Last month I completed a road trip from Granada to Valencia, covering approximately 500 kilometers with a driving time of 5-6 hours. This route offers stunning scenery, and I’d like to share some practical information.
Route Options
There are two main routes to choose from: the inland A-92 and A-7 highways, or the coastal N-340 national road. I chose the A-7 highway for its excellent road conditions and speed, plus you can catch glimpses of the sea when passing through Alicante. If you have time, I recommend staying overnight in Alicante or Almería—don’t rush through at night. For more insights, check out this Valencia vs Granada comparison.
Worthwhile Stops Along the Way
| City | Recommended Duration | Highlights |
|---|
| Almería | 2-3 hours | Alcazaba fortress, beaches |
| Alicante | Half day | Santa Bárbara Castle, seafront promenade |
| Gandía | 1-2 hours | Beach break, lunch |
Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante is worth visiting for panoramic views of the city and Mediterranean Sea. The parking lot is at the base of the hill, and while you can drive up for a fee, I suggest walking or taking the elevator.
Practical Tips
Regarding fuel costs, expect to spend around 40-50 euros for the entire journey, depending on your vehicle. Most of the highway is toll-free, but there are some toll booths near Valencia, so have cash or a credit card ready. For detailed route planning, see this guide on Valencia to Granada. Gas stations are common at highway service areas, so no worries about running out of fuel.
For accommodation, if you split the trip into two days, Alicante makes an excellent stopover. I stayed in an apartment near the city center, within walking distance of the beach, at a reasonable price. Originally planned to reach Valencia the same day, but decided to make it a two-day trip instead, which proved to be a wise decision.
Finally, a reminder: the sun in southern and eastern Spain is intense, so definitely bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Also, GPS navigation sometimes routes you through minor roads, so I recommend downloading offline maps or simply following the A-7 road signs. Overall, this road trip route offers a great experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys road travel.
