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Spain is an amazing country for motorcycle lovers and has some of the best roads in the world. You’ll love the motorcycle routes in Spain, which cover anything from the rugged Pyrenees mountains in the north, deserts of Andalusia in the south, and sun-soaked beaches on the coasts and the Spanish islands.
This article was originally posted on WebBikeWorld.com
Motorcycle riding in Spain
Before your trip, it is essential that you check all the rules and regulations of driving a motorcycle in Spain.
Before you read!
Have you checked the motorcycle riding in Spain guide? Click the link to get an overview of the rules and regulations when riding in Spain:
1. Ruta de la Plata
Start: Seville
End: Gijon
Time needed: 4-5 days to a week
Approximate distance: 1000 km
Some major stops along the route:
- Seville
- Mérida
- Cáceres
- Salamanca
- Gijon
The Ruta de la Plata or, “Silver Road”, starts in Southern Spain and is perfect for those wanting a cultural route with a religious focus.
Every year, thousands of people come to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago. However, with this route, you can actually drive the very famous pilgrimage route. The route starts in the South in Seville and continues its way north, stopping in cities such as Mérida, which is home to many Roman ruins and Cáceres, an amazingly intact medieval village. Riders can also stop in Salamanca, a university city that is well known for its architecture and a popular day trip from Madrid. The route finishes in the city of Gijon, in the region of Asturias.
From there, if you want to continue the pilgrimage, you can continue on through France. It’s perfect for those wanting a mix of culture, by visiting many famous villages of colonial Spain, as well as beautiful scenery as you drive in and around national parks and mountain ranges.
This part of the route can take 4 days to one week, depending on how much you want to stop.
Along the way, you can stay in some really unique lodgings, such as a former Arabian fortress, a castle from the 15th Century, and various monasteries/convents.
2. Pyrenees
Start: Barcelona
End: San Sebastian
Time needed: 3-7 days
Approximate distance: 500 km
Some major stops along the route:
- Barcelona
- Montserrat
- Vic
- La Molina
- Aigüestortes National Park
- San Sebastian
Heading up north, this route takes riders through breathtaking scenery and winding curves through the Pyrenees mountain range and a small taste of the Basque region of Spain.
The route starts in Barcelona, a vibrant, seaside city known for its food, culture, and architecture. Visitors can easily fly into Barcelona, rent a motorcycle if needed, and spend a few days exploring the city before starting the motorcycle route.
After leaving Barcelona, riders will pass through the Montserrat mountain range before heading up into the Pyrenees. Montserrat, a popular day trip from Barcelona, offers a beautiful cathedral and historic monastery to visit, nestled right in the Pyrenees. Riders can stop for a few hours, and then continue on up through the mountains through some of the best motorcycle roads in Europe.
As you ride, you will pass through charming mountain villages and historic towns, stopping to take in the local cuisine and culture along the way. Some notable stops along the route include the medieval town of Vic, the ski resort town of La Molina, and the stunning Aigüestortes National Park.
The route ends in San Sebastian, a picturesque coastal city known for its beaches, food, and Basque culture, with mountainous terrain surrounding the city and giving spectacular views for motorcycle riders.
The entire route can take anywhere from 3 to 7 days depending on how much time you want to spend exploring each stop, and can be continued onwards through the rest of the Basque region.
3. TransAndalus
Start: Malaga
End: Malaga
Time needed: 7-14 days, really depending on your pace!
Approximate distance: 1000 km
Some major stops along the route:
- Malaga
- Alpujarras
- Tabernas Desert
- Granada
- Sierra de Grazalema
- Ronda
- Tarifa
The TransAndalus route is a journey of approximately 2,000 km that takes you through some of the most scenic areas of Andalusia. It’s very popular for cyclists, but motorcyclists will also enjoy the winding roads and scenery. The route typically takes 10-14 days to complete, but can be shortened or lengthened depending on your travel preferences.
Starting in Malaga, you’ll ride through the mountains and olive groves of the interior, passing through the picturesque villages of the Sierra Nevada and stopping at historic landmarks such as the Alhambra in Granada. As you continue through the region, you’ll see the stunning white-washed villages of the Alpujarras and the dramatic landscapes of the Tabernas Desert.
One of the highlights of the TransAndalus route is the ride through the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, with its stunning limestone formations and verdant forests. Other notable stops include the historic city of Ronda, known for its dramatic bridge and bullfighting heritage, and the coastal town of Tarifa, which is a popular spot for kite-surfing.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to sample the Andalusian cuisine and stop in one (or more!) of the seaside villages for a swim in the Mediterranean.
Overall, the TransAndalus route is a fantastic way to experience the beauty and diversity of Andalusia on a motorcycle.
