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.

Today's adventure in Santander promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at La Maruca. This mesmerizing beach is a highlight of any visit in the village. Then, enjoy Catedral De Santander, another historic attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Plaza Porticada, one of the village’s most worthwhile attractions, known for its instagrammable features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Mercado Del Este. This visually striking market is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Centro Botin, an interesting art gallery, and take a stroll around the area.

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

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 memorable dining experience in Santander by booking a table at Cadelo, renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant presenting an exceptional modern menu. For a different culinary experience in Santander, Umma shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern cuisine. This Bib Gourmand-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Agua Salada is known as a top local spot for its delicious contemporary and traditional cuisine in Santander. This Bib Gourmand awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

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

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

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

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Santander, including an art gallery, a beach, a park, a maritime museum and much more! Start your adventure at Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. This beloved art gallery is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Playa De Mataleñas located in Santander for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Parque De Mataleñas. Its serene features will captivate you. After the park, continue your tour of the village with a visit to Llamas Park. Visitors usually appreciate the visually striking features of this park. Next up is Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico, a highly recommended maritime museum.

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

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.

Dine in style at Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, El Sol boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Restaurante Posada Del Mar. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Santander.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Santander.

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

On day 4 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Spain. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Spain.

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 intriguing nature reserve you should not miss. Another must-see is Nueva Square, a frequently visited 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 well-known attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Cathedral Of Santa María De Vitoria, a culturally significant 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.

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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Mina, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative and seasonal menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Zortziko is one of the best restaurants for contemporary cuisine in Bilbao. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Etxanobe Atelier. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for creative cuisine in the city.

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

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Boss Bilbao, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Stromboli Taberna provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Zuberoa Taberna offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Day 5 of your relaxed road trip through Spain means 24 hours of making the best memories in Bilbao. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Bilbao. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Bilbao!

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Bilbao allows for both. Start by heading to Albiako Lorategiak. This frequently visited park provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Zubizuri, a culturally significant art installation, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Furnicular Bottom Station, an increasingly popular tramway. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the worthwhile Puppy.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Spain more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Bilbao offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

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.

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.

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

On day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Spain, you’ll go deep into Bilbao, where you'll stay for 1 night, 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!

Today’s agenda in Bilbao includes a tramway, a park, a church, a hiking area and much more! Artxanda Funicular is must-visit tramway and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Europa Parkea, a worthwhile park, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Etxebarri Parkea, a mesmerizing park, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Bilbao. When you're ready, let your sightseeing route take you to the worthwhile Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala. If you’re looking for more, Pagasarri is also an underrated attraction that is worthwhile a visit.

Spain makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Spain also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Spain, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Bilbao.

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.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Bilbao.

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

Day 7 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!

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Bilbao. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Federico Moyúa Enparantza is the perfect place to start. This point of interest is one of the most curiosity-inducing places to visit in Bilbao. Next, head to Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao, a curiosity-inducing museum, known for its eye-catching features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. This romantic park is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Itsasmuseum Bilbao and Euskalduna Zubia. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Santander. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

Exploring the food culture in Santander 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.

Dine in style at Cadelo Restaurante, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Cervecería Kiss boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Bar La Cátedra Tapas y Vinos. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Santander.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Santander’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Spain.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!