One-Week Spain Road Trip from Santiago De Compostela traveling south to Leon, Madrid, Merida, and Zamora

Say hello to Santiago De Compostela! Your exciting road trip through Spain is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Santiago De Compostela for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Santiago De Compostela is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Parque da Alameda or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Santiago De Compostela. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Santiago De Compostela. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Begin your culinary exploration in Santiago De Compostela by securing a reservation at Asador Gonzaba. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award, and offers an exceptional menu of meats and grills cuisine. For another dining delight, visit A Tafona, 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 Casa Marcelo, a top local spot known for its tantalizing fusion menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Pepa A Loba stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Casa das Crechas (Santiago de Compostela) offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bar O´46 is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Spain!

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Santiago De Compostela. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Leon, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you're ready to see some sights, Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a great place to start. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 71,359 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Praza da Quintana de Vivos. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,255 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Parque de San Domingos de Bonaval. The park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,719 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Cidade da Cultura de Galicia. This point of interest is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 9,542 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Leon, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Leon. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Becook in Leon by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, Becook delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious fusion and modern cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Pablo, acclaimed for its delectable modern specialties. This local 1-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at ConMimo, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated Bib Gourmand-establishment, it's a top choice for international cuisine in the city.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Bar Chelsea after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Café Bar Silver for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Spain.

On day 3 of your road trip in Spain, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Salamanca. In the evening, you’ll end up in Madrid, where you will stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Salamanca and set your GPS to Madrid. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 8 min. Upon reaching Madrid, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Torre del Clavero. Previous visitors have rated this building an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 191 reviews.

Roman bridge of Salamanca is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This bridge is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,869 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Monumento al Lazarillo de Tormes. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 331 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Madrid, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Madrid.

Start your culinary exploration in Madrid by securing a reservation at DiverXO. This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of creative cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Smoked Room, celebrated for its delectable contemporary menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Paco Roncero, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Cafe Madrid offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. 1862 Dry Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Say good night to Madrid and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Spain!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore Madrid, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Merida. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Main Square. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 152,388 visitors.

Museo del Prado is another popular attraction you could visit today. This art museum has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 98,929 visitors. Museo del Prado attracts up to 3,497,345 visitors every year.

El Retiro Park is also highly recommended by travelers. This urban park has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 162,386 visitors.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This association football venue is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 120,158 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Merida. Merida offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Merida's best restaurants.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurante Chamorro, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, A de Arco is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Bar Volterra. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Merida tonight.

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

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Spain!

Wake up to day 5 of your extraordinary road trip in Spain. With 1 night left in Merida, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Badajoz, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Merida to Badajoz may take around 47 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Badajoz, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Castelar Park. This urban park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,160 reviews.

Continue your journey at Door of Palmas. This city gate is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,269 travelers from near and far.

Badajoz is also the home of Alcazaba of Badajoz. This alcazaba has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,857 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Parque de La Legión. Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 993 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Orellana la Vieja, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Badajoz to Orellana la Vieja may take around 1 hour 37 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Orellana la Vieja, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Drop by the renowned Orellana Beach. This popular sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,289 visitors.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Merida. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to book a table at Restaurante Rainha do Mar, Restaurante y Marisquería, a popular restaurant in Merida. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Merida at Los Segovianos, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Restaurante La Tahona. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Merida tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Cervecería Bremen offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bar Nevado is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting.

Head back to your accommodation in Merida and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Spain!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Merida. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Zamora, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Roman Circus of Mérida. This extraordinary sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 9,532 visitors.

Next, make your way to Roman Theatre of Emerita Augusta. This roman theatre is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 37,382 reviews.

While in Merida, we also recommend a visit to Temple of Diana. This roman temple has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,292 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Archaeological area of Morería. With an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,698 travelers, this point of interest is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Merida.

Make your way to Acueducto de los Milagros, perhaps the most famous aqueduct in Merida. This attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,410 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Zamora, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

As you explore more of Zamora, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Discover the culinary delights of Zamora by securing a reservation at Cuzeo. Esteemed for its a Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of regional and contemporary cuisine.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Spain!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Ourense. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Santiago De Compostela. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Ourense, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Zamora to Ourense may take around 2 hours 54 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Ourense, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to As Burgas. This extraordinary fountain is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,636 visitors.

Next, make your way to Ponte Vella. This top attraction is a footbridge with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,511 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Termas Outariz e Canedo. This spa is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,572 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Caldas de Outariz (Hot Springs). This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,884 travelers.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Santiago De Compostela, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Santiago De Compostela's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Los Caracoles Restaurante, a highly-rated dining destination in Santiago De Compostela. If you're eager to try something different, consider Bresca, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Casa de Xantar O Dezaseis. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Santiago De Compostela this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Fuco Lois, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Pub Momo, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Pub Modus Vivendi likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Spain!

Day 8 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Santiago De Compostela before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As you approach the end of your journey in Spain, take a moment for some retail therapy in Santiago De Compostela’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Spain, a variety of items are waiting for you. Hold onto the magic of Spain with these wonderful souvenirs, ensuring your memories never fade.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Praza de Galicia. This park is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 9,953 visitors.

Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Santiago De Compostela.

If you're eager to try something different, consider A Noiesa ~ Casa De Comidas (Santiago de Compostela), another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Santiago De Compostela. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Spain!