6-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Santander to Valladolid and Bilbao

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Santander and Cueto. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Valladolid, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Santander allows for both. Start by heading to Centro Botin. This locally renowned art gallery provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico, an awe-inspiring maritime museum, promising a delightful encounter.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Santander and set your GPS to Cueto. 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 10 min. Upon reaching Cueto, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your journey at Parque De Mataleñas and explore the romantic features. Next, make your way to Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, another highlight in the city.

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

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Valladolid by reserving a table at Llantén. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of traditional cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Alquimia - Laboratorio, renowned for its delectable creative and modern dishes. This distinguished 1-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Trigo, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Valladolid.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Bar Panoramix, known for its inviting atmosphere. Bar Esgueva is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Largo Adiós provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Valladolid, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Today’s route brings a charming, an idyllic, an enchanting, and an instagrammable. The first attraction of today is Parque Campo Grande. This popular park is an idyllic place to see in Valladolid.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Segovia. This car ride takes around 1 hour 19 min.

Begin your journey at Aqueduct Of Segovia and explore the historic features. Next, make your way to Segovia Cathedral, another highlight in the city. When you’re done exploring the church, continue to Alcázar Of Segovia, an enchanting castle.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Valladolid and your accommodation.

As you explore more of Valladolid, 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.

Dine in style at Sercotel Valladolid, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Café & copas Murmullo boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out ATYPIKAL. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Valladolid.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The Lost Child Cocktail's Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Café Bar Alborada, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Monasterio provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!

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

When you’ve had your share of Valladolid, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Burgos Province. Your travel time is around 1 hour 23 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Puente De Santa María, an up-and-coming monument known for its breathtaking features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Arco De Santa María, a curiosity-inducing monument that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Next, stop by Burgos Cathedral and uncover the details of this UNESCO world heritage-designated church.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Portugalete. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 55 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Vizcaya Bridge, a locally renowned monument that draws visitors from near and far.

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 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.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Bilbao by reserving a table at Mina. Renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional creative and seasonal menu. For a different taste experience, head to Zortziko, recognized for its delicious contemporary dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Etxanobe Atelier, a local favorite known for its delightful creative cuisine in Bilbao. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning creative foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Boss Bilbao, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Stromboli Taberna is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Zuberoa Taberna also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

On day 5 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 Bilbao, Villaescusa, and Rionansa. In the evening, you’ll end up in Santander, where you will stay for 1 night.

Start your adventure at Federico Moyúa Enparantza. This frequently visited point of interest is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the instagrammable wonders of Puppy, a must-see art installation in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Guggenheim Museum. This top-rated museum building offers an enriching experience.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bilbao, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Villaescusa may take around 1 hour 11 min. Upon your arrival in Villaescusa, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Your self-guided tour starts at Cabarceno Natural Park, a top-rated safari park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Rionansa. This drive usually takes around 57 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Head to Cueva El Soplao, a notable point of interest in Rionansa.

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.

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Santander by booking a table at Cadelo, a Bib Gourmand restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Umma, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This Bib Gourmand restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Agua Salada, a local gem known for its delightful contemporary and traditional cuisine in Santander. Nestled in the city's heart, this Bib Gourmand-awardee is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Little Bobby. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks.

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