The Best Road Trips in Andalucia, Spain

For a beautiful view while you drive, take the route A-319 to the valley of the Guadalquivir River. You will pass a castle on a crag in La Iruela, before you experience the mountains of the Sierra de Cazorla and a beautiful river surrounded by plush wildlife. Hit the route A-319 on your way to the Altiplano de Granada.

Drive north from the Guadalquivir River to the reservoir of El Tranco for kayaking and onwards for views of the Sierras of Cazorla from the peak of Yelmo. Find the park’s beautiful village Segura de la Sierra and stop to camp on the way at the Camping Rural El Robledo if you have time. Consider continuing your journey south to take in the area’s beautiful Roman ruins.

The A-92 passes through dusty spaghetti western country to Almeria, where the ravines turn pink and orange in the sun. This route skirts around what has been called the only real desert in Europe, the wild western splendour that is the Tabernas Desert. Be sure to end this journey in Almeria by taking in the Alcazaba.

Many millions of years ago, this park was part of the sea bed. Its eerie limestone rock formations are a map to its subaquatic history, horizontal layers telling the stories of its past. Hot and humid, the atmosphere here sees orchids thrive amongst the unstable formations. To get there, simply drive to the town of Villanueva de la Concepcion and follow the signs.

Difficult to drive to, but worth the journey, the town of Alhama de Granada is a breathtaking drive north from Velez-Malaga on the coast. Once in the town, seek out the still healing waters which are shrouded in marble and over 40°C. Forced up through the earth, this water is renowned for its therapeutic effects on weary travellers.

A drive out of the way in a town called Sierra Norte is a series of waterfalls and pools that are idyllic to swim in, but be aware of the currents. The biggest waterfall is at the top for the daring traveller. To get there, drive over to the village of San Nicolas and follow the signs to Area Recreativa El Martinete.