Relaxed 7-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from San Sebastian to Santander

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip through Spain means 24 hours of making the best memories in San Sebastian. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian!

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in San Sebastian, including an aquarium, a park, a beach, a public square, an art installation and much more! Start your day with a visit to Aquarium. This popular aquarium is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Alderdi Eder Parkea, which may be one of the most mesmerizing places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring San Sebastian 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 Beach Of La Concha, one of the city’s most well-known beach. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Gipuzkoa Plaza and Peine Del Viento Xv.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Spain more special is by joining unique tours and activities. San Sebastian offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

Exploring the food culture in San Sebastian 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.

Discover the culinary delights of San Sebastian by securing a reservation at Arzak. Esteemed for its 3-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of creative and traditional cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, renowned for its delicious creative dishes. This esteemed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Kokotxa, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering modern menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Experience the amazing nightlife in San Sebastian and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!

On day 3 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Spain. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Spain.

Set out on a day brimming with a charming, a gorgeous, an eye-catching, and a historically significant. Start at the notable Funicular Monte Igueldo, a history-steeped heritage railway in San Sebastian.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Sukarrieta. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 18 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Head to Urdaibai Biosferaren Erreserba, a popular nature reserve in Sukarrieta. Explore its serene features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Sukarrieta and set your GPS to Getxo. 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 49 min. Upon reaching Getxo, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Take your self-guided tour to Puerto Viejo, an underrated sightseeing destination that everyone visiting Getxo should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Santander. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in Spain by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Santander, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Cadelo, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Umma is one of the best restaurants for modern cuisine in Santander. This Bib Gourmand-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Agua Salada. As a top-rated establishment with a Bib Gourmand status, it is an ideal choice for contemporary and traditional cuisine in the city.

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.

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 San Sebastian can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Spain!

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain continues on day 4, allowing you to create more unforgettable memories. Today’s travel plan offers you the chance to have a more in-depth understanding of Spain and its people by visiting the offerings and top attractions of Santander and beyond. With 2 nights left in Santander, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Villaescusa allows for both.

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

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Cabarceno Natural Park. Spend some time admiring the stunning features of the safari park before you continue to your next stop.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Villaescusa, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Cerrazo. This drive usually takes around 25 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make your way to Villapresente's Labyrinth, an interesting maze that draws attention for its eye-catching features.

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 Cerrazo to Santillana del Mar may take around 5 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Santillana del Mar, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to National Museum And Research Center Of Altamira, a frequently visited museum that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Cave Of Altamira, where you can soak in the picture-perfect surroundings.

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

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

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

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Santander. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

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

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Santander and visit amazing attractions in Cueto and Santander destinations, just outside of the city. You still have 1 night left in Santander. This means today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Santander, featuring a gorgeous, a photogenic, a standout, and a noteworthy. Start at Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico, a worthwhile maritime museum in the village. Then, head to Centro Botin and soak in the ambiance of this noteworthy art gallery.

There are many interesting places to see in Santander and when you are ready for more, go to Mercado Del Este. This is one of the village’s most intriguing spots. After exploring the market, visit the locally appreciated Plaza Porticada.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cueto. This car ride takes around 6 min.

Begin your journey at Llamas Park and explore the picturesque features.

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

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.

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.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Spain.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Santander!

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Spain promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the city of Bilbao and drive in the direction of the city of San Sebastian for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of San Sebastian, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Santander and set your GPS to Bilbao. 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 1 hour 12 min. Upon reaching Bilbao, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Take your self-guided tour to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, a well-known park that everyone visiting Bilbao should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao. This eye-catching museum is one of the most underrated attractions in the region. Puppy is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this worthwhile art installation before you continue your journey.

In the city of San Sebastian, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Spain.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Make sure to book a table at Bar Bixigarri, a popular restaurant in San Sebastian. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of San Sebastian at SSua Arde Donostia, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Danena. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to San Sebastian tonight.

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

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Spain!