see: city break to Lisbon.
- Also see: Road trip to southern France, cool spots to stop along the way.
- Also see: travelogue Tossa de Mar in Spain.
- Also see: San Sebastián: discover Donostia's hidden gems!
Photo credits: main image: Guerrero De la Luz (Pexels), waves: Ata Alikate (Pexels), Costa Brava: Caeli Team (Pexels), Pyrenees: Jacint Bofill (Pexels).
