Traveling with friends is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can enjoy—and Spain is, without a doubt, one of the best countries in Europe for group adventures. With its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, historic cities and endless entertainment options, Spain offers routes perfect for road trips, backpacking journeys, weekend getaways and coastal escapes.
Whether you’re planning a budget-friendly trip, a relaxed beach vacation, or an exciting adventure packed with activities, here are the top routes to travel with friends in Spain in 2025.
1. The Classic Spanish Road Trip: Madrid → Toledo → Córdoba → Sevilla
If you’re looking for a mix of history, culture, and nightlife, this route is ideal for a friend group.
📍 Stop 1: Madrid
Start in the capital, a city alive 24/7.
Plan to visit:
- Gran Vía
- Retiro Park
- Museo del Prado
- La Latina for tapas
Madrid is perfect for groups thanks to its cheap hostels, large Airbnb options, and endless bars.
📍 Stop 2: Toledo
Just 70 km from Madrid, Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with medieval charm.
Explore:
- Alcázar de Toledo
- Mirador del Valle
- Jewish and Islamic historic quarters
📍 Stop 3: Córdoba
Famous for its beautiful Mezquita and narrow streets lined with flowers.
Great group activities:
- Walking tours
- Flamenco shows
- Riverside cycling
📍 Stop 4: Sevilla
End your route in one of Spain’s most vibrant cities.
Don’t miss:
- Plaza de España
- Real Alcázar
- Triana neighborhood for nightlife
Why this route works for friends:
Easy transport, affordable food, walkable cities, and a perfect mix of history and fun.
2. The Mediterranean Escape: Valencia → Alicante → Murcia → Cartagena
For groups who love beaches, food, and sunshine, this coastal route is unbeatable.
📍 Valencia
Start with one of the most beautiful cities Valencia on the Mediterranean.
Visit:
- Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
- Playa de la Malvarrosa
- The old town and markets
Valencia is known for its paella, bike-friendly streets, and lively nightlife.
📍 Alicante
A perfect destination for groups:
- Postiguet Beach
- Santa Bárbara Castle
- Boat trips to Tabarca Island
📍 Murcia
A budget-friendly destination with excellent food.
Great for:
- Tapas tours
- Street markets
- Hot springs in Archena
📍 Cartagena
End your trip in one of the most underrated cities in Spain.
Visit:
- Roman Theatre
- Cala Cortina Beach
- Military and naval museums
Why this route works for friends:
Warm weather most of the year, beach parties, affordable seafood, and relaxing coastal towns.
3. Adventure Route in Northern Spain: Bilbao → San Sebastián → Picos de Europa
If your friend group loves nature, hiking, surfing, and cooler weather, Northern Spain is perfect.
📍 Bilbao
Start with the biggest city in the Basque Country.
Highlights:
- Guggenheim Museum
- Old town (Casco Viejo)
- Pintxos (Basque tapas)
📍 San Sebastián
Known as one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Europe.
What to do:
- Surfing at La Zurriola
- Relax at La Concha Beach
- Food tour: San Sebastián has some of the best Michelin restaurants
📍 Picos de Europa
For outdoor lovers:
- Hiking routes
- Canyon tours
- Lakes of Covadonga
- Kayaking and mountain trails
Why this route works for friends:
Cool climate, natural beauty, and tons of outdoor activities that are perfect for group bonding.
4. The Ultimate Party Route: Barcelona → Costa Brava → Girona
For groups who want beaches by day and parties by night, this is the route to choose.
📍 Barcelona
Popular with young travelers for a reason.
Group activities include:
- Sagrada Familia
- Barceloneta Beach
- Montjuïc viewpoint
- Clubbing in Razzmatazz, Shôko, Pacha
📍 Costa Brava
Crystal-clear water, hidden coves, and coastal hiking routes.
Top spots:
- Tossa de Mar
- Lloret de Mar (party central)
- Cadaqués (beautiful and peaceful)
📍 Girona
End with a historical city that’s also fun and relaxed.
Visit:
- Girona Cathedral
- Game of Thrones filming spots
- Jewish quarter
Why this route works for friends:
Perfect mix of nightlife, beaches, and culture—plus great food at all budgets.
5. Central Spain Nature Route: Avila → Segovia → Salamanca
For friend groups who love photography, medieval cities, and peaceful landscapes.
📍 Ávila
Famous for its medieval walls, which you can walk on top of.
Activities:
- Sunset viewpoint
- Local cuisine (“chuletón de Ávila”)
📍 Segovia
Known for its Roman aqueduct and fairy-tale castle.
Top spots:
- Alcázar de Segovia
- The Aqueduct
- Old town streets
📍 Salamanca
A young, energetic university city.
Enjoy:
- Nightlife in Plaza Mayor
- Historic buildings and monuments
- Cheap restaurants perfect for groups
Why this route works for friends:
Short distances between towns and many free historical attractions.
6. The Andalusian Coast Route: Málaga → Marbella → Cádiz → Tarifa
Perfect for beach lovers, surfers, and groups who want warm temperatures even in winter.
📍 Málaga
Start in a modern coastal city:
- Málaga Port
- Picasso Museum
- Beaches and rooftop bars
📍 Marbella
Famous for luxury vibes, but also has great beaches and clubs.
Don’t miss:
- Puerto Banús
- Old town
- Beach clubs
📍 Cádiz
One of the oldest cities in Western Europe.
Great for:
- Seafood
- Historic routes
- Beautiful coastal views
📍 Tarifa
The wind-capital of Europe.
Try:
- Kitesurfing
- Whale-watching
- Day trip to Morocco (only 1 hour by ferry!)
Why this route works for friends:
Sunny, vibrant, and full of activities for all interests.
Tips for Traveling With Friends in Spain
✔ Plan transport early
Trains, buses, and rental cars can get booked fast in high season.
✔ Share costs
Traveling in a group allows you to:
- Split accommodation
- Share fuel
- Get group discounts on tours
✔ Mix activities
Balance culture, relaxation, and nightlife so everyone enjoys the trip.
✔ Choose central accommodation
Spanish cities are walkable, so staying near the center saves time and money.
Final Thoughts
Spain is one of the best countries in Europe for group travel thanks to its diversity, affordability, and rich culture. From Mediterranean beaches to medieval cities, from party capitals to peaceful natural parks, Spain offers routes perfectly tailored to every type of friend group.
Whether you want an adventure, cultural exploration, or simply relaxing days by the sea, these routes guarantee an unforgettable journey with your friends. Los diez mejores lugares para acampar y caminar en Españ reed more.
