Relaxed 7-Day Spain Road Trip Starting from Bilbao to Santander

Your relaxed road trip through Spain starts when you reach the incredible city of Bilbao, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Bilbao and begin your adventure in Spain.

Journey into the unknown at Federiko Moiua enparantza, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,235 reviews.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Bilbao. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Bilbao.

Enjoy a delicious meal at La Viña del Ensanche, a top-rated dining destination in Bilbao. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Café Iruña, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Iturriza Taberna. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bilbao this evening.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Bilbao.

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

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Spain. Enjoy your first taste of Bilbao as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip through Spain means 24 hours of making the best memories in Bilbao. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Bilbao. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Bilbao!

Journey into the unknown at Zubizuri, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable footbridge has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 10,295 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Puppy is a recommended place to visit. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,913 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Bilbao is Guggenheim Museum. This spectacular museum building gets over 530,967 visitors every year. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 64,815 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Bilbao offers an experience you will remember.

Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Bilbao. This museum promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,312 reviews.

Lastly, don't miss out on Doña Casilda Iturrizar park. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,643 local and international travelers, it's a popular place to visit.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Spain. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Spain and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Spain, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Bilbao.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Bilbao by reserving a table at Mina. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of creative, and seasonal cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Zortziko, renowned for its delectable contemporary 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 Etxanobe Atelier, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite creative 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 Bilbao.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Bilbao.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!

On day 3 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Bilbao and visit amazing attractions in Bilbao, Getxo, Portugalete, and Sukarrieta destinations, just outside of the city. You still have 1 night left in Bilbao. This means today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Bilboko Donejakue katedrala. This church is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,802 visitors.

When you’re finished at Bilboko Donejakue katedrala, head to Etxebarria parkea. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 9,229 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bilbao, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Getxo. This drive usually takes around 18 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Puerto Viejo. This sightseeing destination is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Getxo, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,111 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Portugalete. This car ride takes around 25 min.

Kick off the day at Vizcaya Bridge, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This suspension bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 28,202 reviews.

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

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Spain. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Bilbao, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Spain.

Day 4 of your self-drive tour in Spain is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll start your day in the city of Villaescusa and end it in the city of Santander. You’ll stay in Santander for 2 nights. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Spain.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Villaescusa. This car ride takes around 1 hour 10 min.

Make Cabarceno Natural Park one of your first sightseeing stops in Villaescusa. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 45,839 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Set your GPS to Fontibre and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 52 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Fontibre beckons with new experiences!

Take the opportunity to see Nacimiento del Rio Ebro. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,575 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Santillana del Mar, 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 Fontibre to Santillana del Mar may take around 47 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Santillana del Mar, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to National Museum and Research Center of Altamira. This extraordinary museum is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,249 visitors.

Next, make your way to Cave of Altamira. This top attraction is a cave with prehistoric art with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 13,460 visitors.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Santander. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Santander has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Begin your culinary exploration in Santander by securing a reservation at Cadelo. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Umma, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Agua Salada, a top local spot known for its tantalizing contemporary, and traditional menu. With a Bib Gourmand recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Santander. The bars in Santander make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Keep the evening going at Kings Pub, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Grog, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is HYGGE COCKTAIL, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Villaescusa can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Spain!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, you’ll explore the area around Cueto, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Cueto will make you fall even more in love with the village and uniqueness of Spain.

When you're ready to see some sights, Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico is a great place to start. This maritime museum is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,771 visitors.

After soaking in Santander’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Cueto. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 12 min. When you arrive in Cueto, it's time to take a break from the road.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,037 reviews.

Continue your journey at Playa de Mataleñas. This beach is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,910 travelers from near and far.

Cueto is also the home of Parque de Mataleñas. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,724 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Llamas Park. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,849 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

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

Exploring the food culture in Santander offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Make sure to reserve a table at El Sol, 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 Posada Del Mar, 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 Cadelo Restaurante, 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 dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Little Bobby stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!

Day 6 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Santander. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Bilbao, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Plaza Porticada. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 5,395 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Mercado del Este. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 7,680 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Centro Botin. This art museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 14,508 visitors. Up to 111,096 people visit this place of interest annually.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Santander and set your GPS to Cerrazo. 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 27 min. Upon reaching Cerrazo, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Laberinto De Villapresente. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,994 reviews.

Set your GPS to Rionansa and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 39 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Rionansa beckons with new experiences!

Drop by the renowned Cueva El Soplao. This popular sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,913 visitors.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Spain at Bilbao. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Spain, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Bilbao.

Make sure to reserve a table at Mugi 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 Cerveceria Baskian, 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 Gure Kabi 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.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Bilbao.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Spain!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Spain is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Bilbao.

Make the most of your final day in Spain by visiting Bilbao’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Spain.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Bilbao is the remarkable Europa parkea. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,593 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Bilbao or just grab something light to keep you going.

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Zurima jatetxea, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Bilbao and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Spain is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.