After completing several multi-billion road investment projects over the last few decades, the Spanish motorway network has grown to become the third-largest on the globe by length. With more than 17,000 km of high capacity roads and 683,000 km of well-surfaced roads cutting through some of the most scenic locations in the world, Spain is one of the best countries to have the ultimate road trip experience.
From sun-drenched coastal roads to winding mountain routes, there’s nothing like exploring the beautiful country by racing over the open road with the music turned up and the windows rolled down. To ensure that you have a fun time throughout the road trip, there are some things to consider during the planning stage.
Choose the right vehicle
The perfect road trip starts with choosing the perfect vehicle. The vehicle you choose can either make or break your road trip. Whether you are going for a short or long road trip, you want a vehicle that is comfortable to drive for long hours and capable of getting you to your destination without incident.
You also want a vehicle with the latest car technologies that make driving easier, safer and more fun — such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to play your favourite tunes, massaging seats to provide relief during long drives, forward collision warning, and drowsiness detection systems for enhanced safety.
You can compare different vehicle’s ratings and features to find the one that works best for you, making your time spent in the car even more enjoyable.
Choose the right route
Choosing a road trip route in Spain can be a daunting task; there are just too many good roads to choose from. The choice comes down to where you are going and what you want to see on the way there. For example, if you want to get a good taste of Northern Spain, you can take the Autovia del Cantabrico route and enjoy views in Bilbao, Santander, and Gijon.
The Basque Circuit is another great route that can take you through Barcelona, Zaragoza, Pamplona, and San Sebastian. When picking your route, make sure it’s one that you can comfortably drive on. For instance, even though the Puerto de Las Palomas road is very scenic, it’s one of the toughest roads to drive on thanks to the tricky mountain pass with sharp turns and missing safety barriers in some parts.
Learn the laws of the roads
Spanish traffic rules can be a bit confusing particularly if you are a foreigner. The first thing you need to watch out for is the speed limits which vary depending on the type of road you are driving on; 90 km/h on single carriageway roads, 100 km/h on Autovia (dual carriageways), and 120 km/h on Autopistas.
Using mobile phones, including headphones and earphones, while driving is also illegal and can force you to pay a €200 on-the-spot fine if you get caught. Wearing flip flops while driving can also get you fined. Undertaking is also illegal; if you need to overtake, always do it on the left side of the vehicle you want to pass.
The best way to experience the rich and diverse landscape that Spain has is by taking a road trip. All you need is to choose the right vehicle for the job, a good route, and someone special to enjoy an unforgettable experience with.