4. Tenerife
Start: South Tenerife
End: Los Gigantes
Time needed: 1 day
Approximate distance: 185 km
Some major stops along the route:
- Playa de las Ámericas
- Vilaflor
- Teide National Park
- La Orotava
- Puerto de la Cruz
- Garachico
- Los Gigantes
There are many amazing motorcycle routes in Tenerife, but this iconic route in the Spanish island shows you the biggest sights of Tenerife in a day. Start from the south of the island in Playa de las Ámericas and head up to Teide, stopping in Vilaflor for a quick coffee. On the way to Teide National Park, you’ll have views of the ocean and climb up curves through beautiful pine forests. Once you reach the park, you’ll have fun driving through lava fields and are able to pull over in several places to have a photo stop.
As you continue on past the tourism office of Teide, you’ll find a nice restaurant where you can sit outside and treat yourself to lunch or a coffee.
On your way down the mountain, make a stop in La Orotava to explore the historical and colorful town then head on towards Puerto de la Cruz.
You can spend some time exploring Puerto de la Cruz or relaxing on the beaches, then make your way over to Garachico, a popular beach spot. The route back to the southern part of the island takes you up and over more forests, with many winding curves.
If you time it right, you should reach Los Gigantes right before sunset and can enjoy the spectacular views.
5. Costa Brava
Start: Barcelona
End: Roses (although you can continue on)
Time needed: 1 – 2 days
Approximate distance: 250 km
Some major stops along the route:
- Barcelona
- Calella de Palafrugell
- Llafranc
- Tamariu
- Cadaqués
- Roses
The Costa Brava, located on the northeastern coast of Spain, is a stunningly beautiful region known for its rocky coastline, crystal clear waters, and picturesque coastal towns. Starting in Barcelona, the motorcycle route along the Costa Brava takes you through winding roads with breathtaking sea views, picturesque beaches, and charming villages.
The first stop on the route is the town of Calella de Palafrugell, known for its narrow streets, white houses, and beautiful beaches. From there, the road takes you to the stunning beaches of Llafranc and Tamariu, both popular destinations for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Continuing on the route, you’ll come across the picturesque medieval village of Pals, known for its cobbled streets, Gothic architecture, and impressive watchtowers. Further down the road, you’ll arrive at the charming fishing village of Cadaqués, famous for its white houses, narrow streets, and beautiful beaches.
The final stop on the route is the town of Roses, located on the northern end of the Costa Brava. Here, you can visit the beautiful beaches, explore the medieval fortress, and indulge in some of the region’s famous seafood.
The route can easily be done in a day but it’s always nice to take your time to explore in depth each village and soak up the sun at some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain.
6. Palma de Mallorca Lighthouse tour
Start: Palma de Mallorca
End: Palma de Mallorca
Time needed: 1 day
Approximate distance: 252 km
Some major stops along the route:
- Palma de Mallorca
- Port de Pollença
- Cap de Formentor
- Alcúdia
- Necropolis of Son Real
- Cala Torta
This motorcycle route in Mallorca takes you through some of the famous spots and views on the island. You’ll likely start your journey from Palma de Mallorca and head up to the most iconic spot on the island: The Cap de Formentor.
You have to take the highway to cover some of the island, but once you reach Port de Pollença you’ll love the curves and views along the way. Watch out for bicyclists as you drive through forests and hills, and eventually the reach the Cap de Formentor, a lighthouse on the very edge of the island.
Take a short break before heading back and down to Alcúdia, a lovely little port town where you can enjoy a nice seafood lunch. Next, visit the Necropolis of Son Real, a prehistoric burial ground, before finishing up your day on the beach of Cala Torta.
7. Basque Route
Start: Bilbao
End: San Sebastián
Time needed: 1-2 days
Approximate distance: 175 km
Some major stops along the route:
- Bilbao
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- Bermeo
- Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
- Guernica
- Elantxobe
- Lekeitio
- Getaria
- Zarautz
- San Sebastián
The Basque region, located in Northern Spain, is one of the most beautiful and most visited regions, and this motorcycle route takes you through the best sites there are to see. The route starts in Bilbao, the largest city and heads west along the coast towards San Sebastian.
The route is approximately 175 kilometers long and can be completed in a day, but it’s recommended to take two days to enjoy the stunning views and stop in the small towns for “pintxos“, the Basque tapas.
The first stop when leaving Bilbao is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This gorgeous site is a must-see along the Biscay coast. Game of Thrones fans may recognize the site from the series, although this time you won’t find any dragons soaring around it! This part of the route takes you through some curves along the coast before continuing on your way.
