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

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Bilbao has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Bilbao by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Bilbao. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Guggenheim Museum is the perfect place to start. This museum building is one of the most astonishing places to visit in Bilbao. Next, head to Puppy, an often recommended art installation, known for its detailed features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao. This picture-perfect museum is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park and Etxebarri Parkea. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

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.

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

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 establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for creative cuisine in the city.

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.

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Villaescusa, Puente Viesgo, and Santillana del Mar, 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 Santander. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Bilbao is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, natural wonders, and breathtaking views! Start at Cabarceno Natural Park, a spectacular safari park that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Cave Of El Castillo, enchanting visitors with its stunning appeal. Continue your exploration at National Museum And Research Center Of Altamira. This museum is one of the city’s most often recommended 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 Cave Of Altamira. After exploring the cave, head to the up-and-coming Museum Of Torture - Inquisicion.

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.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Santander by reserving a table at Cadelo. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern menu. For a different taste experience, head to Umma, recognized for its delicious modern dishes. This Bib Gourmand restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Agua Salada, a local favorite known for its delightful contemporary and traditional cuisine in Santander. Nestled in the heart of the city, this Bib Gourmand awardee is an ideal choice for discerning contemporary and traditional foodies seeking culinary excellence.

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

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

Greet day 4 of your road trip in Spain with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Santander for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Fontibre, Cueto, and Santander.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Santander. Some of the hamlet’s most loved attractions await! Nacimiento Del Rio Ebro is the perfect place to start. This park is one of the most well-known places to visit in Santander. Next, head to Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, an underrated art gallery, known for its instagrammable features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Parque De Mataleñas. This eye-catching park is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Llamas Park and Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Restaurante Agua Salada, an iconic dining spot in Santander. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurante Matices Santander, a popular restaurant in Santander. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of La Enmienda Dieciocho, a hidden gem nestled in Santander. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Little Bobby, known for its lively atmosphere.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing 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 Santander. In the evening, you’ll end up in San Sebastian, where you will stay for 1 night.

Get ready for an exciting day in Santander. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a church, a public square, a market, an art gallery, a boardwalk and much more! Begin your adventure at Catedral De Santander. This is an underrated church you should not miss. Another must-see is Plaza Porticada, an up-and-coming public square in Santander.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Mercado Del Este. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Centro Botin, another of the city’s popular attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Paseo Marítimo De Santander, a visually striking place of interest in the city.

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in San Sebastian by booking a table at Arzak, a 3-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional creative and traditional menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, renowned for its delectable creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Kokotxa, a local gem known for its delightful modern cuisine in San Sebastian. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Spain!

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, San Sebastian, Sukarrieta, and Portugalete. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bilbao, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Whether you decide to explore San Sebastian on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Alderdi Eder Parkea is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this romantic park before continuing your journey. Beach Of La Concha is your next stop. This interesting beach is one of the best-rated sights in San Sebastian.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Peine Del Viento Xv. This visually striking art installation is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Urdaibai Biosferaren Erreserba and Vizcaya Bridge.

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 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Gaztandegi taberna, an iconic dining spot in Bilbao. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Café Bar Bilbao, a popular restaurant in Bilbao. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Laga jatetxea, a hidden gem nestled in Bilbao. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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