6-Day Spain Road Trip from Santander traveling south to Valladolid and Bilbao

Say hello to Santander! 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 Santander for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Santander is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. 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 Santander. 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 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 taste of local culinary excellence while in Santander by securing a table at Cadelo. Esteemed as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it features an exceptional modern menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Umma, famous for its scrumptious modern dishes. This Bib Gourmand venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Agua Salada, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite contemporary and traditional cuisine in Santander. Located in the heart of the city, this Bib Gourmand-awardee is an ideal pick for contemporary and traditional cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Kings Pub, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Grog, a bar catering to every mood and preference. HYGGE COCKTAIL likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Spain!

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.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Catedral de Santander. This museum is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 6,521 reviews.

Continue your journey at Centro Botin. This art museum is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,508 travelers from near and far. Approximately 111,096 people come to this place of interest every year to enjoy a unique experience in Santander.

Santander is also the home of Mercado del Este. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 7,680 visitors.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. This extraordinary museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,037 visitors.

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

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

Begin your culinary exploration in Valladolid by securing a reservation at Llantén. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award, and offers an exceptional menu of traditional cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Alquimia - Laboratorio, celebrated for its delectable creative and modern 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 Trigo, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to The Lost Child Cocktail's Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Café Bar Alborada is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Monasterio provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip 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.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Valladolid, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Segovia may take around 1 hour 21 min. Upon your arrival in Segovia, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Alcázar of Segovia, a remarkable alcázar where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 49,713 reviews. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes approximately 754,946 visitors.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Segovia Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 18,509 travelers.

Plaza Mayor is another must-visit attraction. This renowned plaza mayor offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,239 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Aqueduct of Segovia. This well-loved stone bridge boasts a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 95,202 reviews.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Valladolid.

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Restaurante Niza, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, El Corcho offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, La Pícara is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Valladolid.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to RUGBY BAR THE CENTRAL, known for its inviting atmosphere. THE VILLA GIN BAR is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started.

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

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

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Valladolid and set your GPS to Urkiola. 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 2 hours 45 min. Upon reaching Urkiola, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Urkiola parke naturala. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,381 visitors.

Set your GPS to Guernica and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 40 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Guernica beckons with new experiences!

Kick off the day at Casa De Juntas De Gernika, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This palace is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,268 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.

As you explore more of Bilbao, 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 an extraordinary dining experience at Mina, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative and seasonal menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Zortziko is one of the best restaurants for contemporary cuisine in Bilbao. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Etxanobe Atelier. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice for creative cuisine in the city.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Stromboli taberna, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in 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. In the evening, you’ll end up in Santander, where you will stay for 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Federiko Moiua enparantza, a remarkable point of interest where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,235 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Zubizuri. This footbridge has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 10,295 travelers.

Guggenheim Museum is another must-visit attraction. This renowned museum building offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 64,815 travelers and attracting 530,967 annual visitors, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao. This well-loved museum boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 8,312 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Doña Casilda Iturrizar park awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a park, this is a top pick rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,643 previous visitors.

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.

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at El Sol, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Restaurante Posada Del Mar offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Cadelo Restaurante is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Santander.

Keep the evening going at Little Bobby, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.

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

Day 6 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Santander before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As you approach the end of your journey in Spain, take a moment for some retail therapy in Santander’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Spain, a variety of items are waiting for you. Hold onto the magic of Spain with these wonderful souvenirs, ensuring your memories never fade.

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

If you're eager to try something different, consider La Barruca de Calderón, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Santander. 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!