As you drive along this route, you will pass through many picturesque fishing villages such as Bermeo, Lekeitio, and Getaria, which are known for their delicious seafood and Basque cuisine. The stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Basque coastline are beautiful for viewing, and also perfect for sunbathing in the summer.
Traveling further along the route, you’ll pass through the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Head inland to Guernica, a town that was bombed in 1937 and then made famous by Pablo Picasso’s painting of the tragic event. Although the city holds a lot of history of the Basque region, don’t expect to find an old town square or a lot of historical buildings. Most of the city was destroyed from the bombings and has been rebuilt.
Next, head back up the coast and stop along the other fishing villages which all have spectacular views of the Basque coast.
Finally, make your way to San Sebastián. This vibrant coastal city is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and lively atmosphere. Definitely spend a day or two in the city to stroll along the elegant promenade, visit the historic Old Town, or simply relax and enjoy the lively Basque culture.
Overall, the Basque Motorcycle Route is a perfect blend of stunning natural landscapes, charming coastal towns, and discovering Basque culture. It’s a must-ride for any motorcycle enthusiast visiting the region.
8. Rias Baixas Circuit
Start: Vigo
End: Vigo
Time needed: 1 – 2 days
Approximate distance: 300 km
Some major stops along the route:
- Vigo
- Nigrán
- Baiona
- Sanxenxo
- Cangas
- Cambados
The Rias Baixas Circuit is a motorcycle route that takes you through the beautiful region of Galicia. This route starts in Vigo and takes you along the coast of the Rias Baixas, the southernmost part of Galicia and a beautiful route on the Atlantic Ocean. The route covers a distance of only about 300 kilometers and will take you around four hours to complete, although you should definitely pass yourself to visit all the spots!
The route passes through many picturesque coastal towns, including Baiona, Nigrán, and Sanxenxo. Baiona is famous for its well-preserved medieval castle and historic center, while Nigrán has a beautiful beach with crystal clear waters. Sanxenxo is one of the more tourist destinations in the Rias Baixas, known for its stunning beaches, excellent seafood restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
While doing this circuit, you can also get a closer look at the islands of Galicia National Park, by taking a boat from the town of Cangas. The beaches there will make you feel as if you’re in the Caribbean, with their white sand and turquoise waters.
Heading north, you can also visit the town of Cambados, which is known for its Albariño wine and beautiful historic center. Taste some wine on one of the oceanside cafés, before heading back to Vigo.
9. Sierra Nevada Circuit
Start: Granada
End: Granada
Time needed: 1 – 2 days
Approximate distance: 300 km
Some major stops along the route:
- Granada
- Puerto de la Ragua
- Alcútar
- Lanjarón
- Alto de Haza Llanas
The Sierra Nevada Circuit is one of the many stunning motorcycle routes in Spain and takes riders through the mountainous region of the Sierra Nevada. It can be easily be completed in a day, but riders may want to stay the night along to really enjoy visiting the villages and admiring the scenery.
Starting in the city of Granada, riders will head towards the stunning Sierra Nevada National Park, a well known mountain range that boasts the highest peaks on the Iberian Peninsula. The route includes a number of challenging mountain passes, including the Puerto de la Ragua and the Alto de Haza Llanas, with amazing views of the surrounding region.
Riders will also ride along the region of Alpujarras, which has plenty of picturesque, white washed villages to stop and explore and grab a bite to eat. The route also includes a visit to the picturesque town of Lanjarón, famous for its natural hot springs and traditional Andalusian architecture.
The Sierra Nevada Circuit is challenging, but definitely rewarding!
The Castles of Castilla Route
Start: Madrid
End: Segovia
Time needed: 3-4 days
Approximate distance: 650 km
Note: Use this route and then go to trip options to avoid highways for a bit more fun of a ride
Some major stops along the route:
- Madrid
- Segovia
- Castillo de Coca
- Toledo
- Avila
- Salamanca
The Castles of Castilla Route is a great motorcycle route in Spain that takes you through some of the most famous historical towns and sites. Starting in Madrid, the route covers approximately 650 km and takes about 3-4 days to complete.
Along the way, you’ll visit some of the most impressive castles in Spain, such as the Alcazar of Segovia and the Castillo de Coca. You’ll also ride through medieval towns like Toledo, Ávila, and Salamanca, each with its own unique character and charm.
The route will take you through the countryside of Spain, mountainous terrain and vast open plains. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the different villages and sample delicious regional cuisine, such as the famous roast suckling pig of Segovia.
The Castles of Castilla is a beautiful, but also cultural motorcycle route in Spain.
With so many varying regions and terrains, you won’t be disappointed by the motorcycle routes in Spain!
