Motorcycle Spain road trip: from Andalusian sierras to Atlantic shores and volcanoesTrips in Spain

Why does Spain offer such a variety of road trips?

Spain is far more than its beaches and major cities. The country brings together rain-fed mountains facing the Atlantic, Mediterranean sierras, almost desert-like plateaus and volcanic archipelagos. Few European road trip destinations allow travellers to experience such dramatic changes of scenery while preserving the pleasure of every day on the road.

• Andalusia, with its olive groves, white villages, Moorish heritage and arid mountain landscapes.
• Asturias and Cantabria, where green mountains descend towards the Atlantic.
• The Picos de Europa, known for limestone gorges, mountain passes and rural villages.
• Castile and León and Navarra, between medieval towns, canyons and the Bardenas Reales.
• The Canary Islands, an archipelago of craters, lava fields and Atlantic cliff roads.

Which part of Spain should you choose?

Each region offers a distinctly different experience. Southern Spain is sunlit, cultural and mineral. The north is defined by mountain roads, fishing ports and intensely green scenery. The Canary Islands provide an island adventure where altitude, volcanic terrain and the Atlantic remain ever-present.

• Choose Andalusia for Granada, the white villages and sun-drenched sierras.
• Head north for the Picos de Europa, the Lakes of Covadonga and the Cantabrian coast.
• Travel to the Canary Islands for volcanoes, Mount Teide and sweeping ocean views.
• Select a regional loop if you prefer to avoid long connecting stages.

Planet Ride’s motorcycle tours in Spain currently explore these three contrasting faces of the country.

From white villages to the desert landscapes of Andalusia

Andalusia offers an itinerary where culture and riding naturally complement one another. From Seville, the roads lead towards Zahara de la Sierra, Olvera and Setenil de las Bodegas, where houses shelter beneath immense rock overhangs. Ronda, Granada and Córdoba add palaces, bridges and centuries of Moorish heritage to the journey.

• Ride across the Sierra de Grazalema and its white villages.
• Discover Ronda above the dramatic El Tajo gorge.
• Take time to visit the Alhambra and Granada’s Albaicín district.
• Follow the villages of the Alpujarras along the slopes of the Sierra Nevada.
• Cross the Tabernas Desert and ride the bends around Velefique.

Andalusia between sierras and white villages explores southern Spain over nine days and approximately 1,435 kilometres with Rodolphe.

Northern Spain between green peaks and the Atlantic

In contrast to the arid south, the Cantabrian coast reveals a cooler, mountainous side of Spain. From Hendaye, the route passes Guernica and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe before entering the Picos de Europa. The Río Cares gorge, Cangas de Onís and the Lakes of Covadonga give this northern crossing its distinctive character.

• Follow the Spanish Basque Country towards the Cantabrian mountains.
• Ride the narrow roads of the Picos de Europa.
• Explore the Asturian fishing villages of Tazones and Llastres.
• Reach Burgos through the villages of Castile and León.
• Finish between the Bardenas Reales, Mallos de Riglos and Pamplona.

The ridges of northern Spain is an eight-day, 1,600-kilometre journey combining the Atlantic coast, mountain roads and historic towns.

Riding between craters and the Atlantic in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands offer a completely different vision of travel in Spain. On Gran Canaria, the roads climb towards Pico de las Nieves, Roque Nublo and the villages of the north before descending through banana plantations. A ferry crossing then leads to Tenerife, where the lava fields of Teide, Garachico and the village of Masca create an almost otherworldly setting.

• Climb from the Atlantic coast towards volcanic summits.
• Cross the rugged interior of Gran Canaria.
• Ride through Teide National Park and around Pico Viejo.
• Follow Tenerife’s cliff roads towards Masca and Garachico.
• Travel between the islands by ferry with the motorcycles.

Two active tours offer this volcanic experience. The Canary Islands by motorcycle, hosted by Rodolphe, focuses on Tenerife, Mount Teide and the landscapes between beaches and craters. On the volcanic roads of the Canary Islands, hosted by Eric, connects Gran Canaria and Tenerife during an eight-day guided journey.

When is the best time for a road trip through Spain?

The best season depends greatly on the chosen region. Andalusia is most enjoyable in spring and autumn, when temperatures remain comfortable. Northern Spain generally offers its best conditions from late spring to early autumn. The Canary Islands can be explored throughout much of the year, although temperatures can vary considerably between the coast and the higher elevations.

• Avoid the hottest weeks when crossing the Andalusian sierras.
• Bring protection against rain and cold in the Picos de Europa.
• Pack several layers for the climb towards Mount Teide.
• Allow for wind on exposed cliff roads and during ferry crossings.
• Choose your region before deciding on your travel dates.

Why choose Planet Ride for a journey through Spain?

Planet Ride does not treat Spain as a single, uniform destination. Rodolphe and Eric select routes suited to each territory, whether across the dry roads of Andalusia, the technical mountain terrain of the north or the volcanic islands. Daily stages, accommodation and guidance preserve the pleasure of riding while leaving time for Granada, Asturian villages and the crater landscapes surrounding Mount Teide.