7-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Vitoria-Gasteiz traveling north to Santander and San Sebastian

On day 2 of your road trip in Spain, you’ll start and end your day in Vitoria-Gasteiz, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Vitoria-Gasteiz for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Elorriaga, Arriaga, and Vitoria-Gasteiz to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Vitoria-Gasteiz, including a church and a public square. Start your adventure at Cathedral Of Santa María De Vitoria. This intriguing church is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Plaza Virgen Blanca located in Vitoria-Gasteiz for an enchanting atmosphere.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Nueva Square. Its heritage-rich features will captivate you.

Set your GPS to Elorriaga and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 9 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Elorriaga beckons with new experiences!

Take your self-guided tour to Salburua, a curiosity-inducing nature reserve that everyone visiting Elorriaga should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Elorriaga and set your GPS to Arriaga. 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 4 min. Upon reaching Arriaga, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your self-guided tour starts at Arriagako Donibane Parkea, an intriguing park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.

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

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Zabala, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible contemporary menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Bar Txiki is another top choice with a popular menu.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Spain!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Burgos Province 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 2 nights.

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 Burgos Province may take around 1 hour 25 min. Upon your arrival in Burgos Province, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make your way to Arco De Santa María, an underrated monument that draws attention for its respected features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Burgos Cathedral, an UNESCO world heritage-listed church that stands out in the city. Next, visit Mirador Del Castillo, an often recommended observation deck that offers a unique experience.

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

Cabarceno Natural Park is a top-rated safari park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its visually striking features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Santander. Check in and spend some time relaxing 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 an authentic adventure.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Santander by securing a table at Cadelo. An esteemed 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.

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

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

Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip in Spain. With 1 night left in Santander, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Today’s itinerary in Santander covers several incredible sights, including an art gallery, a market, and a maritime museum. Start your adventure at Centro Botin. This well-known art gallery is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the eye-catching wonders of Mercado Del Este, a must-see market in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico. This increasingly popular maritime museum offers an enriching experience.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Cerrazo. This drive usually takes around 41 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Take your self-guided tour to Villapresente's Labyrinth, an interesting maze that everyone visiting Cerrazo should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

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

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.

Dine in style at Restaurante Agua Salada, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Restaurante Matices Santander boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out La Enmienda Dieciocho. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Santander.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Little Bobby, a prime location for a drink.

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

On day 5 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 Bilbao and Portugalete. In the evening, you’ll end up in San Sebastian, where you will stay for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Bilbao today.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Set your GPS to Bilbao and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 16 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bilbao beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Zubizuri. Spend some time admiring the remarkable features of the art installation before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Guggenheim Museum. This widely recognized museum building is a traveler-favorite in the city. Not far away, you’ll also find Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the park. Next, continue your journey to Federico Moyúa Enparantza, an intriguing sightseeing destination.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bilbao, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Portugalete may take around 23 min. Upon your arrival in Portugalete, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your journey at Vizcaya Bridge and explore the picture-perfect features.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in San Sebastian. San Sebastian offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. 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 San Sebastian. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in San Sebastian by reserving a table at Arzak. Renowned for its 3-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of creative and traditional cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, renowned for its delectable creative dishes. This distinguished 2-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Kokotxa, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite modern 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 San Sebastian.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Txiki Taberna Donosti, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Taberna Barun is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Gorriti Taberna also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

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 2 vibrant destinations - San Sebastian and Pamplona. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Vitoria-Gasteiz. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in San Sebastian allows for both. Start by heading to Alderdi Eder Parkea. This well-known park provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Beach Of La Concha, a peaceful beach, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Peine Del Viento Xv, a well-known art installation.

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.

Your self-guided tour starts at Citadel Of Pamplona, an interesting historical landmark that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Castle Square and admire its instagrammable features.

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 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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at La Escotilla, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Cafetería El Pregón offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, El Corte Inglés is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Spain!