Road Trip Along The East Coast of Spain by Car and Ferry

Driving along dazzling east coast of Spain offers the perfect blend of open-road freedom and Mediterranean enchantment. From cosmopolitan Barcelona to the sun-drenched shores of Almería, this route unfolds golden beaches, historic towns, vibrant cities, and a gastronomy that captivates at every stop.

What makes this journey truly unique is the opportunity to seamlessly combine road travel with ferry crossings. Spain’s major Mediterranean ports, such as Barcelona, Valencia, Dénia (Alicante), and Almería, open the door to unforgettable sea adventures. With your car on board, you can easily extend the trip to the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera), venture toward Italy, or even set course for Morocco.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your east coast itinerary, from the unmissable stops and cultural highlights to the best ferry routes that elevate your journey into a round-trip adventure. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical tips, or direct booking options, this guide will help you create an unforgettable Spanish escape.

Barcelona: The Perfect Start to Your Road Trip

The vibrant city of Barcelona is the ideal starting point for a road trip along Spain’s eastern coast. Cosmopolitan, creative, and well connected to the Mediterranean, it blends world-class culture, striking architecture, and a rich culinary scene. With Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) offering the best domestic and international connections in the region, arriving here is both practical and convenient.

What to See and Do in Barcelona

• Sagrada Família: Gaudí’s awe-inspiring, unfinished masterpiece and the city’s defining landmark. 
• Las Ramblas & Gothic Quarter: Wander through lively boulevards and medieval streets, soaking up authentic local life. 
• Park Güell: A kaleidoscope of color, creativity, and sweeping views over the city. 
• Montjuïc: Home to a castle, landscaped gardens, and breathtaking panoramas of the port and skyline. 
• Urban Beaches: Begin your journey with a dip at Barceloneta Beach, the perfect taste of Mediterranean leisure.

Gastronomy Highlights

Barcelona is a true foodie haven. Explore the bustling stalls of La Boqueria Market, sample authentic tapas, and discover traditional Catalan dishes such as pa amb tomàquet, escudella, and the sweet crema catalana. Pair your meal with a crisp Penedès wine or a refreshing glass of local cava for the full experience.

Best Experiences in Barcelona

The city never sleeps. By day, Barcelona brims with culture; by night, it transforms into a playground of tapas bars, lively terraces, and vibrant neighborhoods like El Born and Gràcia, with their alternative and bohemian edge. Football fans won’t want to miss a pilgrimage to the legendary Camp Nou stadium.

Barcelona as a Road Trip Hub

With its excellent location, Barcelona is the perfect place to pick up a rental car, enjoy a few days immersed in city life, and then hit the road south. The first major destination on your route: Valencia.

Distance to Valencia: approx. 350 km, or about 3.5 hours via the AP-7 motorway.

Extend Your Journey by Sea

Barcelona’s port is one of the Mediterranean’s busiest, offering countless opportunities to continue your trip by ferry. With your car on board, you can sail directly to the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera, or set your sights further afield toward Italy. These sea routes allow you to combine your road trip with new horizons.

Valencia: Mediterranean Spirit & Cultural Heart

Heading south from Barcelona, your journey brings you to Valencia, a city that perfectly blends tradition and modernity. With its rich history, Mediterranean lifestyle, and world-famous gastronomy, Valencia is a stop that promises to capture your heart, especially as the birthplace of paella.

What to See and Do in Valencia

• City of Arts and Sciences: Santiago Calatrava’s futuristic masterpiece, a dazzling complex of museums, aquariums, and performance spaces that has become Valencia’s most iconic landmark. 
• The Old Town (El Carmen): Stroll through narrow medieval streets, explore the Valencia Cathedral, and climb the Miguelete bell tower for sweeping city views. 
• La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange): A UNESCO World Heritage Site that reflects Valencia’s prosperous medieval trading past. 
• Urban Beaches: Relax by the sea at Malvarrosa or Patacona, perfect spots to unwind after sightseeing. 
• Albufera Natural Park: Just a short drive away, this serene wetland reserve invites you to enjoy a boat ride and taste an authentic paella lakeside, where the dish was first created.

Gastronomy Highlights

Valencia is synonymous with paella, but its culinary scene extends far beyond. Try a flavorful fideuà (paella-style dish made with noodles), sip on a refreshing horchata paired with sweet fartons in the nearby town of Alboraya, and enjoy tapas in the bustling El Carmen district.

Best Valencia Experiences

If you visit in March, you’ll witness Las Fallas, one of Spain’s most spectacular festivals, where giant artistic monuments are paraded and set aflame in a blaze of light and tradition, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The rest of the year, Valencia offers a relaxed Mediterranean rhythm, from vibrant Central Market food stalls to lively seaside nightlife.

