A Guide to Touring Spain by Motorcycle: Routes, Seasons and the Rules for Riders

Touring Spain on a motorcycle means choosing between the green mountains of the north and the hot, sunny south, and timing the trip around summer heat. July and August are hot and dry across the country. Since 1 October 2026, riders and passengers in Spain must wear an approved helmet and closed shoes on all roads, plus protective gloves outside towns. This guide covers where to ride, when to go, and the rules a US rider needs to know.

Part of our motorcycle touring destinations series. For the Europe-wide paperwork (Schengen, EES, IDP), see our guide to motorcycle touring in Europe.

Key takeaways- Motorcycle limits: 120 km/h on autopistas and autovías, 90 km/h on conventional roads.- Required gear from 1 October 2026: UNECE R22 helmet and closed shoes on all roads, gloves on interurban roads.- Non-EU visitors are advised to carry an International Driving Permit with their home license.- Spring and autumn have the mildest temperatures.

Is Spain good for motorcycle touring?

Spain gets around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, and the north and south are very different rides. The trade-off is heat: summer is hot almost everywhere, and the north gets most of the winter rain.

Where to ride

The north: Picos de Europa

The Picos de Europa National Park spreads across Asturias, Cantabria and León. Spain's tourism board lists Potes, the Fuente Dé cable car, Lake Ercina at Covadonga and Cangas de Onís among its must-sees. These make good stops for a loop through the range.

The south: the White Villages Route

In Cádiz province, Arcos de la Frontera is a base for the White Villages Route. The route takes in Ubrique, Medina Sidonia and Vejer de la Frontera and crosses the Serranía de Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema and Los Alcornocales natural parks. Ride it in spring or autumn: summer highs on that coast average around 30°C (86°F).

Linking north and south

Madrid sits between the two, and Spain's motorways let you cover the distance fast at 120 km/h. Conventional roads (90 km/h) are slower but more interesting.

When to go

Spain's tourism board says spring and autumn have the mildest temperatures. These are the averages it gives for three cities on a riding route:

Figures from spain.info; Fahrenheit conversions are ours.

In July and August, plan early starts and long midday stops in the south and center. The north is the cooler summer option. Winter (December to February) is the coldest and wettest season, mainly in the north.

Rules for motorcycling in Spain

Speed limits

Spain's traffic regulation, the Reglamento General de Circulación, sets these generic limits for motorcycles:

You may not exceed the limit while overtaking on a conventional road. Posted signs override these defaults.

What you must wear (from 1 October 2026)

A change to Spain's traffic regulation took effect on 1 October 2026:

• Helmet: UNECE R22 approved and fastened, on all roads, for rider and passenger.
• Gloves: protective gloves on interurban roads.
• Footwear: closed footwear that covers the whole foot, on all roads.

The Interior Ministry may set technical specifications for the gloves by order. Check for any update before you go.

License and documents

If your license was issued outside the EU/EEA, Spain's European Consumer Centre advises getting an International Driving Permit before you arrive. Carry it with your valid home license; the IDP is valid for one year. In the US, AAA issues IDPs for $20. As a US visitor you also fall under the Schengen 90/180-day rule.

Phones and intercoms

Hand-held phone use while riding is banned. Certified helmet communication devices are allowed for talking or navigation if they don't affect safety. In an emergency, call 112.

What to wear for Spain's heat

Gloves are now part of the rule on open roads, so pack a pair suited to heat as well as one for cool mountain mornings. Leather Collection's motorcycle gloves range from vintage and retro styles to race and summer gloves in 0.8–0.9 mm cowhide. Check that any glove meets Spain's rule before you rely on it.

For heat and riding gear, also see the desert section of our California trip guide. For a wetter, cooler destination, compare touring Ireland.

FAQ

What are the rules for motorcycling in Spain?

Ride on the right. Limits for motorcycles are 120 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on conventional roads. From 1 October 2026 you must wear an approved helmet and closed shoes on all roads, and gloves on interurban roads. Non-EU visitors are advised to carry an IDP.

What are the best motorcycle rides in Spain?

Two well-known areas are the Picos de Europa in the north and the White Villages Route in Cádiz. Choose by season: the north is cooler in summer.

What is the best time to tour Spain by motorcycle?

Spring or autumn, when temperatures are mildest. July and August are hot and dry across the country.