6-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Santander traveling east to Bilbao

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Santander for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Santander, including an art gallery, a maritime museum, and a boardwalk. Start your day with a visit to Centro Botin. This locally renowned art gallery is a must-visit in the village. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico, which may be one of the most historic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Santander on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Paseo Marítimo De Santander, one of the village’s most increasingly popular boardwalk.

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 you explore more of Santander, 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 Cadelo in Santander by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, Cadelo delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Umma, acclaimed for its delectable modern specialties. This local Bib Gourmand establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Agua Salada, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated Bib Gourmand-establishment, it's a top choice for contemporary and traditional cuisine in the city.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Spain!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Portugalete, Getxo, Urkiola, and Sukarrieta. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bilbao, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

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 11 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Head to Vizcaya Bridge, a notable monument in Portugalete. Explore its culturally significant features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Getxo, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Portugalete to Getxo may take around 21 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Getxo, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make your way to Playa De Ereaga, an often recommended beach that draws attention for its mesmerizing features.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Getxo, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Urkiola may take around 46 min. Upon your arrival in Urkiola, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Urkiola Parke Naturala is a beloved national park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its mesmerizing features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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.

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

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.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Boss Bilbao, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Stromboli Taberna provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Zuberoa Taberna offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Spain.

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Bilbao. You’ll stay in Bilbao for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Today's adventure in Bilbao promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala. This inviting church is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Zubizuri, another enchanting attraction that never fails to captivate visitors.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. This mesmerizing park is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Federico Moyúa Enparantza, an often recommended point of interest, and take a stroll around the area.

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.

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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Café Iruña, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Iturriza Taberna is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Antxoa Taberna. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Bilbao tonight.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Spain!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Burgos Province, Orbaneja del Castillo, and Villaescusa. 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.

Today's adventure in Burgos Province promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences!

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 Burgos Province may take around 1 hour 44 min. Upon your arrival in Burgos Province, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Burgos Cathedral. Spend some time admiring the majestic features of the church before you continue to your next stop.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Orbaneja del Castillo. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 2 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Take your self-guided tour to Cascada De Orbaneja Del Castillo, a notable waterfall that everyone visiting Orbaneja del Castillo should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Villaescusa. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 21 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Cabarceno Natural Park, an impressive safari park known for its visually striking features.

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 Santander. Santander 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.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, El Sol is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restaurante Posada Del Mar. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Santander tonight.

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