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

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Santander, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Santander and Cueto.

No visit to Santander is complete without Palacio De La Magdalena. This notable palace is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Plaza De Pombo, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Santander, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Centro Botin. This captivating art gallery is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Santander, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Cueto. This drive usually takes around 8 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Segunda Playa De El Sardinero and explore the eye-catching features. Next, make your way to Llamas Park, another highlight in Cueto.

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

Santander is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Santander.

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

Continue your lively evening at Little Bobby, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Spain!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are Bilbao. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bilbao, where will spend 2 nights.

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 Bilbao. Your travel time is around 1 hour 12 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. Spend some time admiring the serene features of the park before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao. This often recommended museum is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Guggenheim Museum. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the museum building. Next, take your journey to Puppy, a beloved art installation. Conclude your sightseeing at Zubizuri, known for its romantic features.

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.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bilbao. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Dine in style at La Viña del Ensanche, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Marinela jatetxea boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out San Mamés Jatetxea · Restaurante en San Mamés. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bilbao.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Boss Bilbao, known for its lively atmosphere. Stromboli Taberna is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Zuberoa Taberna offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 4 of your road trip in Spain, you’ll start and end your day in Bilbao, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Bilbao, there’s no need to rush. Experience Portugalete, Getxo, and Bilbao to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Catch Artxanda Funicular before the crowds roll in. This enchanting tramway is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the gorgeous features of Etxebarri Parkea, a must-visit park in the town.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala, a locally appreciated church.

When you’ve had your share of Bilbao, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Portugalete. Your travel time is around 24 min.

Vizcaya Bridge is an interesting monument we recommend visiting today. Discover its awe-inspiring features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Set your GPS to Getxo and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 21 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Getxo beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Playa De Ereaga, an intriguing beach in Getxo. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Puerto Viejo. This often recommended point of interest is a top recommendation in the area.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bilbao. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Café Iruña, a top-rated dining spot in Bilbao. If you're in the mood for something new, try Iturriza Taberna, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Antxoa Taberna. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bilbao.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!

On day 5 of your road trip in Spain, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. San Sebastian are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in San Sebastian, where you will stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in San Sebastian. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 13 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Funicular Monte Igueldo, a well-known heritage railway in San Sebastian. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Beach Of La Concha. This well-known beach is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Alderdi Eder Parkea is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most eye-catching park in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the locally appreciated San Telmo Museum and discover what makes this museum unique.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to 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.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of San Sebastian's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Polka San Sebastián, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? ALABAMA CAFÉ slow Food - Healthy Food offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Bar Antonio. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in San Sebastian.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Txiki Taberna Donosti offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Taberna Barun is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Gorriti Taberna is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in Spain includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Laguardia, Briones, and Haro. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Santander, where you'll spend 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Laguardia. This car ride takes around 1 hour 58 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Laguardia is Bodega El Fabulista, an underrated wine cellar that draws attention for its picture-perfect features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Church Of Santa María De Los Reyes, a culturally significant church that stands out in the town.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Briones. This drive usually takes around 23 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the day by heading to Winery - Vivanco Museum Of Wine Culture, a curiosity-inducing museum that draws visitors from near and far.

Set your GPS to Haro and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 8 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Haro beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to Puente De Briñas, a worthwhile monument in Haro. Explore its majestic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Santander. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Santander's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try El Sol? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restaurante Posada Del Mar as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Santander.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Spain.