5-Day Spain Road Trip from San Sebastian to Pamplona, and Bilbao

Say hello to San Sebastian! Your exciting road trip through Spain is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in San Sebastian for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

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.

Find your way to your hotel in San Sebastian. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Spain. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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.

Experience a taste of Arzak in San Sebastian by booking a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 3-star Michelin distinction, Arzak delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious creative, and traditional cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Kokotxa, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin 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. Gorriti Taberna is an excellent place to start.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Spain!

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 - San Sebastian. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Pamplona. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Gipuzkoa Plaza. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,940 reviews.

Continue your journey at Beach of La Concha. This natural feature is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,054 travelers from near and far.

San Sebastian is also the home of Alderdi Eder Parkea. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,442 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Aquarium. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,413 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Peine del Viento XV. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,281 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this sculpture.

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

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

Experience a harmony of flavors at El Merca'o in Pamplona by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its Bib Gourmand status, El Merca'o offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious traditional menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Europa, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing contemporary cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Rodero, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional modern menu.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Vermutería RÍO, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Bar Cerveceria La Estafeta. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Bar Hawái, another top-rated place in the area.

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

On day 3 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 Pamplona, and Olite/Erriberri. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bilbao, where you will stay for 1 night.

Drop by the renowned Plaza de Toros de Pamplona. This popular bullring has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 10,402 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Castle Square. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,066 visitors, this square deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Taconera. This urban park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,567 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Citadel of Pamplona. This citadel and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 15,829 local and international travelers.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Pamplona, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Olite/Erriberri may take around 35 min. Upon your arrival in Olite/Erriberri, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Drop by the renowned Royal Palace of Olite. This popular castle has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,713 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Bilbao. Bilbao offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bilbao. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Mina in Bilbao by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Mina delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious creative, and seasonal cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Zortziko, acclaimed for its delectable contemporary specialties. This local 1-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Etxanobe Atelier, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for creative cuisine in the city.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Stromboli taberna, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Bilbao, 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.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Federiko Moiua enparantza. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,235 visitors.

Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao is another popular attraction you could visit today. This museum has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,312 visitors.

Guggenheim Museum is also highly recommended by travelers. More than 530,967 people visit this top attraction every year. This museum building has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 64,815 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Villaescusa.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Cabarceno Natural Park. This zoo is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 45,839 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Esteemed as a much-enjoyed restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at La Cuchara de San Telmo, a top-rated dining spot in San Sebastian. If you're in the mood for something new, try Narru Restaurant, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Sirimiri Gastroleku. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in San Sebastian.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Spain!

Day 5 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.

Maximize your last day in Spain and go on a shopping spree in San Sebastian’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Spain.

When you're ready to see some sights, Cristina Enea parkea is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,457 visitors.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Txepetxa Taberna, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Rekondo offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

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!