Spanish Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Barcelona to Málaga

Spain, the land of forever sunshine, exceptional food, and friendly people is best explored through a road trip. Here we are suggesting a route that will help you to make the most of your trip as you travel across Spain. This trip takes you on a less-traveled route and comprises of not-so-popular but lovely destinations which are more or less well-kept secrets of Spain.

The trip starts in Barcelona, followed by visits to places like Ebro Delta and Dénia, where the latter of the two is best known for beaches and mouth-watering prawns. The trip then takes you to Cartagena which is best known for its historical importance. The road trip ends in Frigiliana, Andalusia’s most beautiful location, where you will be compelled to take as many pictures as humanly possible.

Ebro Delta

From Barcelona, as you go south, you will be mesmerized to see the natural paradise that starts to unfold in front of you. And once you reach Ebro Delta, your first stop on the journey, you will already be in love with it. Flamingos flying over lagoons, beaches, sand dunes, farmhouses sitting amidst rice paddies, Ebro Delta are a place straight out of an extremely beautiful postcard.

A boat ride down the River Ebro is highly recommended; it is a must-do if you actually want to get a sense of the place. The place also offers great opportunities for hiking and biking; cycling along the 26 km Ruta de les Lacunes will refresh and energize you for more!! There is, even more, you can experience in Ebro Delta; the kitesurfing in Riumar beach and kayaking out on the river are also quite popular water sports here.

Bird watching can also be fun here as the place has more than 300 bird species. The best time for bird watching is sunset and the best place is either L’Encanyissada or La Tancada. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Recommended Days: 2

Places to Visit

Playa Eucaliptus

L’Ampolla

Cala Xelin

Explore Dénia’s underrated delights

The next stop in your less traveled Spanish coast trip is Dénia, which is a port town more or less characterized by its laidback vibes. Something that tourists definitely love as they keep coming back to explore it. Though initially, it seems that the people come back for its four Blue Flag beaches, but no there is more to the place than just beaches.

The place – dotted with critically acclaimed restraints – is a haven for foodies. Make sure you try the local delicacy, the Dénia prawns. In addition to the restaurants, the pace is also noted for the old fisherman’s quarter, actually small colorful houses, which are also known as old fisherman’s quarters. If you are up to the exertion, climb up the cliff to reach the 11th Century Moorish fortress called Castillo de Dénia and enjoy the splendid views its offers.

A stroll on the sandy shores of La Marina makes for a great evening and if you are into hiking. Mount Montgó Natural Park has some great hikes. The national park is also a great place to spot local animals and birds like eagles and badgers. There are also places in Dénia where you can enjoy sailing and windsurfing.

Recommended Days: 2

Places to Visit

Cueva de Las Calaveras

Museo del Juguete

Cabo de San Antonio

Step back in time in Cartagena

Located in southern Spain’s Murcia region, Cartagena is a port city that was founded in 220 B.C. by Carthaginians. The city is a treasure trove for history lovers who fall head over heels when they see the many Roman ruins that the city still braces with panache.

La Manga (area, close to the sea dotted with beaches & hotels), Roman Theatre (an ancient ruin of Roman amphitheater, now an archeology museum), Cala Cortina Beach, and Naval Museum Cartagena are some of the best attractions of Cartagena. Cathedral ruins of Cartagena are also a noted tourist spot. You will also be able to witness some great Baroque and Neo-classical buildings like the Campus Muralla del Ma.

If you want to taste the level of celebration Spanish people love, visit the town during Easter when Semana Santa fiestas are in full swing. It is also home to other festivals like International Nautical Week in June, Mar de Músicas in July, and a Jazz Festival in November.

Also, the small town is loaded with bars and restaurants, which means in-between your visits to the many attractions you will have many options when it comes to eating & drinking; just stroll down the streets and explore your options.

Visit the waterfront, where Phoenician traders used to dock their ships a few centuries back & explore the Gaudí inspired houses like Casa Cervantes by Beltri.

Recommended Days: 2

Places to Visit
Casa Clares
Barrio del Foro Romano
Castillo de la Concepción

Fall in love with Frigiliana

Located in Southern Spain, Frigiliana is a small town best noted for its narrow streets embellished with ceramic mosaics and old Moorish houses. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Andalucía and has the power to make your heart jump, so be careful. You will have to see it to know why it has won so many awards for its good look.

In addition to the scenic vistas, the place also has some decent places that people visit during their stay in Frigiliana. They are: