One-Week Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bilbao traveling west to Santander and Oviedo

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

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Whether you decide to explore Bilbao on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Artxanda Funicular is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this stunning tramway before continuing your journey. Guggenheim Museum is your next stop. This astonishing museum building is one of the best-rated sights in Bilbao.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Puppy. This detailed art installation is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao and Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Spain is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Bilbao by booking a table at Mina. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative and seasonal cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Zortziko, celebrated for its delectable contemporary menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Etxanobe Atelier, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing creative menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

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

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Bilbao. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Santander, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Bilbao, including an art installation, a tramway, a church, a park and much more! Start your day at Zubizuri. This enchanting art installation is a popular place to see in Bilbao. Then, wander over to Furnicular Bottom Station. If eye-catching sites excite you, this tramway will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala. This romantic church is a favorite among visitors.

Bilbao offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Etxebarri Parkea is a frequently visited spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the park, don’t forget to check out the eye-catching Europa Parkea. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this increasingly popular park in Bilbao.

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

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

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Santander by reserving a table at Cadelo. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Umma, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This distinguished Bib Gourmand-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Agua Salada, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite contemporary and traditional menu. With a Bib Gourmand 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 Santander.

Continue your lively evening at Kings Pub, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Grog is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Hygge Cocktail ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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 5 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Gijon, 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 Oviedo. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Gijon. This car ride takes around 1 hour 47 min.

Begin your journey at Universidad Laboral De Gijón and explore the culturally significant features. Next, make your way to San Lorenzo Beach, another highlight in the city. When you’re done exploring the beach, continue to La Escalerona, a picture-perfect monument. Nearby, you will also find Begoña Park. This curiosity-inducing park is a top place to see in the area. Lastly, head to Elogio Del Horizonte, a visually striking art installation that is perfect for some final exploring in the city.

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 Oviedo. Oviedo 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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Oviedo's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurante Doña Concha, a top-rated dining destination in Oviedo. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Quemedás, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at La Oveja Negra. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Oviedo this evening.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Bar Astur, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Bar Bodegón, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Baam provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

On day 6 of your road trip in Spain, you’ll start and end your day in Oviedo, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Oviedo for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Oviedo and La Peña'l Fuelle to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in the charming city of Oviedo. Your adventure starts at Parque De Invierno, a curiosity-inducing local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Plaza Del Fontán. This intriguing public square is known for its romantic appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Oviedo's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to El Fontán Market. This visually striking market offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Mafalda Statue is also worth visiting.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Oviedo, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to La Peña'l Fuelle may take around 10 min. Upon your arrival in La Peña'l Fuelle, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Santa María Del Naranjo is a locally appreciated church we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its breathtaking features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Restaurante La Tagliatella | Oviedo / Uviéu, an iconic dining spot in Oviedo. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Restaurante Al Baile La Temprana, a popular restaurant in Oviedo. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Mesón El Viso, a hidden gem nestled in Oviedo. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Café Bar Ego after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Mala Saña for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Bar Cubia is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Say good night to Oviedo and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Spain!

On day 7 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 Colunga, Villaescusa, and Castro-Urdiales. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bilbao, where you will stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Villaescusa. This car ride takes around 1 hour 26 min.

Begin your journey at Cabarceno Natural Park and explore the awe-inspiring features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Castro-Urdiales. This car ride takes around 43 min.

Begin your journey at Playa Ostende / Urdiales and explore the romantic features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bilbao. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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 Gaztandegi taberna, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Café Bar Bilbao boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Laga jatetxea. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bilbao.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!