Oh, Spain! Just the word conjures up images of sun-drenched plazas, the sizzle of garlic prawns, and the infectious rhythm of flamenco. And guess what? I’ve been dreaming up a road trip that’s pure Spanish magic – a seven-day fiesta of food, fun, and revisiting one of my favorite cities! Thanks Auto Europe for sponsoring this post.
Seven Days of Spanish Sizzle: A Dream Road Trip!
You know that feeling when a place just calls to you? That’s Barcelona for me. I’ve been before, and let me tell you, it burrowed deep into my soul with its Gaudí whimsicality and its endless tapas bars.
So, naturally, any dream road tripping around Spain has to start with a glorious return to Catalonia’s crown jewel.
Day 1-3: Barcelona – The Re-Romance!
Landing in Barcelona, I’d practically skip to our rental car, already mentally mapping out our first stop: a hearty bocadillo de jamón and a strongcafé con leche. Since I’ve tackled the major sights before (though a quick re-visit to Park Güell for those epic city views is always a good idea!), this time it’s all about diving deeper into Barcelona’s edible soul.
- Foodie Focus: My hit list? Re-visiting Bar del Pla for their legendary bombas, exploring the smaller, less-touristy tapas bars in Gràcia, and definitely hitting up La Boqueria Market for a kaleidoscope of fresh produce and those incredible fresh juices. I’d also be on the hunt for the perfect crema catalana – a challenge I’m more than willing to accept! And of course, a proper paella dinner (or two!) is non-negotiable.
- Fun Factor: Evenings would be spent strolling the Gothic Quarter, soaking in the atmosphere, and maybe catching some live music. I’d also love to explore the hidden courtyards and art galleries I might have missed on my first whirlwind trip. Perhaps a leisurely afternoon sipping vermouth at a sun-drenched terrace? Pure bliss! Maybe we’d also sneak in a return trip to Montserrat monastery – it’s only an hour’s drive from Barcelona – and the views of the clouds were dreamy.
Day 4: Scenic Drive to Zaragoza – A Sweet Stopover!
After soaking up every last drop of Barcelona’s magic, we’d hit the road towards Madrid. But why rush when there’s another gem to explore? Zaragoza, here we come! It’s the perfect half-way point, offering a glimpse into Aragon’s rich history without the overwhelming crowds of the bigger cities.
- Foodie Focus: I hear Zaragoza is known for its ternasco (roasted lamb) and its churros con chocolate. So, you know what that means: a proper, indulgent churro breakfast is definitely on the cards!
- Fun Factor: The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is a must-see, and I’d love to wander the old town, perhaps stumbling upon a local market or a charming little plaza. It’s all about those unexpected discoveries!
Day 5-7: Madrid – Capital of Charms!
And just like that, we’d arrive in the vibrant heart of Spain: Madrid! Get ready for late nights, lively streets, and a whole lot of flamenco.
- Foodie Focus: Madrid is a foodie paradise, and I’m ready to dive in headfirst! My priority list includes devouring a bocadillo de calamares in Plaza Mayor, indulging in some decadent cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), and exploring the Mercado de San Miguel for a sensory overload of Spanish delicacies. And for a truly authentic experience, a proper late-night tapas crawl in La Latina is absolutely essential, washing it all down with plenty of tinto de verano.
- Fun Factor: Days would be a whirlwind of art at the Prado Museum (because you can’t go to Madrid and not), leisurely strolls through Retiro Park (maybe even a rowboat ride!), and getting gloriously lost in the charming streets of the literary quarter. Evenings? Oh, evenings are for flamenco! I’m picturing an intimate tablao show, feeling the passion and intensity of the music and dance. And if there’s time, perhaps a rooftop bar for sundowners with incredible city views.
Viva la Road Trip!
The beauty of this dream road trip? The freedom to pull over for a spontaneous photo op, to discover a tiny village church, or to simply soak in the ever-changing Spanish landscape. It’s not just about the destinations; it’s about the journey, the conversations in the car, the blasting of Spanish pop music with the windows down.
The easiest part of this trip from Barcelona to Madrid will be organising your car: it’s so easy to compare prices from all the suppliers via Auro Europ’s booking engine, in order to find the best deal that fits your travelling needs *cough* boot space for all the snacks *cough*. Did you know that they are the global leader in international car rental services and have been helping travelers find the perfect rental vehicle for their trips worldwide for over 70 years?
So, who’s with me? Dust off your passport, pack your most comfortable walking shoes (for all the tapas bar hopping, naturally!), and get ready for a Spanish adventure that promises to be a feast for the senses. ¡Vamos!