4-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bilbao traveling west to Santander
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 4-day road trip through Spain. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Spain takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Bilbao and 1 night in Santander. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Spain. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Bilbao, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Spain on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Spain. Guggenheim Museum and Cabarceno Natural Park are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Bilbao, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Rionansa, and Villaescusa, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Spain. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Spain.
Throughout your road trip in Spain, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Spain.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Spain fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Spain today!
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Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1 – Bilbao - arrival day
- Bilbao - Arrival day
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- Federiko Moiua enparantza
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Your road trip adventure in Spain begins as soon as you reach Bilbao and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Bilbao for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
Bilbao is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Federico Moyúa Enparantza or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Bilbao. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bilbao. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at La Viña del Ensanche, a top-rated dining spot in Bilbao. If you're in the mood for something new, try Marinela jatetxea, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at San Mamés Jatetxea · Restaurante en San Mamés. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bilbao.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into Boss Bilbao. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Stromboli Taberna offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Zuberoa Taberna, another top-rated bar in the area.
Raise a toast to the start of your 4-day road trip in Spain!
Day 2 – Bilbao and Santander
- Bilbao
- Santander
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Drive 108 km, 1 hour 48 min
- Guggenheim Museum
- Puppy
- Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
- Doña Casilda Iturrizar park
- Parque Etxebarria
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Bilbao. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Santander. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Start your adventure at Guggenheim Museum. This spectacular museum building is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Puppy located in Bilbao for an enchanting atmosphere.
Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao. Its picture-perfect features will captivate you. After the museum, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. This park has a mesmerizing appeal. For a change of pace, head to Etxebarri Parkea. As one of the most increasingly popular attractions in Bilbao, this park is an excellent place to end your self-guided tour.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Santander. Santander offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Santander's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Discover the culinary delights of Santander by securing a reservation at Cadelo. Esteemed for its a Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Umma, renowned for its delicious modern dishes. This esteemed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Agua Salada, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering contemporary and traditional menu. With its Bib Gourmand recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Kings Pub, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Grog, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Hygge Cocktail provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Spain.
Day 3 – Santander, Santillana del Mar, Cerrazo, Rionansa, and Villaescusa
- Santander
- Santillana del Mar
- Bilbao
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Drive 244 km, 3 hours 33 min
- Cave of Altamira
- Laberinto De Villapresente
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 5 stops and experience some of the highlights of Santander, Santillana del Mar, Cerrazo, Rionansa, and Villaescusa. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bilbao, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Start your adventure at Mercado Del Este. This intriguing market is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike.
Set your GPS to Santillana del Mar and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 33 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Santillana del Mar beckons with new experiences!
Make your way to Cave Of Altamira, a well-known cave that draws attention for its picturesque features.
Cerrazo’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Santillana del Mar behind. This drive usually takes around 6 min. Cerrazo welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Villapresente's Labyrinth is a well-known maze we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its photogenic features before continuing your self-guided tour.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bilbao. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bilbao's best restaurants.
Start your culinary exploration in Bilbao by securing a reservation at Mina. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative and seasonal cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Zortziko, celebrated for its delectable contemporary menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Etxanobe Atelier, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.
Relax and reminisce about your day in Spain and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 4 – Bilbao - departure day
- Bilbao - Departure day
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- Zubizuri
- Puppy
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Day 4 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Bilbao before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Maximize your last day in Spain and go on a shopping spree in Bilbao’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Spain.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Bilbao, featuring a charming, a breathtaking, a photogenic, a majestic, and a detailed. Start at Zubizuri, an interesting art installation in the city.
Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Bilbao.
You’ll then say farewell to Bilbao. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Spain!
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