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

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain continues on day 2, allowing you to create more unforgettable memories. Today’s travel plan offers you the chance to have a more in-depth understanding of Spain and its people by visiting the offerings and top attractions of Santander and beyond. With 2 nights left in Santander, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at La Maruca. This beloved beach is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Catedral De Santander, one of the village’s best highlights.

Next, check out Plaza Porticada, one of the most frequently visited places to see in Santander. This public square is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Mercado Del Este. Wander around and soak in the standout atmosphere this market offers. Then, head to Centro Botin, a top-rated art gallery that adds another dimension to your day.

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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Cadelo, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Umma is one of the best restaurants for modern cuisine in Santander. This Bib Gourmand-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Agua Salada. As a top-rated establishment with a Bib Gourmand status, it is an ideal choice for contemporary and traditional cuisine in the city.

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.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip 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.

Discover a day packed with fun adventures, scenic views, and picturesque spots in Santander. Begin your sightseeing with Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. This often recommended art gallery is one of the top attractions in the village. Proceed to Playa De Mataleñas, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Santander, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Parque De Mataleñas. This curiosity-inducing park is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Llamas Park, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.

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.

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.

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

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

Day 4 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Spain is another opportunity for an in-depth travel experience in the country. On this refreshing new day, you’ll travel from Elorriaga and continue your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz and the city of Bilbao. You’ll stay in Bilbao for 3 nights.

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 a worthwhile 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 locally renowned attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Cathedral Of Santa María De Vitoria, an inviting place of interest in the hamlet.

In the city of Bilbao, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Spain.

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.

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

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Boss Bilbao, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Stromboli Taberna offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Zuberoa Taberna. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in 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!

Today’s route brings fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. The first attraction of today is Albiako Lorategiak. Continue your discovery at Zubizuri, a culturally significant art installation with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Bilbao, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Furnicular Bottom Station. This up-and-coming tramway offers a gorgeous encounter with Bilbao. Next, make your way to Puppy to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Guggenheim Museum, an extraordinary museum building that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Bilbao.

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!

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.

Savor the flavors at Café Iruña, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Iturriza Taberna beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Antxoa Taberna. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Bilbao tonight.

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

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

Day 6 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!

Today’s itinerary in Bilbao covers several incredible sights, including a tramway, a park, a church, a hiking area and much more! Start your adventure at Artxanda Funicular. This beloved tramway is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the gorgeous wonders of Europa Parkea, a must-see park in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Etxebarri Parkea. This often recommended park offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala, where you can take in romantic features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Pagasarri. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Day 7 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Bilbao. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Santander, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

Today’s route brings fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and romantic experiences. The first attraction of today is Federico Moyúa Enparantza. Continue your discovery at Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao, an instagrammable museum with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Bilbao, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. This interesting park offers a peaceful encounter with Bilbao. Next, make your way to Itsasmuseum Bilbao to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Euskalduna Zubia, a worthwhile point of interest that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Bilbao.

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.

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.

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.

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