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Northern Spain has almost everything I look for in a trip: historic cities, incredible food, colorful coastal towns, beautiful beaches, and mountains that make you want to pull over every five minutes. It also feels completely different from the version of Spain many first-time visitors picture.
After spending two weeks traveling through Spain for the eclipse, I’ve pieced together the best version of our itinerary – so you don’t need to do the heavy lifting! This Northern Spain road trip starts in Barcelona and gradually takes you away from the busiest tourist route. You’ll swim beneath the medieval walls of Tossa de Mar, wander through one of my favorite cities in Spain, eat pintxos in San Sebastián and Bilbao, and finish among the dramatic peaks of the Picos de Europa.
I’ve slowed the itinerary down in the places I think deserve more time, while keeping a few days flexible for the beach, hiking, or your flight home. Get ready for an EPIC road trip through northern Spain!
At a glance: Fly into Barcelona, spend three nights in the city, and pick up your rental car on Day 4. Fly home from Bilbao on the morning after Day 10 to avoid backtracking across Spain.
Table of Contents
12-Day Northern Spain Road Trip at a Glance
- Days 1–3: Barcelona
Explore the historic center, experience Gaudí’s Barcelona, and slow down by the Mediterranean. - Day 4: Montserrat and Girona
Leave Barcelona for Montserrat before continuing to Girona. - Day 5: Tossa de Mar
Spend the morning hiking and swimming in Tossa de Mar before returning to Girona. - Day 6: Girona to Zaragoza
Enjoy one final morning in Girona, then continue to Zaragoza. - Day 7: Zaragoza to San Sebastián
Visit the Aljafería Palace before driving to San Sebastián. - Days 8–9: San Sebastián
Explore the beaches, viewpoints, Old Town, and pintxos bars. - Day 10: Gaztelugatxe and Bilbao
Hike San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, visit the Guggenheim, and spend the evening eating pintxos in Bilbao. - Day 11: Picos de Europa
Choose between the Ruta del Cares and the Covadonga Lakes. - Day 12: Picos de Europa or travel home
Keep your final day flexible for more mountain time or your flight home.
Days 1-3: Barcelona
Start your road trip with three full days in Barcelona. I spent about a week exploring the city and narrowed my itinerary down to the places I think are the most worthwhile for a first visit!
On your first day, explore Barcelona’s historic center, beginning in the Gothic Quarter before eating your way through La Boqueria. Continue to the Palau de la Música Catalana and El Born, then end the evening with tapas.
Dedicate your second day to Gaudí’s Barcelona, including the Sagrada Família and Passeig de Gràcia. Finish the evening with a flamenco performance – one of those quintessential Spanish experiences I think is ABSOLUTELY worth making time for.
Your final day is intentionally slower. Visit Park Güell if it appeals to you, then walk through Barceloneta and grab some beach time in the Mediterranean!
I cover the complete schedule, what to book, and what I would personally skip in my 3-day Barcelona itinerary.
Where to stay in Barcelona:
I recommend El Born because it is central and walkable without feeling quite as hectic as the Gothic Quarter. I stayed at Hotel Oasis, a midrange hotel with an elevator, rooftop pool, and bar that stayed open late.
Day 4: Montserrat and Girona
Pick up your rental car and leave Barcelona early for Montserrat. The mountain range looks unlike anything else around Barcelona, with enormous rounded rock formations surrounding a monastery built high above the valley.
Spend the morning visiting the monastery and take one of the walking trails if you want to see more of the landscape. Honestly, you could spend ALL day here, but I wouldn’t try to turn this into a full hiking day – you’ll want to leave enough time to reach Girona by the afternoon.
After checking into your hotel, head straight into Girona’s historic center. Walk through the Jewish Quarter, cross the bright red Pont de les Peixateries Velles for the classic view of the colorful buildings along the river, and spend the rest of the evening wandering without much of a schedule.
Girona was one of my favorite places from this trip. It reminded me of a smaller, quieter, and more compact Barcelona, and I immediately wished I had given it more time. That is exactly why this itinerary gives you two nights here!
Where to stay in Girona:
Choose a hotel near Girona’s Old Town so you can leave your car parked and explore the center on foot. We stayed in an apartment that I felt was centric, but also a bit quiet. You’ll be dealing with street parking in Girona, but if you circle around a few times and head down some side streets – you’re bound to find a spot!
Day 5: Tossa de Mar and Girona
Leave Girona early for a half-day trip to Tossa de Mar, a small beach town on the Costa Brava. It feels almost frozen in another era, with pale pastel buildings, narrow streets, little cafés, and a medieval walled town rising directly above the Mediterranean.