Valencia on Your Road Trip

Conveniently located midway between Barcelona and Alicante, Valencia is a natural pause on any coastal itinerary. It’s the perfect place to recharge, soak up local culture, and prepare for the next stretch of your journey.

Distance from Barcelona to Valencia: approx. 350 km (about 3.5 hours by car on the AP-7). 

Next stop: Alicante, about 165 km (roughly 2 hours via the AP-7).

Extend Your Journey by Sea

The Port of Valencia is a key Mediterranean hub with fast, frequent ferry services to the Balearic Islands. With your car on board, you can set sail to Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, or Formentera, adding a maritime adventure to your coastal road trip.

Alicante: Sun-Soaked Beaches & Mediterranean Charm

Continuing south from Valencia, your road trip leads you to Alicante, a city where golden beaches meet centuries of history and a vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Alicante is a destination made for relaxation, exploration, and savoring the authentic spirit of the Costa Blanca.

What to See and Do in Alicante

• Santa Bárbara Castle: Perched atop Mount Benacantil, this fortress offers sweeping views of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains. 
• Explanada de España: The city’s iconic seafront promenade, with its striking wave-patterned mosaic and rows of palm trees—ideal for a sunset stroll. 
• Casco Antiguo (Barrio de Santa Cruz): Lose yourself in narrow alleyways lined with colorful houses and flower-filled balconies in this charming old quarter. 
• Beaches: Soak up the sun at Postiguet Beach in the city center or head north to the expansive San Juan Beach. 
• Tabarca Island: Just 22 km offshore, this small inhabited island is perfect for a day trip of crystal-clear waters, fresh seafood, and quiet charm.

Gastronomy Highlights

The Alicante region is famed for its rice dishes, prepared in countless variations beyond paella: from arroz a banda to arroz con costra and the savory arroz negro. Enjoy them at beachfront chiringuitos or traditional taverns in the old town. If visiting in winter, don’t miss the local sweet specialty: Jijona nougat, a festive treat tied to the Christmas season.

Best Alicante Experiences

Alicante blends laid-back Mediterranean living with lively evenings. The marina and historic center come alive with terraces and bars where you can enjoy a drink overlooking the sea. Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to do, including hikes around Cabo de la Huerta, water sports, and scenic excursions along Costa Blanca’s picturesque coastline, dotted with charming towns like Altea, Calpe, and Villajoyosa.

Alicante on Your Road Trip

With its mix of beach relaxation, cultural landmarks, and flavorful cuisine, Alicante is a natural stop before continuing toward Murcia and Cartagena. It’s also a convenient base for discovering the smaller coves and fishing villages that define the Costa Blanca.

Distance from Valencia to Alicante: approx. 165 km (about 2 hours via the AP-7). 

Next stop: Cartagena, about 115 km (roughly 1 hour 15 minutes via the A-70 and AP-7).

Extend Your Journey by Sea

From nearby Dénia Port, travelers can board ferries directly to the Balearic Islands, including Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca, and Formentera. It’s a comfortable and exciting way to expand your road trip, adding an island-hopping adventure across the Mediterranean.

Cartagena & Murcia

South of Alicante, your road trip continues through Cartagena and the region of Murcia, a stretch of coast and inland landscapes that capture the Mediterranean at its most genuine. Here, grand layers of history meet quiet coves, fertile orchards, and a culture shaped by both the sea and the land, far away from the bustle of Spain’s bigger tourist hotspots.

What to See and Do in Cartagena

• Roman Theatre of Cartagena: One of Spain’s most remarkable ancient monuments, beautifully restored and seamlessly integrated into the modern city. 
• Port of Cartagena: A lively seafront lined with museums such as the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, offering a window into the region’s maritime legacy. 
• Castillo de la Concepción: A hilltop fortress with sweeping views over the city, coastline, and harbor. 
• Cala Cortina: A small but stunning urban beach with crystalline waters, perfect for a relaxing pause before continuing your journey.

What to See and Do in Murcia

• Murcia Cathedral: A striking blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture, standing proudly in the heart of the city. 
• Plaza de las Flores: A lively square filled with tapas bars, where locals gather to enjoy food and conversation. 
• Murcian Orchard (La Huerta): The fertile fields around the city supply fresh produce that defines the region’s cuisine, and are worth exploring for their unique landscapes.

Gastronomy Highlights

Murcian cuisine is a true reflection of its dual heritage of orchard and sea. Taste traditional dishes like zarangollo (scrambled eggs with zucchini and onion), the caldero del Mar Menor (a rice and fish dish), and marineras (a signature tapa of Russian salad topped with an anchovy). Pair your meal with a robust local wine, ideally from the Bullas or Jumilla appellations.

