Exploring Spain in an electric vehicle is an experience like no other. From the sun-drenched coastline of the Bay of Biscay to the breathtaking mountain passes leading to Andorra, this Northern Spain road trip is a must for any EV traveler.
This post is for anyone considering taking an EV on a Northern Spain road trip, whether you’re a seasoned EV owner or renting an electric car for the first time. I’ll cover everything from the best scenic routes and must-visit destinations to practical EV charging tips.
Having navigated EV road trips across multiple countries, including France, Italy, and Switzerland, I have firsthand experience in the challenges and rewards of electric travel. If you’re looking for a hassle-free, scenic, and unforgettable EV Spain road trip, this guide will help you plan an efficient and enjoyable journey.
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My European EV Road Trip So Far
After an extensive journey through the French Riviera, Milan and Lake Como, and an incredible drive through the Swiss Alps , I made my way to Spain via Toulouse, France. There, I checked out the Airbus Museum.
This was an exciting detour, offering a deep dive into aviation history, and one of the highlights was parking alongside a Concorde, which seemed fitting given the futuristic nature of EV travel.
After exploring the museum, I hit the road toward Spain, ready for the next leg of the journey.
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The goal was to meet up with friends in San Sebastián and take in the stunning landscapes along the way. This Spain road trip was not only scenic but also a great test of Tesla Spain’s charging infrastructure.
EV Infrastructure in Spain
Compared to other Western European countries, Spain still lags behind nations like Germany and the Netherlands in terms of charging density, but recent government mandates aim to improve accessibility.
Petrol stations with high fuel sales are now required to install fast chargers, and Spain is working towards having 5.5 million EVs on the road by 2030.
San Sebastián: Basque Country’s Coastal Gem
The journey into Spain was relatively uneventful—except for a dicey moment with my Tesla Model 3 Standard Range.
I decided to skip a suggested charging stop near a casino (not wanting to lose euros in more ways than one) and instead coasted into the Tesla Supercharger near the Spain border with minimal charge left.
San Sebastián, one of my favorite cities in Spain, was the perfect place to unwind. The next couple of days were spent enjoying pintxos, strolling along La Concha Beach, and simply soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.
One of the best decisions I made was taking a fantastic pintxos food tour through the Old Town (Parte Vieja). Navigating the somewhat confusing pintxos bars on my own would have been overwhelming, but the tour made it effortless—and incredibly fun.
With a local guide leading the way, I sampled incredible bites paired with delicious drinks, all while learning the history and traditions behind these Basque-style tapas.
It was a filling, entertaining, and highly recommended experience.
Other highlights included visiting the San Telmo Museum to learn more about Basque culture and taking the funicular up Monte Igueldo for panoramic views of the coastline.
📌 Book Your San Sebastian Pintxos Tour Here
Hotels with EV Charging in San Sebastián
I checked into Hotel Silken Amara Plaza, chosen for its free Tesla destination charger—a pleasant surprise given the charging headaches I had in Milan.
The hotel’s convenient location made it easy to explore the city without worrying about parking or charging.
Coastal Drive to Bilbao: Scenic Detours & Hidden Gems
Although Bilbao is just an hour’s drive from San Sebastián, I opted for the longer, scenic coastal route—and it did not disappoint.
Gaztelugatxe: The Church on the Water
One of the most iconic stops on this Northern Spain road trip was San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This small church, perched atop a rocky island, is accessible by a winding stone staircase with over 240 steps.
The hike was tough in the midday sun, but the views were spectacular and well worth the effort. Fans of Game of Thrones might recognize it as Dragonstone.
Gaztelugatxe is one of those places that makes a Spain road trip special. It’s not just a scenic stop—it’s a journey through history, legends, and cinematic landscapes.
Bilbao: Art, Culture, and Pintxos
Bilbao is a vibrant city known for its blend of modern and traditional architecture, world-class cuisine, and lively atmosphere.
The next day was spent exploring Bilbao’s Old Town, indulging in more pintxos (which were noticeably less crowded than in San Sebastián), and, of course, visiting the Guggenheim Museum.
This world-famous museum, with its stunning architecture and outdoor sculptures like Puppy and Maman, was a highlight of the trip. Other must-sees include the Zubizuri Bridge, the Ribera Market, and the Fine Arts Museum of Bilbao.
For a complete guide, check out this 24-hours in Bilbao guide.
Hotels with EV Charging in Bilbao
Arriving in Bilbao, I checked into the Hesperia Bilbao Hotel, which boasts EV chargers run by IONITY.
This was hands down the best charging app experience I encountered in Tesla Spain—fast, seamless, and reliable.
The hotel is also located conveniently near the city center, making it easy to explore Bilbao’s cultural landmarks.
