The Best Coastal Drives in Spain (With Stops You Can’t Miss)
If you're dreaming of open roads, sea breezes, and jaw-dropping views, Spain’s coastline is calling. With dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and charming Mediterranean towns, Spain is one of Europe’s best places for a coastal road trip.
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or an extended drive from Valencia to Marbella, here are the best coastal drives in Spain — plus hidden gems you shouldn’t miss.
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1. Valencia to Altea (via Alicante & Calp)
Route: Valencia → Alicante → Calp → Altea
This coastal drive offers a perfect mix of city energy and small-town charm. Start in Valencia, head south on the AP-7, and enjoy the shift from urban landscapes to cliffside roads and peaceful seaside towns.
Top Stops
- Alicante — Santa Bárbara Castle and the Explanada
- Calp — Peñón de Ifach and beaches
- Altea — Blue-domed church and whitewashed streets
- Local Moment: Have a coffee in Altea’s old town square with sea views.
Best Car Type
Compact or mid-size – easy to park in Alicante, Altea, and Calp.
2. Altea to Benidorm – Short but Scenic
Just a 20-minute drive, but the contrast is huge. Start in peaceful Altea, then head south toward lively Benidorm.
What to See
- Serra Gelada Natural Park
- Levante Beach
- Mirador de la Cruz for sunset views
Local Tip: Driving this route near sunset gives stunning ocean colors.
3. Calp to Jávea (via Moraira)
An underrated route with curve-filled coastal roads, pretty residential hills, and beautiful turquoise waters.
Don’t Miss
- Moraira — calm beaches and quiet marina
- Jávea — coves, local food, and views
-
Cova Tallada — a sea cave you can hike or kayak to
Official info: https://www.cuevasdecullera.es/cova-tallada
Parking Note
Expect tight parking in Jávea’s coves during summer — early morning is best.
4. Estepona to Marbella (with San Pedro Stop)
A scenic Costa del Sol route that mixes natural beauty with glamour.
Top Highlights
- Estepona — flower-filled streets, beaches
- San Pedro de Alcántara — relaxed and local
- Marbella — old town and coastal promenade
Driving Tip: Skip the motorway. Take the coastal road for better views.
5. Nerja to Almuñécar – The Tropical Coast
The Costa Tropical is lush, green, and full of dramatic cliffside landscapes.
Must-See Stops
- Nerja — visit the famous caves
- La Herradura — calm bay and diving spots
- Almuñécar — historic center and beaches
- Mirador Cerro Gordo — one of southern Spain’s best viewpoints
Quick Tips for Coastal Driving in Spain
- Use GPS or offline maps — some mountain stretches lose signal
- Avoid peak hours in busy towns
- Look for “Mirador” signs for the best viewpoints
- Parking in old towns can be tight — compact cars help a lot
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Travel Tip Box
For most coastal routes in Spain, compact or mid-size cars are ideal. Tight parking, narrow old-town streets, and cliffside viewpoints are much easier with smaller vehicles.
Final Thought
Spain’s coastline isn’t just a place — it’s an adventure. From Valencia to Marbella and Nerja to Almuñécar, these scenic drives blend culture, nature, and freedom. Pick a car, roll down the windows, and discover Spain the scenic way.
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Micro FAQ
Q: What’s the most scenic drive in Spain?
Valencia to Altea or Nerja to Almuñécar are among the top coastal routes.
Q: Are toll roads necessary?
You can avoid them — the N-roads and coastal roads are more scenic anyway.
Q: Best time for a coastal road trip?
April–June and September–October for mild weather and clearer roads.