One-Week Relaxed Spain Road Trip from Santander to Bilbao

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Spain begins when you reach Santander, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Santander is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Paseo Marítimo de Santander. Around 2,078 visitors have rated this fascinating best-rated sightseeing destination and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the 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.

An excellent example is Cadelo Restaurante. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 855 customers.

Restaurante Los Peñucas serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Santander has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,136 reviews.

Bodega del Riojano is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,195 customers, Bodega del Riojano is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Santander looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at La Magnolia, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,129 reviews.

Little Bobby offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Santander. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 920 customers.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Spain! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, you'll explore the best attractions in Santander at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Santander, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous La Maruca. This incredible beach has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,192 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Spain by seeing another popular site in Santander, the wonderful Catedral de Santander. This museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,192 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Plaza Porticada. This square has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,395 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Centro Botin. This art museum is sought after by many travelers from around the world, or more than 111,096 people annually. The popular attraction has received 4.3 out of 5 stars from 14,508 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Spain. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Santander itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Spain extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Santander. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, La Bombi. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,500 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Restaurante Posada Del Mar, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Restaurante Posada Del Mar is rated 4.6 stars out of 5 by 993 customers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Santander and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular La Barruca de Calderón. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,014 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Bar Abel (Chelo y Quique). Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,300 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Spain gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Santander and visit more of its attractions.

Santander has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,037 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Playa de Mataleñas. This city feature got an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from its 1,910 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Santander is the notable Parque de Mataleñas. The popular Parque de Mataleñas is a highlight of many travel packages in Santander. As a matter of fact, this remarkable park has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 2,724 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Santander, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Llamas Park. Take your time exploring this wonderful park and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 4,849 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to the outstanding Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,771 travelers, a trip to the spectacular Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico is something to look forward to in Santander.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Santander by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities 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 below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Restaurante la Mayor is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Santander-based food place has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 921 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, La Chulilla is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. La Chulilla proved an excellent choice for around 850 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another local favorite in Santander is Restaurante Gele, which has an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 779 individuals’ reviews.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Santander, Cantabria Restaurant. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.3 over 5 stars given by 1,226 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Restaurante Matices Santander. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.4 over 5 stars by 609 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Daría may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 409 customers have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Santander and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Spain on a great note!

Day 4 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Bilbao, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Salburua is waiting for you. This protected area has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,863 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Nueva Square. This unique square is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,706 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible La Florida. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,409 visitors, this urban park is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Plaza Virgen Blanca. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,751 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to Cathedral of Santa María de Vitoria. This attraction is a valued catholic cathedral in the area that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,503 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Vitoria-Gasteiz has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Bilbao. In Bilbao, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Spain.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,296 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Gure Kabi jatetxea.

Locals also recommend La Barraca jatetxea as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at La Barraca jatetxea as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 842 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Zurima jatetxea. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 784 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like El Globo taberna. El Globo taberna is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,994 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Mugi taberna. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 986 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Arpiku. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Arpiku is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 571 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Spain!

Day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Spain serves as your introduction to Bilbao. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Spain and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Bilbao, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 6,899 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Carlton. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,018 guests, Carlton is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Bed4U Bilbao offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Bed4U Bilbao is a top-rated budget hotel in Bilbao with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,743 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Bilbao. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Bilbao, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Zubizuri. This footbridge and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Bilbao. The fascinating Zubizuri has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 10,295 travelers.

Bilbao is also home to the captivating Guggenheim Museum, a local museum building and another popular attraction in the city. About 64,815 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.5 out of 5 stars. Each year, up to 530,967 people include this sightseeing spot in their travel plans.

A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you.

Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Bilbao, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Spain.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Spain. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Bilbao, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Bilbao is Nura jatetxea. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 586 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Zarate jatetxea for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Bilbao. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 525 customers.

Another alternative is Ágape jatetxea. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,513 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Bilbao. At Marzana taberna, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 934 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Iñakiren Taberna, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 697 reviews.

Aralar jatetxea is also one of the best places in Bilbao where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 678 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Spain!

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, you'll explore the best attractions in Bilbao at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Bilbao, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Artxanda Funicular. This incredible funicular has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,055 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Spain by seeing another popular site in Bilbao, the wonderful Bilboko Donejakue katedrala. This church is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,055 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Pagasarri. This mountain has received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,085 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Spain. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Bilbao itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Spain extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Bilbao. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Restaurante Pentxo. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,466 customers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Bilbao and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Iturriza Taberna. This vibrant bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 550 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Kirol jatetxea. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 401 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Taberna Basaras. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Taberna Basaras has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 354 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 7 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places 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.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Federiko Moiua enparantza is waiting for you. This must-see tourist destination has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,235 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Doña Casilda Iturrizar park. This unique park is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,643 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Bilbao has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Santander. In Santander, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Spain.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 640 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Restaurante Agua Salada.

Locals also recommend Marisqueria Casa Jose as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Marisqueria Casa Jose as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,213 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like HYGGE COCKTAIL. HYGGE COCKTAIL is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 343 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Vermuteria de vicio. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 279 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Spain!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Spain is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Santander.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Santander once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Spain on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Santander or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at Bodega Fuente Dé. Dining at Bodega Fuente Dé is one of the best food experiences you can have in Santander. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,512 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Santander and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Spain is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.