From wondrous whitewashed towns to cities packed with culture, Spain is a treasure trove of delights just waiting to be discovered. The best way to see them? With your very own hire car of course!

Here’s our guide to five of Spain’s most scenic drives…

1. Malaga-Nerja

When you’ve ticked every arty marvel and swoon-worthy citadel off your Malaga itinerary, jump in your hire car and take the N-340 east along the iconic Costa del Sol for whitewashed wonders galore. This captivating coastal route takes you parallel to palm-flanked promenades before your reach the jewel in the region’s crown, Nerja. Park up and explore the cobbled alleys of this heart-warmingly traditional town where it’s sun-soaked cafés and pocket-sized boutiques galore.

2. The Alt Empordà region

A road trip around this stunning Spanish region is the perfect way to tick of the Costa Brava’s bet bits. Brilliant stop-offs include the terracotta-topped fishing town of Roses, where the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park is a hit with nature lovers, and Figueres, the Alt Empordà region’s capital. Birthplace of Salvador Dalí, this arty town is a treasure trove of architectural delights. Plus, when you have your own car, you have the freedom to spend as little or as long in each resort as you like.

3. Ruta de la Plata

Spain’s answer to America’s Route 66, the Ruta de la Plata spans more than 800km between Seville and Gijón, with a magical mix of honeypot towns and sight-packed cities to experience in between. Top stop-offs include Benavente, a town complete with a majestic 16th century castle, and oh-so-pretty León. Another benefit of having your own hire car is that your itinerary is your own. This means you can spend as little or as long in each resort as you wish. Why not consider spending a weekend in one of the dreamy cities along the Ruta de la Plata?

4. Barcelona-Sitges

While the idyllic inland route between Barcelona and Sitges promises rolling greenery and mountainous backdrops, it’s the cities either side of the road that really steal the show. This is an instance where having your own hire car really comes into its own. In one action-packed day you could be admiring Barcelona’s La Sagrada Família by morning, before setting eyes on Sitges’ Racó de la Calma! Plus, the last section of the drive takes you through the edge of the Parc del Garraf nature reserve!

5. Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos: Andalucía

What better way to see Spain in all its whitewashed glory than by driving the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos? Nope we can’t think of one either! Pass through an incredible 19 villages, each one as enchanting as the next with their washing-line draped streets and clashes of cascading bougainvillea against the striking white buildings. El Gastor, Algar, El Bosque and Grazalema are just a few of the delights to look out for.

So, fancy exploring Spain’s best bits on four wheels? Search for a great car hire deal now.