Walk up through Vila Vella first, while the temperature is cooler and before the streets get busier. Afterward, head back down to the beach and swim for as long as you want. Honestly – this was one of my favorite parts of my northern Spain road trip! I LOVED hanging out in the Mediterranean, it was so refreshing… just watch for jellyfish! You can also rent a chair or pick up anything you forgot from one of the shops in town – they have everything you’d need for a fun beach day!
Return to Girona later in the afternoon and walk along the city walls around sunset. The elevated path gives you beautiful views across the rooftops, cathedral, and surrounding countryside – and the softer evening light makes this one of the best times to experience it.
Spend a second night in Girona. My complete Girona and Tossa de Mar guide will include parking, the walking route, beach options, and where to eat (coming soon).
Day 6: Girona to Zaragoza
Give yourself one final morning in Girona before continuing west. Visit the Arab Baths and Girona Cathedral if you haven’t already, then take one more walk through the historic center. Girona was one of my favorite places in Spain, so I wouldn’t rush out first thing in the morning.
Drive to Zaragoza after breakfast and plan to arrive during the afternoon. Once you’ve checked in, explore the historic center around the enormous Plaza del Pilar. You can see the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, visit La Seo Cathedral, and choose one of Zaragoza’s Roman sites depending on how much time you have left.
Zaragoza has enough to stay a few nights, but one night is sufficient for hitting the main attractions (and for this itinerary). Before your trip, reserve entry to the Aljafería Palace so you can visit before leaving for San Sebastián the following day.
Where to stay in Zaragoza:
I recommend trying to stay near Plaza del Pilar. My recomendation would be Hotel Avenida, as it’s walking distance to the plaza, has air-conditioning (necessary for the heat!) and has a nearby parking lot you can park at.
Day 7: Zaragoza to San Sebastián
Start your morning at the Aljafería Palace, one of Zaragoza’s most important landmarks and the main reason I would stay overnight rather than treating the city as a quick stop. Give yourself time to explore the Islamic and Mudéjar architecture before beginning the drive north. BOOK IT IN ADVANCE!
Next you’ll hit another one of my favorite spots: San Sebastián.
Once you reach San Sebastián, spend your first evening wandering through the Old Town and getting acquainted with city’s pintxos culture. Instead of sitting down for one large dinner, order one or two pintxos at each bar before moving to the next. Don’t worry about reaching every famous spot tonight – you have two more days to explore and eat your way through the city. And YES, there will be lines.
Where to stay in San Sebastián:
We personally stayed in Larsate, a town just outside of San Sebastián. It was a quick walk to the subway and soo easy to get to downtown. That being said, staying IN San Sebastián is obviously very convienent and a bit less walking. I would recommend Pension Kursaal – the location is EXCELLENT and it’s highly rated.
Day 8: Explore San Sebastián
Begin your first full day with a walk along La Concha, the crescent-shaped beach at the center of San Sebastián. Follow the waterfront toward Monte Igueldo, where you can look back over the bay and see one of the city’s most recognizable views.
Leave the afternoon relatively open for the beach, wandering through the city center, or simply slowing down over a long meal. San Sebastián is one of the best food destinations in Spain, so I wouldn’t fill every hour with sightseeing and leave too little time to eat.
Return to the Old Town for another pintxos crawl that evening. Part of the fun is walking between bars and ordering whatever looks best at the counter! My complete San Sebastián guide will include the pintxos I recommend, how ordering works, and the places I think are worth prioritizing (coming soon!).
Day 9: Slow Down in San Sebastián
Start your second full day with the walk up Monte Urgull. The hill rises directly behind the Old Town and gives you another perspective over La Concha Bay, the harbor, and the coastline. Go in the morning while it is cooler, then walk back down toward the waterfront.
Spend the afternoon exploring Gros, the neighborhood across the river from the Old Town. Walk along Zurriola Beach, stop for lunch, and leave time to swim or relax if the weather is good (be warned, clothing is optional here!).
For your final evening, return to whichever part of the city you enjoyed most. You could plan one last round of pintxos in the Old Town or, if you’re tired of standing for a meal – pick a slower sit-down dinner before leaving San Sebastián the following morning. This extra day gives you enough time to taste test your way through the city, without overwhelming your stomach!
Day 10: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Bilbao
Leave San Sebastián early and drive along the Basque Coast to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. The small hermitage sits on top of a rocky island connected to the mainland by a narrow stone bridge and a long staircase. Give yourself the morning to complete the walk and enjoy the coastal views without feeling rushed.
Continue to Bilbao after the hike and spend the afternoon at the Guggenheim Museum. Even if you aren’t usually a modern-art person, the building itself is one of Bilbao’s defining landmarks and worth seeing during a first visit.
End the day in Bilbao’s Old Town, known as the Casco Viejo, for another evening of pintxos. San Sebastián receives most of the attention for its food, but Bilbao has its own excellent pintxos scene and a noticeably different atmosphere!
