Top Places to See When Driving from Barcelona to Madrid

Spain is a country filled with fascinating diversity, from the vibrant cities to the gorgeous coastlines to the stunning mountain ranges. If you're planning a trip to Spain, make sure you drive from Barcelona to Madrid and witness some of the most awe-inspiring views in the country. Along the A2 motorway from Barcelona to Madrid, you'll witness some of Spain's finest and most famous locations. So, get ready to fasten your seat belt and embark on a spectacular journey through Spain's diverse and striking landscapes.

1. Montserrat Natural Park

As you ride through the Cataluña region, the jaw-dropping beauty of Montserrat Natural Park will welcome you with open arms. Be sure to explore this beautiful place with its unique geological formations, including the quirky-shaped mountain range, which is home to the famous Benedictine abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat. Hiking is a famous activity in this stunning national park, so be sure to trek along one of the many brilliant landscape trails that wind through this scenic area. Also, don't forget to visit the Montserrat's Basilica, where you'll find astonishing sculptures, magnificent arches, pillars, and one of Spain's most revered landmarks, the Black Madonna.

2. Colonia Güell, Barcelona

About 20 km southwest of Barcelona, you'll come across Colonia Güell, a small historic village immersed in an industrial setting. The town that was once developed as a social and economic center for the Gaudí-manufactured textile mills and other factories is now, with its architectural wonders and beautiful churches, one of the hidden gems of Cataluña. Here, you can dive into the history of the Catalan cotton industry, visit one of Gaudí's top works, the Crypt of the Colonia Güell, where you'll spot the brilliant architectural techniques and material experimentation that later became synonymous with his other creations, including the Sagrada Familia.

3. Cuenca

Located in the Castilla-La Mancha region, Cuenca, dating as far back as the Bronze Age, will captivate you with its mix of modern and medieval architecture. To explore the city's fascinating history, start at the Cuenca Cathedral, a dazzling Gothic structure built during the early sixteenth century. From there, you may head to the Casas Colgadas and witness these hanging houses that boldly protrude from the side of a cliff. These iconic buildings present an unusual and magnificent sight, don't miss your chance to witness them with your own eyes.

4. Segovia

Segovia is one of the most enigmatic and famous cities in Spain, renowned for its historic architecture with Roman and medieval influences. The city's greatest landmark is its massive Roman aqueduct, which stretches for over 800 meters through the city center, and is recognized as an outstanding example of Roman civil engineering. After exploring the aqueducts, you may choose to visit the imposing Alcázar of Segovia, a unique castle that was once used by the kings of Castile, and today serves as a museum. The city also boasts many well-preserved ancient buildings and churches that you must visit.

5. The Sierra de Guadarrama National Park

As you ride towards Madrid, consider taking a detour to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park that spans over the autonomous regions of Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha. The park features a diverse range of habitats, from woodlands to grasslands to cliffs and peaks. Here, you may witness many unique and rare species like the Iberian lynx, the Spanish imperial eagle, and the Iberian wolf, along with many other species of animals and birds. Hiking trails in the park are among the most beautiful in Spain.

Conclusion

Spain is a country that you need to explore on wheels, and driving from Barcelona to Madrid is a perfect way to begin your Spanish adventure. Our recommended locations along the A2 motorway present a range of stunning landscapes, historic architecture, and national parks that enable you to experience the best of both worlds, modern and medieval. So pack your bags, and make sure you include these destinations in your itinerary, and discover the pure beauty of Spain.