Epic Road Trip Guide: Tarragona to Cáceres via A-2, A-67, E-90

This route from Tarragona to Cáceres traces the ancient Via Augusta, a Roman road that connected the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. Today, the A-2, A-67, and E-90 highways cover roughly 750 kilometers in about 7 hours of non-stop driving. Yet, the journey deserves far more than a speed run. You'll pass through the Ebro Valley, cross the Iberian System, and descend into the dehesa of Extremadura.

The question is it worth driving Tarragona to Cáceres is answered by the diversity of landscapes: from the Roman aqueduct of Tarragona to the medieval walls of Cáceres. You'll find volcanic fields, prehistoric caves, and a culinary corridor of olive oil and jamón.

Road quality is generally high, but the A-66 south of Teruel has some unlit sections and occasional livestock crossings. Use high beams on empty stretches. Speed cameras are frequent near towns. For families, the A-2 has modern service areas with play areas and children's menus.

• Child-friendly stops: PortAventura World (near Tarragona), Dinópolis (Teruel, a dinosaur theme park), and the Zoo in Cáceres.
• Pet-friendly: Many rest stops allow dogs; hotel chains like Parador and NH are pet-friendly in Zaragoza and Cáceres.
• Fatigue management: Use the rest area at km 200 on A-2 (Alto de la Muela) for a 20-minute nap or coffee.
• Hidden off-route: The Roman town of Segóbriga (near Saelices, off A-3 detour) and the cave paintings of Cogul (off A-2).

Tarragona's Roman amphitheater and aqueduct (UNESCO) are must-sees before departure. As you head inland, the Ebro Delta's rice fields and birdlife give way to the arid Monegros desert. Near Zaragoza, the Basilica del Pilar and Aljafería Palace are quick detours. The A-23 climbs through the Maestrazgo region, a landscape of limestone crags and pine forests.

• UNESCO sites: Tarragona's Roman ensemble, Zaragoza's Mudejar architecture, Teruel's Mudéjar towers, and Cáceres' old town.
• Natural highlights: The volcanic Campo de Calatrava (near Ciudad Real), Monfragüe National Park (20 km north of Cáceres, a birdwatching haven).
• Local commerce: Truffle markets in Teruel, olive oil co-ops in the Gredos foothills, and artisan cheese in Cáceres.

The most efficient route uses AP-2 (toll) or A-2 (free) to Zaragoza, then A-23 to Teruel and finally the A-66 (free) south to Cáceres. Toll costs around €30 for the AP-2 section; the free A-2 adds about 20 minutes. Fuel prices drop slightly after Zaragoza; fill up in Tarragona or Zaragoza for best rates.

• Highway quality: Excellent on A-2/AP-2, good on A-23, variable on A-66 (some single carriageway).
• Rest stops every 30-40 km on main highways; fewer on A-23.
• Recommended fuel stops: Zaragoza (exit 316) and Teruel (south side).
• Emergency services: 112 coverage throughout.

For a deeper dive on planning how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check our detailed guide.