7-Day Spain Road Trip from San Sebastian to Zaragoza, Bilbao, and Santander and surrounding area

Say hello to San Sebastian! 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 San Sebastian for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!

San Sebastian is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Miramar Palace or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in San Sebastian. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Spain. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian by reserving a table at Arzak. Renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional creative and traditional menu. For a different taste experience, head to Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, recognized for its delicious creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Kokotxa, a local favorite known for its delightful modern cuisine in San Sebastian. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning modern foodies seeking culinary excellence.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Spain!

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore San Sebastian. You’ll stay in San Sebastian for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Aquarium. This aquarium is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 11,413 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Alderdi Eder Parkea. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,442 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Beach of La Concha. This natural feature has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 21,054 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Funicular Monte Igueldo. This park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,567 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Peine del Viento XV. This sculpture is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,281 visitors.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Spain that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else San Sebastian has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. This tour allows curious travelers like you to experience the best of the country. You can make the most of your time in Spain by scrolling down and selecting tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in San Sebastian. 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.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at La Cuchara de San Telmo, a top-rated dining spot in San Sebastian. If you're in the mood for something new, try Narru Restaurant, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Sirimiri Gastroleku. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in San Sebastian.

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

On day 3 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 Pamplona and Olite/Erriberri. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zaragoza, where you will stay for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Pamplona, 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 San Sebastian to Pamplona may take around 1 hour 6 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Pamplona, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make Taconera one of your first sightseeing stops in Pamplona. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,567 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Castle Square is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This square is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,066 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Monumento al Encierro. This statue has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,963 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Citadel of Pamplona. A trip to this popular citadel is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.6 out of 5-star rating as given by 15,829 previous visitors.

Olite/Erriberri’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Pamplona behind. This drive usually takes around 35 min. Olite/Erriberri welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Kick off the day at Royal Palace of Olite, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,713 reviews.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Zaragoza.

Have a memorable dining experience in Zaragoza by booking a table at Gente Rara, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative and contemporary menu. For a different culinary experience, Cancook shines as one of the top destinations known for its delicious creative cuisine in Zaragoza. 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, La Prensa is known as a top local spot for its delicious contemporary cuisine in Zaragoza. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Be A Legend Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Bar El Circo offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Rock & Blues Cafe. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Head back to your accommodation in Zaragoza and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Spain!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Zaragoza and Vitoria-Gasteiz. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bilbao, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

When you're ready to see some sights, Cathedral of the Savior in his Epiphany of Zaragoza is a great place to start. This co-cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,249 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Puente de Piedra. This bridge has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,689 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. The co-cathedral has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 34,215 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Zaragoza, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Vitoria-Gasteiz. Your travel time is around 2 hours 36 min.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Arriagako Donibane Parkea. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,770 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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bilbao. 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.

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 your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Stromboli taberna, known for its lively atmosphere.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Bilbao and Villaescusa, 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 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Federiko Moiua enparantza. This extraordinary point of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,235 visitors.

Next, make your way to Guggenheim Museum. This museum building welcomes around 530,967 visitors yearly and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 64,815 reviews.

While in Bilbao, we also recommend a visit to Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao. This museum has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,312 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Doña Casilda Iturrizar park. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,643 travelers, this park is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Bilbao.

Upon reaching Villaescusa, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make Cabarceno Natural Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 45,839 reviews.

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 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 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.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Kings Pub stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Grog offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. HYGGE COCKTAIL is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Spain!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Santander, Cueto, Portugalete, and Sukarrieta. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in San Sebastian. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Make Centro Botin one of your first sightseeing stops in Santander. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,508 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area. This art museum attracts 111,096 visitors every year.

Set your GPS to Cueto and hit the road. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Cueto beckons with new experiences!

Journey into the unknown at Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,037 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of San Sebastian. San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

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

Relax and reminisce about your day in Spain and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 7 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of San Sebastian before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in Spain, take time to indulge in shopping at San Sebastian’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Spain. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Spain forever.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Cristina Enea parkea. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,457 reviews.

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

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

You’ll then say farewell to San Sebastian. 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!