Where to stay in Bilbao:
Spend the night in Bilbao before leaving early for the Picos de Europa. I recommend Bilder Boutique Hotel – a very CUTE space, with a fantastic location and alllll the ammenities you need for a comfortable stay!
Day 11: Bilbao to the Picos de Europa
Leave Bilbao early and drive into the Picos de Europa, where the landscapes shift from coastal cities to limestone peaks, deep gorges, and mountain villages.
For the most realistic version of this day, head to the Covadonga Lakes. If you can get there super early, I would! Parking can be a pain in the butt.
Spend the afternoon walking around the lakes, stopping at the viewpoints, and enjoying the mountains without committing to a full-day hike. Access is regulated during busy periods, when private vehicles may be prohibited and visitors must use the park’s bus system, so check the current rules before arriving: Picos de Europa National Park
If hiking the Ruta del Cares is one of your priorities, I would add another night. The official route is approximately 22 kilometers round trip and takes more than five hours – not including the drive from Bilbao, so it deserves its own full day. We unfortunately didn’t get to do these hikes due to bad weather and some time constraints.. but I’m DYING to go back to do them!
Where to stay in Picos De Europa:
We stayed in Airrondas during our time in this region. The town was reallllly cute! You could also spend the night near Cangas de Onís, which is close by. Both are easy access to the Covadonga Lakes and Asturias Airport. Stay closer to Arenas de Cabrales if you plan to hike the Ruta del Cares.
Day 12: Picos de Europa or Fly Home
Keep the final day flexible based on your flight. If you have an afternoon departure, enjoy a slow morning in one of the mountain towns you stayed at, one last short walk or viewpoint before driving to Asturias Airport. Return your rental car there and connect through Madrid or another European hub for your flight home.
How Many Days Do You Need for This Northern Spain Road Trip?
Twelve days is enough to travel from Barcelona to the Picos de Europa without reducing every destination to a quick photo stop. You’ll have three days in Barcelona, two nights in Girona, three nights in San Sebastián, and time for both the Basque coast and the mountains.
It is still a fairly fast-moving itinerary. If you have extra time, I would add it to seeing more of Picos de Europa. Staying a second night gives you more flexibility for the weather and enough time to complete the Ruta del Cares without trying to squeeze a 22-kilometer hike between two long drives!
My second choice would be an additional night along the Costa Brava.
If you only have 10 days, I would end the trip in Bilbao and save the Picos de Europa for another visit. I would not take nights away from Girona or San Sebastián simply to say you reached another region.
What Is the Best Time for a Northern Spain Road Trip?
The best time to take this road trip is from late spring through early fall. This gives you longer days, better mountain access, and the possibility of swimming along the Costa Brava.
July and August bring the warmest beach weather, but they also bring larger crowds, higher hotel prices, and more competition for parking and timed-entry reservations. I traveled during August, and while I loved being able to swim and stay outside late, I would book accommodations and major attractions well in advance! We were also in San Sebastián during their festival Semana Grande, which was chaotic but also fun!
June and September may offer a better balance between weather and crowds. Just remember that Northern Spain is greener for a reason. Rain and cloud are possible throughout the year, particularly in the Basque Country and the Picos de Europa.
Is There Anything Else to Add to This Itinerary?
If your trip overlaps with the San Fermín festival in Pamplona, I wouldn’t hesitate to stop! Hotels, parking, and transportation can sell out far in advance during the festival, but it would be a natural stop between Zaragoza and San Sebastián.
Is a Rental Car Necessary for This Spain Itinerary?
You do not need a car while you are in Barcelona, but you will need one for the rest of this itinerary.
Pick up your rental car on the morning you leave for Montserrat and get the earliest pickup time! Keeping a car during your first three days would mean paying for parking while navigating a city that is much easier to explore on foot and by public transportation.
Once you leave Barcelona, the car becomes much more useful. It gives you the flexibility to combine Montserrat, Girona, Tossa de Mar, Zaragoza, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, and the Picos de Europa without depending on multiple bus and train schedules.
Many of the cities you’ll stay in rely on street parking. I would contact the host or front desk to verify their recommendations on parking. You may have to circle around a few times, but finding a spot should be possible!
👉 Book your Spanish road trip rental car
Where Should You Fly Into and Out Of?
Fly into Barcelona-El Prat Airport and home from Asturias Airport.
This creates a one-way route through Northern Spain without requiring you to drive back across the country. Asturias Airport is approximately 1.5 hours from Cangas de Onís, depending on traffic and where you stay.
Most travelers flying to North America will need to connect through Madrid or another European airport.
