4-Day Spain road trip Starting from Bilbao to Santander

Photo of City Hall in Bulbao in Spain by Juan Manuel Garcia Bilbao
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
4 days & 3 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
3 nights included
Car rental
4 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 4-day road trip through Spain.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Spain. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Bilbao and 1 night in Santander, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Spain. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Bilbao and Santander. We'll help you experience the best 4 days in Spain you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Bilbao, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Spain, including the stunning Federiko Moiua enparantza and Guggenheim Museum.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Spain. From the magnificent Doña Casilda Iturrizar park to the breathtaking Zubizuri and Centro Botin, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Cave of Altamira and learn more about the unique Cabarceno Natural Park to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Bilbao and Santander, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Spain. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Spain.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Spain. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Spain.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Spain.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Spain has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Spain. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 3 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 3 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Spain extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Spain fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Spain today!

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Included

Hotel, 3 nights
Rental car, 4 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Photo of aerial view of Bilbao, Spain city downtown with a Nevion River, Zubizuri Bridge and promenade. Mountain at the background, with clear blue sky.Bilbao / 2 nights
Photo of Santander city beach aerial panoramic view.Santander / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Photo of Guggenheim, Bilbao, museum, modern art, Spain.Guggenheim Museum
photo of stunning landscape in the Cabarceno Nature Park in Cantabria. Northern coast of Spain.Cabarceno Natural Park
Centro Botin, Santander, Cantabria, SpainCentro Botin
photo of the Altamira Caves, Cantabria. Spanish rock art. It is the highest representation of cave painting in Spain.Cave of Altamira
Photo of Colorful and modern Bilbao Bridge, Basque Country, Spain.Zubizuri
Photo of Fountain in Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park at night - park in Bilbao, Vizcaya, Basque Country, Spain.Doña Casilda Iturrizar park
Federico Moyua enparantza, Abando, Bilbao, Biscay, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainFederiko Moiua enparantza
Parque Etxebarria, Casco Viejo, Ibaiondo, Bilbao, Biscay, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainParque Etxebarria
Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, Indautxu, Abando, Bilbao, Biscay, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainMuseum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
Mercado del Este
Puppy, Abando, Bilbao, Biscay, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainPuppy
Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, Santander, Cantabria, SpainCentro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Bilbao - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Bilbao - arrival day

  • Bilbao - Arrival day
  • More
  • Federiko Moiua enparantza
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Spain begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Bilbao. You’ll stay in Bilbao for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Bilbao has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Federiko Moiua enparantza. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,235 visitors.

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. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Bilbao, Gure Kabi jatetxea. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,296 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Bilbao is La Barraca jatetxea. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 842 customers.

Locals recommend Zurima jatetxea as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bilbao. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 784 customers.

Bilbao also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Bilbao is El Globo taberna. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,994 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Bilbao is Mugi taberna. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 986 customers.

Locals also enjoy Arpiku. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 571 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 4-day vacation in Spain!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Bilbao and Santander

Day 2

Day 2 – Bilbao and Santander

  • Bilbao
  • Santander
  • More

Drive 108 km, 1 hour 48 min

  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Puppy
  • Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
  • Doña Casilda Iturrizar park
  • Parque Etxebarria
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in Spain, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Bilbao. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Santander. You’ll stay in Santander for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Bilbao’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Bilbao, start your day with a visit to the amazing Guggenheim Museum. This much-appreciated museum building and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 64,815 visitors. Each year, around 530,967 visit this remarkable site to admire its unique features.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Doña Casilda Iturrizar park. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,643 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Bilbao has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Santander. Santander offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Cadelo Restaurante. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 855 reviews.

The remarkable Restaurante Los Peñucas is another top restaurant in Santander we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,136 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Bodega del Riojano is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,195 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Santander, the fantastic La Magnolia. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,129 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Little Bobby. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 920 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Spain!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Santander and Bilbao

Day 3

Day 3 – Santander and Bilbao

  • Bilbao
  • Santander
  • More

Drive 176 km, 2 hours 34 min

  • Mercado del Este
  • Centro Botin
  • Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor
  • Cave of Altamira
  • Cabarceno Natural Park
  • More

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the town of Santander is the amazing Centro Botin. This attraction is an art museum and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,508 visitors. As one of the top sights in the area, around 111,096 people visit Centro Botin every year.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. This museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,037 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Santander is another excellent way to spend your new day in Spain. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Spain’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Spain’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Spain’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Centro Botin for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is an art museum and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,508 visitors. Each year, Centro Botin is visited by more than 111,096 travelers, so don't miss out!

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,037 visitors, this museum deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Cave of Altamira. This attraction, a stunning cave with prehistoric art, has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 13,460 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Cabarceno Natural Park. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 45,839 travelers, this is one attraction many highly recommend.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Bilbao.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Nura jatetxea, one of the best restaurants in the city of Bilbao. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 586 customers.

Locals also recommend Zarate jatetxea as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bilbao. Zarate jatetxea is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 525 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Bilbao is Ágape jatetxea. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,513 customers.

After dinner, visit Marzana taberna, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Bilbao. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 934 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Iñakiren Taberna. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 697 customers.

Alternatively, Aralar jatetxea is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Bilbao. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 678 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Spain!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Bilbao - departure day

Day 4

Day 4 – Bilbao - departure day

  • Bilbao - Departure day
  • More
  • Zubizuri
  • More

Day 4 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Bilbao before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Zubizuri is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Bilbao. This footbridge and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 10,295 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Bilbao and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Spain.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Bilbao at Restaurante Pentxo before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,466 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Bilbao. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Spain!

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Experiences

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