Relaxed 10-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Santander to San Sebastian and Bilbao

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Photo of Palacio de la Magdalena aerial panoramic view, located on the Magdalena Peninsula in Santander city, Spain.
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Embark on this 10-day relaxed road trip in Spain, as Cueto, Santander, Monte, Hondarribia/Fontarrabie, San Sebastian, Guernica, Sukarrieta, Bermeo, Getxo, Portugalete, Bilbao, Villaescusa, Puente Viesgo, Cabezón de la Sal, and Rionansa welcome you with stunning sights, fun activities, and the freedom of a laid-back self-drive holiday!

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Spain, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 3 nights in Santander, 3 nights in San Sebastian, and 3 nights in Bilbao, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Spain.

Your journey starts in Santander, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 10-day relaxed road trip in Spain to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in Spain already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning Guggenheim Museum and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent Cabarceno Natural Park.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this Spain road trip itinerary for 10 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in Spain.

If you want to make your 10-day relaxed self-drive tour in Spain even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in Spain includes 9 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 10 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 10-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Spain today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Santander - Arrival day
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  • Llamas Park
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Your relaxed road trip through Spain starts when you reach the incredible city of Santander, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Santander and begin your adventure in Spain.

Santander is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Santander. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Spain. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Santander, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in Spain. Enjoy your first taste of Santander as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Santander
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Drive 18 km, 1 hour 16 min

  • Palacio de la Magdalena
  • Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
  • Parque de Mataleñas
  • Playa de Mataleñas
  • Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor
  • More

Your relaxed road trip in Spain continues on day 2 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Spain better by exploring the top attractions of Santander and beyond. With 1 night left in Santander, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Santander and your accommodation.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Spain. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Santander, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Spain!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Santander
  • Donostia / San Sebastián
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Drive 247 km, 3 hours 21 min

  • Plaza Porticada
  • Mercado del Este
  • Botin Centre
  • Doctor Morales Park
  • Hondarribiko hondartza
  • More

Day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Spain offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. You’ll stay in San Sebastian for 3 nights.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

You'll be staying in San Sebastian on this laid-back road trip through Spain. You'll stay here for 3 nights.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Spain.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical San Sebastian!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Donostia / San Sebastián
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Drive 2 km, 34 min

  • Aquarium
  • Alderdi Eder Parkea
  • Beach of La Concha
  • Gipuzkoa Plaza
  • Parte Vieja
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One of the most iconic spots you can visit today is Parte Vieja. Allow yourself some time to explore this neighborhood and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Spain more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

Exploring the food culture in San Sebastian 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.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of San Sebastian’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Spain.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Spain. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Spain tomorrow with new energy.

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Donostia / San Sebastián
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Drive 8 km, 1 hour 7 min

  • Peine del Viento XV
  • Funicular Monte Igueldo
  • Miramar Palace
  • Good Shepherd of San Sebastián Cathedral
  • Gros
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Set aside time today to explore Gros, a standout neighborhood that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Spain. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Spain and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places 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 San Sebastian.

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.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Spain!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Donostia / San Sebastián
  • Bilbao
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Drive 194 km, 3 hours 43 min

  • Casa De Juntas De Gernika
  • Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
  • San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
  • Puerto Viejo
  • Vizcaya Bridge
  • More

Day 6 of your self-drive tour in Spain offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll stay in Bilbao for 3 nights. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Spain.

In Bilbao, you’ll find plenty of places to unwind after a day on the road. Our top recommendations go perfectly with your laid-back road trip in Spain.

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.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Spain.

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Bilbao
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Drive 19 km, 52 min

  • Artxanda Funicular
  • Europa parkea
  • Zubizuri
  • Puppy
  • Guggenheim Museum
  • More

Spain makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Spain also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Bilbao has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Spain.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Bilbao
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Drive 6 km, 58 min

  • Doña Casilda Iturrizar park
  • Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
  • Federiko Moiua enparantza
  • Bilboko Donejakue katedrala
  • Parque Etxebarria
  • More

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Spain by joining a traveler-approved tour in Santander. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Santander that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Spain more memorable.

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

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Bilbao. The bars in Bilbao make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Spain!

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Bilbao
  • Santander
  • More

Drive 249 km, 3 hours 32 min

  • Cabarceno Natural Park
  • Cave of El Castillo
  • Laberinto De Villapresente
  • Natural Monument of the Sequoias of Monte Cabezón
  • Cueva El Soplao
  • More

Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in Spain will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place 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!

Continue your laid-back road trip in Spain as you make your way to Santander. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

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

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Santander. The bars in Santander make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Santander as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Spain!

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Santander - Departure day
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  • Paseo Marítimo de Santander
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Day 10 of your relaxed road trip in Spain is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 10 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 10-day relaxed road trip in Spain is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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How it works

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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