If flights from Asturias are too expensive or poorly timed, compare departures from Bilbao. However, I would not drive from the Picos de Europa back to Bilbao immediately before an international flight. Either add another night for the return drive or end your itinerary in Bilbao and remove the Picos.
What Should You Book in Advance?
I would book this trip in the following order:
- Your open-jaw flights into Barcelona and home from Asturias
- Hotel in Girona
- San Sebastián accommodations
- Barcelona accommodations
- Your one-way rental car
- Sagrada Família and Park Güell
- Aljafería Palace
- Any special restaurant or food-tour reservations
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe remains free to visit, but a reservation is required between 10am – 7pm. You can access the area without tickets before or after these times!
Access to the Covadonga Lakes is also restricted to authorized transportation during designated busy periods. Review the current Asturias tourism access schedule once your dates are confirmed.
Northern Spain Road Trip FAQs
Is this itinerary too rushed?
This is an active itinerary, but I do not think it is unreasonably rushed for travelers who are comfortable changing hotels every few days. The route gives Barcelona, Girona, and San Sebastián more than one night while using Zaragoza and Bilbao as shorter stops.
The busiest portion is the final stretch from Bilbao to the Picos de Europa. Add a thirteenth day if you want a bit more hiking.
Can you take this Northern Spain road trip by train?
You can reach Barcelona, Girona, Zaragoza, San Sebastián, and Bilbao using public transportation. However, this exact itinerary becomes much more complicated without a car.
Tossa de Mar, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, and the Picos de Europa require additional buses, tours, or transfers. Renting a car after Barcelona gives you far more flexibility!
Should you stay in Girona or visit it as a day trip?
Stay for two nights.
Girona was one of my favorite places on this trip. It felt like a smaller, calmer, and far more compact version of Barcelona. Staying overnight gives you time to explore the city after many day-trippers leave, visit Tossa de Mar without moving hotels, and walk Girona’s walls around sunset.
Is Tossa de Mar worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want to include swimming and coastal scenery in an otherwise city-heavy itinerary.
The medieval walls overlooking the beach make Tossa de Mar visually different from the other stops on this route. Go early enough to climb through Vila Vella before the strongest heat, then spend the rest of the morning swimming.
How much time do you need in San Sebastián?
I recommend three nights. San Sebastián is not a city I would visit for one hurried pintxos dinner before leaving the following morning.
Three nights give you time for La Concha, Monte Igueldo, Monte Urgull, Gros, Zurriola Beach, and multiple pintxos crawls without making every meal feel rushed.
Is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe difficult?
You should expect a legitimate uphill (and downhill) walk. The route descends toward the coast before climbing the stone staircase to the hermitage.
Wear supportive shoes and allow approximately two to three hours for parking, walking, photographs, and time at the top. Arrive well before your reserved entry time because parking and the walk to the access point can take longer than expected.
Can you hike the Ruta del Cares and fly home on the same day?
No. The standard out-and-back route is approximately 22 kilometers, and trailhead parking can add another layer of unpredictability.
Use Day 12 for the hike only if you are staying an additional night and flying home on Day 13. Otherwise, visit the Covadonga Lakes on Day 11 and reserve Day 12 for a relaxed morning and your drive to the airport.
Is this itinerary good for a first trip to Spain?
Yes, as long as you are comfortable driving abroad and changing locations several times (it’s not that different than driving in America!).
The route combines Barcelona’s most famous architecture with smaller historic cities, beaches, Basque food, dramatic coastal scenery, and the mountains of Asturias. You will see several different sides of Spain rather than spending the entire trip in its largest cities.
Final Thoughts on This Northern Spain Itinerary
This itinerary includes almost everything you’d want from a trip: incredible food, historic cities, colorful streets, swimming, hiking, architecture, and places that give you a reason to carry your camera all day.
When I took this trip, it also showed me how dramatically Spain can change as you travel north. You begin among Barcelona’s Gaudí architecture and busy neighborhoods, swim beneath medieval walls on the Costa Brava, move through Roman and Mudéjar history, eat your way across San Sebastián, and finish surrounded by the limestone peaks of the Picos de Europa.
Once your road trip is finished, I think you’ll fall in love with northern Spain, just like I have!
Start planning the trip with my 3-day Barcelona itinerary, where I break down exactly what I think is worth your time after spending a week of exploring the city.
Hi, I’m Amber —
A Michigan native now living in Washington with a deep love for travel and the outdoors. What started with church mission trips and years of traveling across the U.S. as a nurse has grown into a passion for exploring destinations across Asia and America through hiking, scenic landscapes, local food, wildlife encounters, and underwater adventures. Sometimes I’m joined by my goldendoodle, Millie, but I’m always traveling with my camera. My goal is to help you feel inspired and confident that travel is possible — no matter where you’re starting from.
