7-Day Spain Road Trip from Vitoria-Gasteiz to San Sebastian and Bilbao and surrounding area

Your road trip adventure in Spain begins as soon as you reach Vitoria-Gasteiz and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz for 2 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 La Florida or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Vitoria-Gasteiz. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Spain. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Vitoria-Gasteiz. 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.

Start your culinary exploration in Vitoria-Gasteiz by securing a reservation at Zabala. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award, and offers an exceptional menu of contemporary cuisine. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurante-Asador Matxete, a popular restaurant in Vitoria-Gasteiz. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Bar Txiki, a hidden gem nestled in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Soho Vitoria-Cocktail Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Taberna Txustarra, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Aldapa Taberna also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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 Elorriaga. You’ll stay in Elorriaga for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Arriagako Donibane Parkea. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,770 visitors.

Next, make your way to Cathedral of Santa María de Vitoria. This top attraction is a catholic cathedral with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,503 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Plaza Virgen Blanca. This sightseeing destination is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,751 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Nueva Square. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,706 travelers.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

As you explore more of Vitoria-Gasteiz, 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 book a table at Zaldiaran, a popular restaurant in Vitoria-Gasteiz. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Vitoria-Gasteiz at La Escotilla, 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 El Portalón. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Vitoria-Gasteiz tonight.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Spain!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Olite/Erriberri and Pamplona. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in San Sebastian, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Vitoria-Gasteiz, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Olite/Erriberri may take around 1 hour 36 min. Upon your arrival in Olite/Erriberri, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make Royal Palace of Olite one of your first sightseeing stops in Olite/Erriberri. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,713 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Pamplona’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Olite/Erriberri behind. This drive usually takes around 37 min. Pamplona welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Castle Square. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,066 reviews.

Continue your journey at Citadel of Pamplona. This citadel is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,829 travelers from near and far.

Pamplona is also the home of Parque Antoniutti. This urban park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,204 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Taconera. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,567 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to San Sebastian, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Arzak, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative and traditional menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Amelia by Paulo Airaudo is one of the best restaurants for creative cuisine in San Sebastian. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Kokotxa. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice for modern cuisine in the city.

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

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

On day 4 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 San Sebastian, Sukarrieta, and Portugalete. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bilbao, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Take the opportunity to see Alderdi Eder Parkea. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,442 visitors.

Beach of La Concha is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This natural feature has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,054 travelers.

San Sebastian is also the home of Peine del Viento XV. Around 11,281 people have rated this sculpture an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Set your GPS to Sukarrieta and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 21 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Sukarrieta beckons with new experiences!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,342 visitors.

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

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

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Bilbao by reserving a table at Mina. Renowned for its , 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.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Stromboli taberna, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!

Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Bilbao for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Doña Casilda Iturrizar park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,643 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao. This museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,312 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Guggenheim Museum. This museum building has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 64,815 visitors. Up to 530,967 people visit this place of interest annually.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Federiko Moiua enparantza. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,235 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Zubizuri. This footbridge is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 10,295 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

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.

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

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 6 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Santander, Cueto, 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Santander, 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 Bilbao to Santander may take around 1 hour 11 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Santander, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Kick off the day at Centro Botin, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. Attracting approximately 111,096 visits every year, this attraction is a must-see. This art museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 14,508 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Mercado del Este. Mercado del Este is a sightseeing destination with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 7,680 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Cueto, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in Cueto, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Take the opportunity to see Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,037 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Vitoria-Gasteiz, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you explore more of Vitoria-Gasteiz, 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Tximiso Taberna, a highly-rated dining destination in Vitoria-Gasteiz. If you're eager to try something different, consider Erdizka bar&grill, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at La Malquerida. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz this evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Spain!

Day 7 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz’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.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Vitoria-Gasteiz. 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!