6-Day Spain Road Trip from San Sebastian traveling west to Santander and Bilbao

Welcome to San Sebastian, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Spain! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in San Sebastian's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

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 Cristina Enea parkea 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 San Sebastian. 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 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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Arzak, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative and traditional menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Amelia by Paulo Airaudo is one of the best restaurants for creative cuisine in San Sebastian. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Kokotxa. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice for modern cuisine in the city.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Gorriti Taberna, a top-rated bar in the area.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-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 2 nights.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Gipuzkoa Plaza. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,940 visitors.

When you’re finished at Gipuzkoa Plaza, head to Beach of La Concha. This one-of-a-kind natural feature is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 21,054 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Alderdi Eder Parkea. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,442 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Aquarium. This aquarium is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,413 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Peine del Viento XV. This famous sculpture is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,281 travelers.

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.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Santander.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Cadelo, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Umma is one of the best restaurants for modern cuisine in Santander. This Bib Gourmand-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Agua Salada. As a top-rated Bib Gourmand-establishment, it is an ideal choice for contemporary and traditional cuisine in the city.

Continue your lively evening at Kings Pub, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Grog is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, HYGGE COCKTAIL ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Spain promises a magnificent time exploring Santander. You have 1 night left in Santander. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Drop by the renowned Catedral de Santander. This popular museum has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 6,521 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Centro Botin. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,508 visitors, this art museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Mercado del Este. This sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 7,680 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Plaza Porticada. This square and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,395 local and international travelers.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at El Sol, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurante Posada Del Mar? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Cadelo Restaurante as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Santander.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Little Bobby is an excellent place to start.

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

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 5 destinations, Ruente, Rionansa, Cerrazo, Santillana del Mar, and Villaescusa. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bilbao, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Ruente. This drive usually takes around 45 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Make La Fuentona de Ruente your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this watercourse an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,844 reviews.

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

Kick off the day at Cueva El Soplao, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 18,913 reviews.

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

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bilbao's best restaurants.

Begin your culinary exploration in Bilbao by securing a reservation at Mina. This renowned restaurant 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.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Stromboli taberna after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Spain!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Bilbao, Portugalete, and Sukarrieta, 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.

Make Federiko Moiua enparantza your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,235 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,312 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this museum every year.

Guggenheim Museum is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This museum building has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 64,815 visitors. Up to 530,967 travelers come to Bilbao every year to see Guggenheim Museum with their own eyes.

After soaking in Bilbao’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Portugalete. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 24 min. When you arrive in Portugalete, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Vizcaya Bridge. This extraordinary suspension bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 28,202 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of San Sebastian. San Sebastian 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.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at La Cuchara de San Telmo, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Narru Restaurant? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Sirimiri Gastroleku as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in San Sebastian.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!

Day 6 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 your final day in Spain unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in San Sebastian’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Spain. Keep the spirit of your trip to Spain alive with these special souvenirs.

Kick off the day at Miramar Palace, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This palace is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,022 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.

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!