One-Week Relaxed Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Santander to Bilbao

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Santander and visit amazing attractions in Monte and Santander destinations, just outside of the city. You still have 2 nights left in Santander. This means today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Start by visiting La Maruca, a prime spot to begin your journey. This awe-inspiring beach is sure to impress. Next on your list is Catedral De Santander, another must-visit landmark and frequently visited church renowned for its picture-perfect features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Santander by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Plaza Porticada. This heritage-rich public square is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Santander experience. We also recommend visiting Mercado Del Este, an underrated market. Nearby, you'll also find Centro Botin, ready to add charm to your journey.

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

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Santander, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Start your culinary exploration in Santander by securing a reservation at Cadelo. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Umma, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Agua Salada, a top local spot known for its tantalizing contemporary and traditional menu. With a Bib Gourmand recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Santander.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Little Bobby, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Spain.

On day 3 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, you’ll explore the area around Santander, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Santander will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Spain.

Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots in the charming village of Santander. Your adventure starts at Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, a worthwhile local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Playa De Mataleñas. This often recommended beach is known for its stunning appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Santander's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Parque De Mataleñas. This eye-catching park offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Llamas Park is also worth visiting, along with Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.

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

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Santander has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, El Sol offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Restaurante Posada Del Mar is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Santander.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Spain!

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Spain will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Spain, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

Get ready for an exciting day in Santander. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a nature reserve, a public square, a park, a church and much more! Begin your adventure at Salburua. This is an increasingly popular nature reserve you should not miss. Another must-see is Nueva Square, a beloved public square in Santander.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to La Florida. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Plaza Virgen Blanca, another of the hamlet’s popular attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Cathedral Of Santa María De Vitoria, an instagrammable place of interest in the hamlet.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Bilbao in this laid-back road trip in Spain. You'll stay here for 3 nights.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Bilbao, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Mina, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional creative and seasonal menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Zortziko, known for its delicious contemporary cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Bilbao is Etxanobe Atelier, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition and a delicious creative menu.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Spain.

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

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Spain.

On day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Spain, you’ll go deep into Bilbao, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Bilbao, and meet locals along the way!

Immerse yourself in Bilbao’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Albiako Lorategiak. Next, dive into the detailed features of Zubizuri, a must-visit art installation in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Furnicular Bottom Station, a frequently visited tramway. For a change of scene, check out Puppy, known for its eye-catching features. We also recommend visiting Guggenheim Museum. This museum building is a must for anyone looking to experience the city to the fullest.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Spain. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Spain and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Bilbao has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Café Iruña, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Iturriza Taberna is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Antxoa Taberna. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Bilbao tonight.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Bilbao and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Bilbao can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Spain!

Day 6 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Bilbao, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Spain are extraordinary.

Get ready for an exciting day in Bilbao. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a tramway, a park, a church, a hiking area and much more! Begin your adventure at Artxanda Funicular. This is a locally appreciated tramway you should not miss. Another must-see is Europa Parkea, a curiosity-inducing park in Bilbao.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Etxebarri Parkea. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala, another of the city’s locally appreciated attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Pagasarri, a stunning place of interest in the city.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Spain by joining a traveler-approved tour in Bilbao. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Bilbao that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Spain more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Bilbao to find the best options for you!

Exploring the food culture in Bilbao offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

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

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Bilbao. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!

Day 7 of your self-drive tour in Spain is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll stay in Santander for 1 night. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Spain.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Bilbao today. One of the most often recommended attractions included on the itinerary is Federico Moyúa Enparantza. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao and learn what makes this picture-perfect museum unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the popular Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. After exploring the park, head to Itsasmuseum Bilbao. This often recommended maritime museum is a highlight in Bilbao.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Santander. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in Spain by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Make sure to reserve a table at Cadelo Restaurante, an iconic dining spot in Santander. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Cervecería Kiss, a popular restaurant in Santander. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Bar La Cátedra Tapas y Vinos, a hidden gem nestled in Santander. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Spain!