I cannot say this often enough: when you travel overland, you see and experience so much more.
On the motorcycle, you feel every vibration, bump, and subtle shift in the weather, immersing you even more deeply in the journey. This truth struck me once again on my recent journey from Granada to Almería, a route that didn’t fails to amaze me. As I drove along the Carretera Nacional A-348 through the Sierra Nevada National Park, the ever-changing scenery was a continuous source of wonder and awe.
One of the highlights was passing by the Embalse de Canales, a stunning reservoir near Vélez de Benaudalla, Granada. The turquoise waters set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains were nothing short of breathtaking. I found myself compelled to pull over, just to take in the view and let the serenity of the place wash over me.
The Tabernas Desert feels like stepping into another world.
Continuing on the road to Almería, the landscape transformed dramatically as I entered the region of Tabernas. Known as the only desert in Europe, the Tabernas Desert feels like stepping into another world. The arid, rugged terrain, with its unique rock formations and endless horizons, evokes a sense of solitude and peace that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s no wonder this area has been used as a backdrop for countless films—its raw beauty is cinematic in itself.
Each twist and turn of the road offered new surprises, whether it was the sight of the almond trees in full bloom near Guadix or the expansive views of the Mediterranean as I neared Almería. The journey urged me to slow down and engage all five of my senses, truly absorbing the environment around me.
Experiences like these do more than just create memories; they leave a lasting impact. The beauty of nature has a unique way of grounding you, helping you appreciate the world in its most authentic and purest form. And secretly, I’m finding myself increasingly addicted to this feeling—the rush of freedom that comes from overland travel.
This journey from Granada to Almería, along with many of the early routes on my trip around Europe, didn’t just fulfill my wanderlust; it satisfied a deeper need for absolute freedom and connection to the world around me. Each trip reinforces this desire, making every overland adventure not just a journey through space, but a journey within as well.
What’s your perspective on this?
Hppy trvls! ✌🏾