One-Week Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from San Sebastian to Bilbao and Santander

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Photo of panoramic aerial view of San Sebastian (Donostia) in a beautiful summer day, Spain.
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Description

Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 8-day road trip in Spain! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Cueto, and Gijon.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Spain. You will spend 3 nights in San Sebastian, 2 nights in Bilbao, and 2 nights in Santander. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Spain. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in San Sebastian, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Spain on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Spain. Guggenheim Museum and Palacio De La Magdalena are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Cueto, and Gijon, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Spain. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Spain.

Throughout your road trip in Spain, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Spain.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Spain fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Spain today!

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Flights

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Donostia / San Sebastián - Arrival day
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  • Gros
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Your road trip adventure in Spain begins as soon as you reach San Sebastian and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 2 nights and explore what to see in San Sebastian, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

San Sebastian is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in San Sebastian. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in San Sebastian, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Spain!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Donostia / San Sebastián
  • More

Drive 10 km, 1 hour 19 min

  • San Telmo Museoa
  • Beach of La Concha
  • Miramar Palace
  • Funicular Monte Igueldo
  • Peine del Viento XV
  • Parte Vieja
  • More

You’ll stay in San Sebastian for 1 night.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Spain. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

For an unforgettable shopping experience, visit San Martin Shopping Centre, the top shopping destination in San Sebastian. Browse local shops and stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what San Martin Shopping Centre has to offer, including attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

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

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.

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Donostia / San Sebastián
  • Bilbao
  • More

Drive 101 km, 1 hour 57 min

  • Bilboko Donejakue katedrala
  • Parque Etxebarria
  • Zubizuri
  • Albiako Lorategiak
  • Federiko Moiua enparantza
  • More

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Bilbao, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Bilbao
  • More

Drive 2 km, 30 min

  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Puppy
  • Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
  • Doña Casilda Iturrizar park
  • More

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Spain. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Bilbao, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Spain.

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Bilbao
  • Santander
  • More

Drive 101 km, 1 hour 29 min

  • Botin Centre
  • Paseo Marítimo de Santander
  • Plaza Pombo
  • Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria
  • Plaza Porticada
  • More

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. Santander are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Santander, where you will stay for 2 nights.

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.

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.

Head back to your accommodation in Santander and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Spain.

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Santander
  • More

Drive 14 km, 55 min

  • Palacio de la Magdalena
  • Segunda Playa del Sardinero
  • Parque de Mataleñas
  • Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
  • More

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Santander, where you have 1 night left to stay.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Santander, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Santander
  • Donostia / San Sebastián
  • More

Drive 540 km, 6 hours 3 min

  • Evaristo Valle Foundation Museum
  • San Lorenzo Beach
  • Elogio del horizonte
  • More

Your itinerary for day 7 of your road trip in Spain includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Gijon. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in San Sebastian, where you'll spend 1 night.

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

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Spain.

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Donostia / San Sebastián - Departure day
  • More
  • Gipuzkoa Plaza
  • More

Day 8 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Browse through boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces to take home.

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!

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How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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