Exploring Spain Between Cities: Stops Worth the Detour

By admin, 5 January, 2026
Road trip planner Spain: best stops between cities and scenic route highlights

With Wayro, travel between cities in Spain is never just a straight drive. Every journey becomes a discovery — a series of unexpected stops and quiet corners. By choosing alternative routes and slower roads, we explored some of the best road trip routes Europe has to offer, turning simple transfers into an adventure.

Whether you are building a custom itinerary or just looking for road trip inspiration, the goal is to break the routine by finding local places to visit on the way. To ensure your adventure stays relaxed, check out our guide on how to plan a stress-free road trip with kids before you hit the road.

Valencia to Barcelona: Best Stops Between Cities

The drive from Valencia to Barcelona usually focuses on the coast, but the real magic lies inland. Using a smart itinerary planner, you can find cultural attractions that most tourists miss.

Morella: The Medieval Fortress

Historic landmark on route: medieval hilltop town of Morella Spain

Morella is a stunning historic landmark on route, surrounded by 2 km of stone walls and 14 towers. Perched on a hilltop, this town feels unchanged for centuries.

  • What to see: The Gothic Archpriest's Church and the castle ruins with sweeping views.

  • Why stop here: It’s an authentic, lesser-known place where history is still lived quietly by locals.

Osuna: An Andalusian Gem Between Seville and Granada

Small towns along the way: Osuna Andalusia historic streets and university

If you are planning a weekend getaway via car from Seville, you’ll want to explore on the way to see the soul of Andalusia. This is similar to the approach we took in our Porto to Salamanca road trip guide.

Historic Charm and Movie Magic

Osuna is a town of immense cultural depth, known for its Renaissance churches and grand 16th-century university. It gained international fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones, but it remains a tranquil, overlooked town.

  • What to see: The Collegiate Church and the ancient Roman quarry (Coto de las Canteras).

  • Why stop here: A beautiful example of how to discover small towns that balance deep history with modern pop culture.

Frías: A Fairy-Tale Fortress on the Road to Bilbao

Nature stops during long drive: medieval castle of Frias on a cliff in Spain

The drive from Madrid to Bilbao stops often pass through the heart of Old Castile. We suggest heading slightly off the highway to find a perfect nature stop or a quiet medieval retreat.

Spain’s Smallest Medieval City

Frías is a true hidden gem when traveling through Northern Spain. Clinging dramatically to a cliffside above the Ebro River, it features one of the most striking photo spots in the country.

  • What to see: The 10th-century castle and the medieval bridge with a fortified tower.

  • Why stop here: It’s a sight you’d likely drive past without an assistant to point it out.

Why Wayro Makes the Difference

Planning with Wayro turns a routine drive into a story. Instead of focusing only on speed, this travel itinerary generator helps shape routes around personal interests, ensuring you don't miss the world outside your window.

This philosophy is exactly what we used for our Ljubljana to Trieste road trip, where the goal was to find stops worth making instead of just arriving quickly.

Why customize your journey?

  • Spontaneous suggestions: Find roadside attractions based on your real-time location.

  • Map travel highlights: See historic landmarks before you pass them.

  • Regional cuisine: Discover where to find the best local tapas or pintxos away from the crowds.

Final Thoughts

Wayro goes beyond simple logistics. It’s a companion that helps you travel slow, explore more, and find beauty in the detours.

Every road has a story — you just need to know where to look. Read our comprehensive guide to Wayro and find out how to uncover atmospheric villages and secret nature spots on your next trip.