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

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

Whatever your travel style is, Catedral De Santander is an essential stop in Santander. This underrated church provides an insightful glimpse into the village's identity. Next, discover Plaza Porticada, a history-steeped public square, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Mercado Del Este, a curiosity-inducing market. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the notable Centro Botin.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Monte, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Santander to Monte may take around 12 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Monte, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is La Maruca. Spend some time admiring the majestic features of the beach before you continue to your next stop.

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

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 Santander.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Santander by booking a table at Cadelo. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining option, venture to Umma, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Agua Salada, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing contemporary and traditional menu. With a Bib Gourmand recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Santander and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Little Bobby, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out.

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

Your relaxed road trip in Spain continues on day 3 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Spain better by exploring the top attractions of Santander and beyond. With 1 night left in Santander, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the underrated Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico and allow yourself time to explore.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cueto. This car ride takes around 12 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor and explore the mesmerizing features. Next, make your way to Playa De Mataleñas, another highlight in Cueto. When you’re done exploring the beach, continue to Parque De Mataleñas, a serene park.

Nearby, you will also find Llamas Park. This up-and-coming park is a top place to see in the area.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, a highly-rated dining destination in Santander. If you're eager to try something different, consider El Sol, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurante Posada Del Mar. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Santander this evening.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Santander. The bars in Santander make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

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

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip in 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!

After soaking in Santander’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Elorriaga. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 51 min. When you arrive in Elorriaga, it's time to take a break from the road.

Salburua is a worthwhile nature reserve we recommend visiting today. Discover its stunning features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Elorriaga, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Vitoria-Gasteiz. This drive usually takes around 15 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Nueva Square. Spend some time admiring the respected features of the public square before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to La Florida. This underrated park is a traveler-favorite in the hamlet.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Plaza Virgen Blanca. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the public square. Next, take your journey to Cathedral Of Santa María De Vitoria, an intriguing church.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Bilbao. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Spain.

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.

Start your culinary exploration in Bilbao by securing a reservation at Mina. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative and seasonal cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Zortziko, celebrated for its delectable contemporary menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Etxanobe Atelier, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

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.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Bilbao as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday 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!

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the beloved Albiako Lorategiak and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Zubizuri, a culturally significant art installation that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Furnicular Bottom Station, one of the city’s most increasingly popular spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the locally appreciated Puppy. When you're finished at the art installation, Guggenheim Museum awaits your visit.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Spain by joining a traveler-approved tour in Santander. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Santander 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.

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 consistently gains 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.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Spain.

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

Artxanda Funicular is must-visit tramway and a great option for a daytime tour of the area. Continue your journey to Europa Parkea, a locally appreciated park, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Etxebarri Parkea, an eye-catching 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 frequently visited Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala. If you’re looking for more, Pagasarri is also a locally appreciated attraction that is worthwhile a visit.

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.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Spain. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Bilbao, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Don’t miss out on dining at Gaztandegi taberna, a top-rated dining destination in Bilbao. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Café Bar Bilbao, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Laga jatetxea. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bilbao this evening.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Bilbao and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Spain. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Spain tomorrow with new energy.

Day 7 of your easy, relaxed road trip through Spain lets you travel at your own pace and visit multiple places in a single day. Begin by exploring the best sights in Bilbao. By evening, drive toward the Santander, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

Federico Moyúa Enparantza leaves a lasting impression. This point of interest is one of the most often recommended places to visit in Bilbao. Next, head to Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao, an underrated museum, known for its instagrammable 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.

You'll be staying in Santander on this laid-back road trip through Spain. You'll stay here for 1 night.

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.

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.

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

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