One-Week Relaxed Spain Road Trip from Bilbao to Vitoria-Gasteiz

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Spain begins when you reach Bilbao, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Bilbao is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Federiko Moiua enparantza. Around 9,235 visitors have rated this fascinating best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Bilbao offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is El Globo taberna. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,994 customers.

La Viña del Ensanche serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Bilbao has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,499 reviews.

Kafe Antzokia is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,751 customers, Kafe Antzokia is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Bilbao looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Stromboli taberna, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,133 reviews.

Mugi taberna offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Bilbao. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 986 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Arpiku. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 571 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Spain! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, you'll explore the best attractions in Bilbao at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Bilbao, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Doña Casilda Iturrizar park. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,643 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Spain by seeing another popular site in Bilbao, the wonderful Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao. This museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,643 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Guggenheim Museum. This museum building has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 64,815 visitors. Up to 530,967 people visit this popular attraction each year.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Puppy. This must-see tourist destination is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,913 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Zubizuri. This amazing site is a wonderful footbridge with more than 10,295 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Spain. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Bilbao itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Spain extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Bilbao. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Gure Kabi jatetxea. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,296 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at La Barraca jatetxea, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. La Barraca jatetxea is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 842 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Zurima jatetxea. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 784 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Bilbao and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Café Iruña. This vibrant bar is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 11,699 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Café Bar Bilbao. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,834 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,714 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Spain will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places in one day. See some of the best attractions in Spain, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

You’ll begin your day and sightseeing in Bilbao, and continue your explorations in the city of Portugalete. The charming Vitoria-Gasteiz is where you’ll be staying for 4 nights.

Your first stop is the great city of Bilbao, where you will see the amazing Bilboko Donejakue katedrala. This famous church has an impressive 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 6,802 people.

While leisurely driving around the city, you can also spend some of your precious time at the incredible Etxebarria parkea. The amazing Etxebarria parkea is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,229 travelers.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of Bilbao than meets the eye by joining a top-rated tour. Put your relaxed road trip to a halt in favor of an in-depth exploration of the city’s best sights and hidden gems while connecting with locals and fellow travelers.

After exploring the city of Bilbao, it’s time to hit the road again and continue your relaxed road trip to another city in Spain, the lovely Portugalete!

In Portugalete, you’ll find the magnificent Vizcaya Bridge. This popular suspension bridge has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 28,202 visitors.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Vitoria-Gasteiz for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit in Spain, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

We highly recommend going to PerretxiCo. This place is a popular restaurant with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,156 customers.

Another great restaurant option is El Toloño taberna. This food place is often recommended by travelers and has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,240 customers.

You can also eat at the top-rated El Portalón. Offering great food and amazing service, this restaurant has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,631 customers.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Vitoria-Gasteiz and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Check out Sagartoki erretegia for a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This incredible bar is highly recommended and has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 7,472 customers.

Another amazing bar that serves many kinds of beverages and cocktails is El Siete tapas bar. This bar has a wonderful rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,630 customers.

You may also try La Escotilla, another top-rated bar in the city. About 1,905 bargoers have given this place a thumb up, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Let’s toast to day 3 of your laid-back self-drive in Portugalete! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across Spain!

Day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Spain serves as your introduction to Vitoria-Gasteiz. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Spain and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Vitoria-Gasteiz, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 2,300 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 4-star Silken Ciudad de Vitoria. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 12,123 guests, Silken Ciudad de Vitoria is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Hotel Restaurante Araba offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Hotel Restaurante Araba is a top-rated budget hotel in Vitoria-Gasteiz with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,015 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Vitoria-Gasteiz, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Nueva Square. This square and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The fascinating Nueva Square has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,706 travelers.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is also home to the captivating Plaza Virgen Blanca, a local must-see tourist destination and another popular attraction in the city. About 8,751 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Cathedral María Inmaculada of Vitoria is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Spain. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,339 travelers, Cathedral María Inmaculada of Vitoria proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible La Florida. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing urban park and attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,409 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Museo de Bellas Artes de Álava. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating art museum and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 928 visitors have rated the famous Museo de Bellas Artes de Álava an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Vitoria-Gasteiz, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Spain.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Spain. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Vitoria-Gasteiz, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Vitoria-Gasteiz is La mafia jatetxea. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,697 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Mano lenta jatetxea for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,842 customers.

Another alternative is The Bost jatetxea. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,103 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Vitoria-Gasteiz. At Aldapa Taberna, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,324 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Bar "Akelarre", another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,075 reviews.

Cafetería Alquimia is also one of the best places in Vitoria-Gasteiz where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 909 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Spain!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, you'll explore the best attractions in Elorriaga at your own pace and immerse in the hamlet's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Elorriaga, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Salburua. This incredible protected area has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,863 travelers.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Spain. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Elorriaga itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful hamlet. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Spain extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the hamlet, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Elorriaga. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Restaurante-Asador Matxete. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,162 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Zaldiaran, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Zaldiaran is rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 649 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Restaurant Arkupe. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,688 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Elorriaga and unwind at the coolest bars in the hamlet. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Bar Txiki. This vibrant bar is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 919 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Sierra tavern. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 174 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is La Malquerida. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. La Malquerida has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,142 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 6 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Spain gives you another chance to explore the magnificent hamlet of Aretxabaleta and visit more of its attractions.

Aretxabaleta has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 1 night more is conveniently located near several of the hamlet’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Olárizu, one of the top attractions in the hamlet. In fact, the incredible Olárizu has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,666 visitors.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Aretxabaleta by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the hamlet’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Aretxabaleta.

When it’s time to eat, the hamlet has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Aretxabaleta, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Tximiso Taberna is one of the top restaurants in the hamlet. This Aretxabaleta-based food place has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,232 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, Erdizka bar&grill is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the hamlet. Erdizka bar&grill proved an excellent choice for around 1,022 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Aretxabaleta, Soho Vitoria-Cocktail Bar. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.2 over 5 stars given by 1,475 customers.

Another drinking place in the hamlet we recommend you try out is Restaurante El Tulipán de Oro. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.2 over 5 stars by 1,098 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Taberna Txustarra may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 183 customers have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Aretxabaleta and end day 6 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Spain on a great note!

Day 7 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Villaescusa. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Bilbao, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Cabarceno Natural Park is waiting for you. This zoo has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 45,839 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Villaescusa has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Bilbao. In Bilbao, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Spain.

After a long day of driving and exploring along your relaxed road trip route, sitting down for a well-cooked restaurant meal in Castro Urdiales is an excellent idea.

A popular restaurant we recommend you try is Nura jatetxea, one of the best restaurants in Castro Urdiales. With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 586 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Nura jatetxea.

Locals also recommend Zarate jatetxea as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Zarate jatetxea as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 525 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Ágape jatetxea. Ágape jatetxea is another of the most popular places to eat in Castro Urdiales. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,513 customers.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Marzana taberna. Marzana taberna is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 934 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Bar Roma cafeteria. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 580 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Aralar jatetxea. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Aralar jatetxea is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 678 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Spain!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Spain is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Bilbao.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Bilbao once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Spain on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Albiako Lorategiak is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Bilbao. This top sight is a popular park, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,047 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Bilbao or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at Restaurante Pentxo. Dining at Restaurante Pentxo is one of the best food experiences you can have in Bilbao. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,466 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Bilbao and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Spain is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.