Best Experiences in Murcia and Cartagena

In Cartagena, you’ll breathe in a distinct maritime atmosphere enriched with history and culture, while Murcia offers a more urban Mediterranean rhythm, with its squares, gardens, and vibrant terraces. For a nature escape, head to the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, an ideal setting for water sports or unwinding on peaceful beaches.

Cartagena & Murcia on Your Road Trip

This stage of the route delivers a rich contrast: ancient heritage in Cartagena, urban charm and gastronomy in Murcia, and natural beauty in the surrounding landscapes. Together, they form a memorable stop before you venture into the dramatic, sun-baked scenery of Almería.

Distance from Alicante to Cartagena: approx. 115 km (about 1 hr 15 min via the A-70 and AP-7). 

Distance from Cartagena to Murcia: approx. 50 km (about 40 min via the A-30).

Almería

Your east coast road trip reaches its final great destination in Almería, a province that delights with its striking variety of landscapes, from pristine beaches to cinematic desert scenery. The capital city, also named Almería, preserves an authentic Andalusian atmosphere and a heritage shaped by centuries of history.

What to See and Do in Almería

The Alcazaba of Almería is an imposing Moorish fortress dating back to the 10th century and is one of the largest of its kind in Spain. From its towers and walls, the views over the city and the Mediterranean are spectacular. To the east, the Cabo de Gata–Níjar Natural Park offers protected coastlines with hidden coves, crystal-clear waters, and volcanic landscapes.

Beaches such as Los Genoveses and Mónsul are among the most remarkable. In the historic center, the Cathedral-Fortress and lively squares invite you to stroll and soak up the local atmosphere. Just inland lies the Tabernas Desert, famous as the backdrop for legendary western films. Here you can visit original sets and film museums or spend a day at Mini-Hollywood, a theme park that recreates the cinematic spirit of those productions.

Gastronomy Highlights

Almería’s cuisine reflects the fusion of sea and mountains. Typical dishes include ajo colorao, a hearty stew of potatoes and fish, and gurullos with rabbit, a traditional pasta and game dish. In the capital, tapas are a way of life, and they are often included with your drink, while along the coast of Cabo de Gata, fresh fish takes center stage.

Best Experiences in Almeria

Almería exudes a relaxed and authentic charm, far removed from the bustle of mass tourism. It is a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and travelers in search of quiet, unspoiled corners. At sunset, walking along the city’s seaside promenade with the Mediterranean as your backdrop is the perfect way to close your journey.

Almería on Your Road Trip

Almería brings your road trip along Spain’s eastern coast to a fitting conclusion. In contrast to the cosmopolitan vibrancy of Barcelona and Valencia or the urban beaches of Alicante, here the landscape itself becomes the protagonist. The wild desert, rugged coastline, and untouched nature encourage you to slow down, disconnect, and explore at your own pace.

The drive from Cartagena or Murcia to Almería covers approximately 220 kilometers and takes about two and a half hours along the A-7 motorway.

Extend Your Journey by Sea

The Port of Almería is one of the busiest in southern Spain and offers regular ferry services to Melilla and several destinations in North Africa. For those who wish to continue beyond the Iberian Peninsula, it presents the opportunity to transform a road trip into a Mediterranean crossing, opening the door to even more adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Road Trip Along Spain’s East Coast

When is the best time to go?

The sweet spots are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is warm but not overwhelming, the beaches and cities are less crowded, and prices are usually friendlier than in peak summer.

How many days do I need?

To really enjoy the journey without rushing, plan for 7 to 10 days. This allows time to explore each city at a relaxed pace. If you only have a few days, focus on the must-sees: Barcelona, Valencia, and Alicante.

Can I take my car on the ferries?

Absolutely. Most Mediterranean ferries welcome vehicles on board, so you can keep the road trip going in the Balearic Islands, cross to Italy, or even head toward North Africa. Just remember to book ahead, especially in high season, as spots can fill quickly.

What kind of budget should I expect?

It depends on how you like to travel, but as a guide: car rental starts around €30–40 per day, mid-range hotels average €70–100 per night, and basic ferry tickets begin at about €25–30 each way. Factor in meals, fuel, and a few indulgences along the way, and you’ll have a flexible budget for a memorable trip.

Is driving easy along the east coast?

Yes, it’s very straightforward. The AP-7 motorway connects the main cities smoothly, complemented by well-kept national roads. Distances between stops are short and manageable, which makes the journey both comfortable and enjoyable, even for less experienced drivers.