Spain's 'Route 66-style' motorway that spans 372 miles between two beautiful regions

A little-known that passes through some of the most beautiful villages in and connects Madrid to Galicia. Often dubbed as "Route 66", called Route N-VI, follows a full of history, flavour, and nature.

Stretching 600 kilometres (370 miles), it begins at Madrid's central square and leads to the Tower of Hércules, the world's oldest operational lighthouse. Between them, there are more than 70 municipalities and 8 provinces. Built in 1939, the N-VI was once a crucial route, linking Madrid's Puerta del Sol to A Coruña's Tower of Hercules, a vital connection between Spain's capital and its rugged Atlantic coast.

Today, it has largely been replaced by the N-6 and modern highways, but remnants of the old N-VI still weave through forgotten towns, ancient bridges, peeling petrol stations, and weathered inns.

For some, it's simply an outdated road; for others, it's a living museum of 20th-century Spain.

Much like Radiator Springs in Pixar's Cars, once-thriving villages along the N-VI have faded, bypassed by faster roads. The route spans three autonomous communities-Madrid, Castilla y León, and Galicia-passing through around 70 municipalities.

Along the way, it reveals Spain's hidden beauty-crumbling castles, golden wheat fields, eerie gas stations frozen in time, and even a ghost town near Valladolid.

The idea was first envisioned by its director, Xosé Ramón Nóvoa, during his visit to Route 66, known as 'The Mother Road.' While travelling, he observed the huge number of tourists the iconic highway draws each year, reports .

The Route N-VI passport is highly sought after by tourists, as it provides essential details for those embarking on the journey.

It includes a route guide and a Google Maps map, highlighting key tourist attractions and official stamping points along the way.

Additionally, travellers who collect at least five stamps from authorised locations can receive an accreditation diploma as recognition of their adventure.