Spanish Coast Road Trip: Beat the crowds from BCN to Málaga

Venturing south from Barcelona on this Spanish coast road trip, you’ll come to a long bulge of silty land. It might not sound that appealing at first, but look closer and you’ll find a natural paradise of untamed and untouched rural beauty. This is the Ebro Delta and your first destination. 

Spot pink flamingos and ibis flocking to mirror-like lagoons. Explore windswept beaches and sand dunes. And glimpse white-washed farmhouses squatting between rice paddies — yes, rice paddies! 

Take a boat down to the mouth of the River Ebro to get a sense of the place. Or hire a bike and cycle the 26 km (~16 miles) Ruta de les Lacunes. Head to the beach at Riumar for kitesurfing or stand up paddle — or go kayaking out on the river to really get up close with the flora and fauna. 

This area is home to over 330 bird species so, at dusk, take your binoculars and head to L’Encanyissada or La Tancada to try and spot them. 

Continue your exploration of a less travelled, more authentic Spanish coast road trip with your next destination. Dénia is a laidback port town that attracts its share of tourists — but never enough to ever feel cramped and crowded, despite its four Blue Flag beaches. 

It’s also somewhat of a foodie destination with heaps of critically acclaimed restaurants popping up all over. Be sure to try the Dénia prawns — they’re a delicacy here. 
Explore Baix la Mar, the old fisherman’s quarter, with its colourful painted houses. Climb up to check out the views from the clifftop Castillo de Dénia, on the site of an 11th century Moorish fortress. 

Relax on the sandy shores of La Marina, or head further south to the rocky coves of Les Rotes. 

Go hiking in beautiful Mount Montgó Natural Park where you might spot eagles and badgers. Or take to the water - either in a sailing boat, or perhaps try your hand at windsurfing. 

If it’s the history you’re after, you’re in luck. Cartagena’s ancient streets have been walked by everyone from Phoenician traders to Roman soldiers to Christian Reconquistas. This characterful seaside port is your next Spanish coast road trip destination and, fascinating history aside, it’s a thoroughly lovely place to spend a few days. 

Visit during Easter and you’ll catch the lavish Semana Santa fiestas and get a taste of how wonderfully over-the-top Spain can be. Stroll the narrow streets of the old town, checking out the bars and restaurants.

Wander along the waterfront, imagining back to when Phoenician traders docked here. Spot the modernista buildings influenced heavily by Gaudí, such as Casa Cervantes by Beltri.

Explore the evocative Roman remains known as the Augusteum. In June, you might catch some of International Nautical Week, or, in July, part of the Mar de Músicas. Visiting in winter? In November the city hosts a jazz festival as well as the International Festival of Nautical Cinema. 

Watch out. The final stop on your Spanish coast road trip really has the power to break your heart. We’re talking about one of the most beautiful towns in Andalucía.

Gorgeous Frigiliana has won countless awards for its good looks and, just like any Miss World contestant, there are crowds of people desperate to bask in its beauty. But that aside, Frigiliana, with its whitewashed houses and pots of bright red geraniums, is undeniably the definition of postcard-pretty.

Wander the ridiculously picturesque old town, following the signs that point out places of interest on the way. Venture up its winding streets, popping into boutique shops on the route, to where you’ll find spectacular views over terracotta roofs.

Relax on a shaded terrace with a tinto de verano. Or escape the crowds with a hike down south to the Cueva de Nerja, a series of caves that sometimes host concerts, or perhaps head north into the rugged Almijara Mountains.