Towns in the southern province of Andalusia entice visitors with local charm and culture. Start in Malaga and take the A357 and A367 road northwest to Ronda, a spectacular cliff-side village built on a triangular plateau, famous for overlooking the El Tajo gorge. Proceeding west from Ronda will take you to Jerez de la Frontera, a region known for breeding Andalusian horses.
North of Jerez is Seville, Andalusia's capital. Seville is a bustling port community, on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and Spain's fourth largest city. The main route east takes you past Cordoba, where the famous "Olive Oil Route"--named for the many olive trees dotting the landscape--leads southeast to Granada. UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alhambra--an ancient Moorish palace--is Granada's most famous attraction. The A92 and A45 road southwest of Granada leads back to Malaga. Total distance of this tour is 600 miles.
Discover the aromas, sounds and culture of the Mediterranean in Ibiza, the Spanish island located 49 miles east off the mainland. At just 28 miles long and 15 miles wide, it's possible to explore the Ibiza in one day.
Start in Ibiza Town and take the main road north to San Carlos, a haven for artisans and hippies. Look for signposts leading farther north to Aguas Blancas beach. Shallow waters off Aguas Blancas make it ideal for bathing and it's a popular spot for nudists. Drive the winding coastal road north from Aguas Blancas to Cala San Vicente for spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
From Cala San Vicente, the road starts winding south to San Miguel. Tourists flock to San Miguel for its lush countryside and the medieval church on a hill above the village. Farther southeast, past the geographical center of the island, you'll reach the tour's starting point, Ibiza Town. Total distance of this tour is 35 miles.
Known for its Gothic flair and maze of narrow streets, Barcelona is the capital city in the Catalonia region on Spain's northern coast. Take the AP7 road heading north out of Barcelona to see the lavish beaches of the Costa Brava. Retrace the path of acclaimed Spanish artist Salvador Dali by stopping at his hometown, Figueres--62 miles north of Barcelona. Figueres is also home to the world-famous Dali Museum.
From Figueres, the A7 road south leads to the Autopista Barcelona-Montmelo road, which eventually takes you to Girona. With cobblestone streets and ancient buildings, Girona's history will seem present everywhere you look. Take the AP7 road south from Girona to drive back to Barcelona. Total distance of this tour is 100 miles.
