4-Day Spain Road Trip from San Sebastian to Santander

Your road trip adventure in Spain begins as soon as you reach San Sebastian and pick up your car. You’ll stay in San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian 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 Miramar Palace or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in San Sebastian. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Spain. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Arzak, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional creative and traditional menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, known for its delicious creative cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in San Sebastian is Kokotxa, a renowned restaurant , known for its delicious modern menu.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Gorriti Taberna.

Raise a toast to the start of your 4-day road trip in Spain!

On day 2 of your road trip in Spain, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in San Sebastian. In the evening, you’ll end up in Santander, where you will stay for 1 night.

Drop by the renowned Gipuzkoa Plaza. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,940 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Beach of La Concha. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,054 visitors, this natural feature deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Alderdi Eder Parkea. This park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,442 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Aquarium. This aquarium and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,413 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Peine del Viento XV. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,281 travelers, this sculpture is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in San Sebastian.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Santander, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Santander's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Santander by booking a table at Cadelo. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award, and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Umma, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Agua Salada, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing contemporary and traditional menu. With a Bib Gourmand recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Kings Pub is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Grog, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is HYGGE COCKTAIL. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Spain and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Santander, Cueto, Santillana del Mar, and Villaescusa, 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 San Sebastian. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Journey into the unknown at Centro Botin, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable art museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 14,508 reviews. Every year, Centro Botin welcomes more than 111,096 curious visitors.

Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Cueto.

Drop by the renowned Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. This popular museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,037 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to San Sebastian, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you explore more of San Sebastian, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at La Cuchara de San Telmo, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Narru Restaurant is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Sirimiri Gastroleku. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in San Sebastian tonight.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!

Day 4 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of San Sebastian before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As you approach the end of your journey in Spain, take a moment for some retail therapy in San Sebastian’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Spain, a variety of items are waiting for you. Hold onto the magic of Spain with these wonderful souvenirs, ensuring your memories never fade.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Cristina Enea parkea. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,457 reviews.

Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in San Sebastian.

Dine in style at Txepetxa Taberna, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Rekondo boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

You’ll then say farewell to San Sebastian. 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!