9-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Alicante to Valencia, Cuenca, and Madrid

Day 2 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Alicante. You’ll stay in Alicante for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Start your day at Mercado Central De Alicante. This eye-catching market is a notable place to see in Alicante. Then, wander over to Cocatedral De Sant Nicolau De Bari D'alacant. If respected sites excite you, this church will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Maca Contemporary Art Museum Of Alicante. This photogenic museum is a favorite among visitors.

Alicante offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Plaça De La Porta De La Mar is an up-and-coming spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the public square, don’t forget to check out the history-steeped Santa Bárbara Castle. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this notable castle. Wrap up your self-guided tour of Alicante's top attractions with a visit to Archaeological Museum Of Alicante.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Spain. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

For an unforgettable shopping experience, visit Plaza Mar 2, the top shopping destination in Alicante. Browse local shops and stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what Plaza Mar 2 has to offer, including restaurants, attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Alicante, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to reserve a table at LA ZONA SOCIAL BAR, an iconic dining spot in Alicante. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of La Taberna del Gourmet, a popular restaurant in Alicante. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Heladería Borgonesse, a hidden gem nestled in Alicante. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Canibal Lounge Pub is an excellent place to start. You could also check out The Old Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Pub Carabassa. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Spain!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Valencia and Beniferri. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Valencia, where will spend 2 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Alicante and set your GPS to Valencia. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 48 min. Upon reaching Valencia, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready for some sights, head to L'oceanogràfic, a spectacular aquarium in Valencia. Explore its stunning features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Jardín Del Turia. This notable park is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Alicante, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Beniferri. This drive usually takes around 14 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Valencia Bioparc, a widely recognized zoo in Beniferri. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Valencia. Valencia offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Valencia, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Restaurante RiFF, a popular restaurant in Valencia. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Valencia at El Poblet, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Ubik Cafè Cafeteria Llibreria. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Valencia tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Pub Pasos, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Clann Bar Tapas offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Café Negrito provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Spain.

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Valencia. You’ll stay in Valencia for 1 night.

One of the most iconic spots you can visit today is El Carmen. Allow yourself some time to explore this neighborhood and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

Mercat Central is perfect for a self-paced visit during the day. This photogenic food market is sure to impress. Next on your list is Llotja De La Seda, another must-visit landmark and locally renowned historical landmark renowned for its symbolic features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Valencia by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Valencia Cathedral. This culturally significant church is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Valencia experience. We also recommend visiting Serrano Towers, an interesting monument. Nearby, you'll also find City Of Arts And Sciences, ready to add charm to your journey.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Spain. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Valencia's best restaurants.

Savor the flavors at USUAL resto-bar, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Casa Ripoll beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Restaurante La Cepa Vieja (Valencia). With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Valencia tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Bar Cosmo Valencia. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Casa Pepe, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Cafe De Las Horas provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Head back to your accommodation in Valencia and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Spain.

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Spain includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Cuenca. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cuenca, where you'll spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Cuenca, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Valencia to Cuenca may take around 2 hours 17 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Cuenca, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to San Pablo Bridge, an intriguing monument that everyone visiting Cuenca should see. Next, head to Spanish Abstract Art Museum. Juan March Foundation.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Torre De Mangana, a standout monument popular among locals as well as travelers. Iglesia San Pedro is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this underrated church before you continue your journey. Lastly, visit Antonio Pérez Foundation Museum, a photogenic museum and a top attraction in the city.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Cuenca, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Cuenca is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Cuenca.

Savor the flavors at Restaurante Sidrería La Figal, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Sibuya Urban Sushi Bar beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Marisqueria Joni. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Cuenca tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Bar Tu Rincón. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Café Hispano, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Bogart provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Spain!

On day 6 of your road trip in Spain, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Madrid are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Madrid, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Madrid. This car ride takes around 1 hour 44 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is El Retiro Park. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the park before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Puerta De Alcalá. This astonishing monument is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Royal Palace Of Madrid. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the palace. Next, take your journey to Temple Of Debod, an astonishing monument. Conclude your sightseeing at Plaza De España, known for its historic features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Madrid. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Madrid's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurante Taberna Madrid Madriz, a highly-rated dining destination in Madrid. If you're eager to try something different, consider Lamucca del Carmen, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at El miniBAR. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Madrid this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Bar Yambala after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Cafe Madrid also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Say good night to Madrid and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Spain!

Day 7 of your road trip across Spain promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Madrid. You have 1 night left in Madrid. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Set aside time today to explore La Latina, a standout neighborhood that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

Enjoy all that Santiago Bernabéu Stadium has to offer. This is an iconic stadium you should not miss. Another must-see is Museo Del Prado, a world-famous museum in Madrid.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Thyssen-bornemisza Museum. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Main Square, another of the city’s globally renowned attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Market Of San Miguel, a visually striking place of interest in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Spain. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Madrid. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Alhambra, a top-rated dining spot in Madrid. If you're in the mood for something new, try Restaurante Alabaster, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restaurante De María - Felíx Boix. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Madrid.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Jazz Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, España Building offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, 1862 Dry Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Spain.

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Toledo. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Alicante, where you'll spend 1 night.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Toledo.

Toledo’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Madrid behind. This drive usually takes around 59 min. Toledo welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Spend your afternoon discovering San Martin's Bridge, a well-known monument known for its romantic features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Monasterio De San Juan De Los Reyes, Toledo, a locally appreciated monastery.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by El Greco Museum and uncover the details of this historic museum. Make sure to also explore Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada De Toledo, a popular church. For your last stop, consider Alcantara Bridge, an enchanting monument that many travelers find worth the detour.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Alicante. Alicante offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Alicante. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurant Piripi, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurante Baeza & Rufete? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restaurant L'Ereta as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Alicante.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Oculto Alicante, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Austin, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Bar Petanca likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Spain!