Check out this review for a full breakdown of my stay at Hesperia Bilbao.
I checked into Hotel Silken Amara Plaza, chosen for its free Tesla destination charger—a pleasant surprise given the charging headaches I had in Milan.
The Road to Andorra: Long Drives and Last-Minute Stops
The final leg of my EV Spain adventure was an ambitious one—driving from Bilbao to Andorra in a single day. Along the way, I had hoped to stop in Pamplona, the famous city known for the Running of the Bulls.
Unfortunately, time constraints meant skipping it, but for those planning a Northern Spain road trip, Pamplona is a must for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike.
For those interested in how Italy’s EV infrastructure compares to Spain’s, check out my Italian EV road trip report.
EV Spain Charging Issues
This was one of my longer days of the EV European road trip, covering 552 kilometers, and unfortunately, it was the most frustrating in terms of charging.
It all started at an INIIOTY charger at a roadside stop. Despite multiple attempts, it simply refused to work. I tried resetting, re-plugging, and even switching payment methods—nothing. It was beyond frustrating.
With my range shrinking, I had to reroute to my next option: a Tesla Supercharger south of Zaragoza.
This detour wasn’t ideal, but it seemed like my safest bet. Still, I decided to give one more third-party charger a shot along the way, hoping for a better outcome.
I pulled into a charging station in the middle of nowhere, and it had a row of ten 180 kW fast chargers under a sleek, modern canopy.
It looked promising—until I realized only two chargers were actually powered on. The first one I tried was completely unresponsive.
At this point, I was running low and getting increasingly annoyed. After some choice words, I moved to the last available working charger. It took a couple of attempts, but finally, I got it working.
This whole experience left me scratching my head. The station was impressive on the surface—large screens, well-lit, and designed to be a serious charging hub.
But seeing cobwebs on some chargers made me wonder if they had been abandoned or if Spain’s EV adoption just isn’t there yet. Have you had similar experiences? Let me know in the comments.
On the bright side, the quirky hotel next to the chargers had a cozy little bar, where I decompressed over a perfect cortado and a fresh croissant before getting back on the road.
Have I mentioned I really love EV road tripping in Europe??
For the most part, EV charging in Spain was smooth, especially compared to some of the headaches I encountered in France. But this stretch was definitely a test of patience.
If you’re planning an EV road trip through Spain, be prepared for some unreliable third-party chargers and always have a backup plan.
👉 Want a full breakdown of EV charging in Europe?
Pitstop in Zaragoza: History and EV Convenience
On my way to Andorra, I made a quick stop in Zaragoza, a city rich in history and architectural wonders.
The highlight of my visit was exploring the breathtaking Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, one of Spain’s most famous cathedrals.
Strolling through the old town, I also took in the Aljafería Palace, a stunning example of Islamic architecture.
EV Charging in Zaragoza
Conveniently, I found a parkade with EV charging near the city center, making it easy to explore without worrying about range.
This quick but worthwhile stop added a cultural and historical break to my long drive.
Reaching Andorra by Sunset
Despite the charging delays, I made it to the Andorran border just in time for sunset. Watching the sun dip behind the Pyrenees was the perfect way to wrap up this EV Spain adventure.
Andorra, a tiny country known for its ski resorts and tax-free shopping, was a great way to check off a new country from my list.
Hotels with EV Charging in Andorra
I stayed at the Hotel Roc Blanc & Spa, which provided convenient EV charging options.
However, I encountered some fun challenges while charging here, but I’ll save those details for my dedicated Andorra EV charging post.
Thoughts on Spain Road Trips in an EV
Driving through Northern Spain in an EV was a journey filled with both rewarding highlights and a few frustrating charging hiccups.
From the stunning coastal views of San Sebastián to the artistic and industrial charm of Bilbao, this trip showcased Spain’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Stopping in Bilbao, I had the chance to admire the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of modern architecture that contrasts beautifully with the city’s historic old town.
Wandering through the Casco Viejo, I enjoyed the lively atmosphere, charming streets, and, of course, some incredible pintxos—a true highlight of Basque cuisine.
On the EV front, while major cities like Bilbao offered convenient and reliable charging options, some stretches—especially rural areas and third-party stations—proved challenging.
Chargers were occasionally out of service or poorly maintained, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the trip. Despite these setbacks, Tesla’s Supercharger network and well-placed urban charging stations made the journey entirely doable.
For future travelers, a bit of pre-planning and flexibility will go a long way in ensuring a smooth EV road trip across Northern Spain. Would I do it again? Absolutely—but with a backup charging plan in place!
For more EV road trip tips, check out my other posts:
- Driving an EV in Switzerland: What to Expect
- My First EV Charging Experience in Europe Went Comically Bad
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