6-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bilbao to Santander and San Sebastian and surrounding area

Day 2 of your road trip across Spain promises a magnificent time exploring Bilbao. You have 1 night left in Bilbao. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Bilbao is home to plenty of attractions that offer family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots! Start at Guggenheim Museum, an astonishing museum building that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Puppy, enchanting visitors with its eye-catching appeal. Continue your exploration at Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao. This museum is one of the city’s most intriguing spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Bilbao at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. After exploring the park, head to the curiosity-inducing Etxebarri Parkea. This park will wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Spain is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Bilbao by booking a table at Mina, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative and seasonal menu. For a different culinary experience in Bilbao, Zortziko shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious contemporary cuisine. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Etxanobe Atelier is known as a top local spot for its delicious creative cuisine in Bilbao. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Spain!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Villaescusa, Fontibre, and Santillana del Mar. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Santander, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Begin your adventure at Cabarceno Natural Park. This is a top-rated safari park you should not miss. Another must-see is Nacimiento Del Rio Ebro, a popular park in Bilbao.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Cave Of Altamira. From there, take a leisurely stroll to National Museum And Research Center Of Altamira, another of the city’s increasingly popular attractions.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Santander. 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 harmony of flavors at Cadelo in Santander by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its Bib Gourmand status, Cadelo offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Umma, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern cuisine. This popular Bib Gourmand-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Agua Salada, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional contemporary and traditional menu.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Kings Pub, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Grog offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Hygge Cocktail provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Spain!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Santander and Cueto. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in San Sebastian. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Santander, including a public square, a market, an art gallery, a maritime museum, a park and much more! Start your day at Plaza Porticada. This standout public square is a worthwhile place to see in Santander. Then, wander over to Mercado Del Este. If heritage-rich sites excite you, this market will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Centro Botin. This awe-inspiring art gallery is a favorite among visitors.

Santander offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico is an often recommended spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the maritime museum, don’t forget to check out the picturesque Llamas Park. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this intriguing park in Santander.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in San Sebastian. San Sebastian offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Arzak in San Sebastian by securing 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 a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, acclaimed for its delectable creative specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Kokotxa, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern cuisine in the city.

Keep the evening going at Txiki Taberna Donosti, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Taberna Barun, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Gorriti Taberna, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Spain.

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore San Sebastian, Sukarrieta, and Portugalete, 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 Bilbao. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

San Sebastian is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a park, a beach, an art installation, a nature reserve, a monument and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the locally renowned Alderdi Eder Parkea. Just a short distance away is Beach Of La Concha, a majestic beach that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Peine Del Viento Xv, one of the city’s most locally renowned spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the notable Urdaibai Biosferaren Erreserba. Last up on today’s itinerary is a monument. Make your way to Vizcaya Bridge for some final sightseeing. Each attraction will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of San Sebastian.

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 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.

Savor the flavors at Gaztandegi taberna, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Café Bar Bilbao beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Laga jatetxea. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Bilbao tonight.

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