4-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from San Sebastian to Santander

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Bilbao and Santander, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Santander. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

After soaking in San Sebastian’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Bilbao. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 16 min. When you arrive in Bilbao, it's time to take a break from the road.

Head to Zubizuri, a notable art installation in Bilbao. Explore its culturally significant features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Guggenheim Museum. This famous museum building is a top recommendation in the area. When you’re ready to explore more, Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most eye-catching park in the region.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bilbao and set your GPS to Santander. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 18 min. Upon reaching Santander, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your journey at Palacio De La Magdalena and explore the romantic features. Next, make your way to Centro Botin, another highlight in the city.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Santander. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Santander. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Restaurante la Mayor, a top-rated dining spot in Santander. If you're in the mood for something new, try Santa & Co, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Marcello Restaurante. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Santander.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Kings Pub, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Grog provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Hygge Cocktail offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Head back to your accommodation in Santander and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Spain!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Santillana del Mar, Cuadonga/Covadonga, and Cangas de Onís. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in San Sebastian, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Santillana del Mar today.

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

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Santander, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Santillana del Mar may take around 33 min. Upon your arrival in Santillana del Mar, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your journey at Cave Of Altamira and explore the instagrammable features.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Cuadonga/Covadonga, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Santillana del Mar to Cuadonga/Covadonga may take around 1 hour 27 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Cuadonga/Covadonga, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Sanctuary Of Covadonga is a notable church we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its history-steeped features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’ve had your share of Cuadonga/Covadonga, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Cangas de Onís. Your travel time is around 14 min.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Mirador De La Reina, an up-and-coming observation deck that draws visitors from near and far.

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 San Sebastian. San Sebastian 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.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in San Sebastian. 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Bodega Donostiarra Gros, a top-rated dining destination in San Sebastian. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Federiko Taberna, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at La Cuchara de San Telmo. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in San Sebastian this 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.