One-Week Relaxed Spain Road Trip from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Madrid

Your relaxed road trip through Spain starts when you reach the incredible city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Vitoria-Gasteiz and begin your adventure in Spain.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to La Florida. This extraordinary urban park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,409 visitors.

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

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Zabala in Vitoria-Gasteiz by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand distinction, Zabala delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious contemporary cuisine. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurante-Asador Matxete? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Bar Txiki as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

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

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Soho Vitoria-Cocktail Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Taberna Txustarra for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Aldapa Taberna is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Spain. Enjoy your first taste of Vitoria-Gasteiz as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip through Spain means 24 hours of making the best memories in Aretxabaleta. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the hamlet of Aretxabaleta!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Nueva Square. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,706 visitors.

When you’re finished at Nueva Square, head to Plaza Virgen Blanca. This one-of-a-kind sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,751 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Cathedral of Santa María de Vitoria. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,503 visitors.

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

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Vitoria-Gasteiz has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Savor the flavors at Zaldiaran, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, La Escotilla beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider El Portalón. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Vitoria-Gasteiz tonight.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

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 Bilbao, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Bilbao will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Spain.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Vitoria-Gasteiz, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bilbao. This drive usually takes around 1 hour. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Zubizuri. This footbridge is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 10,295 visitors.

When you’re finished at Zubizuri, head to Federiko Moiua enparantza. This one-of-a-kind sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,235 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Guggenheim Museum. This museum building is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 64,815 visitors. Visiting Guggenheim Museum means you'll be one of 530,967 people who do so every year.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao. This museum is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,312 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Doña Casilda Iturrizar park. This famous park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,643 travelers.

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

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Dine in style at Tximiso Taberna, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Erdizka bar&grill boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out La Malquerida. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz. The bars in Vitoria-Gasteiz make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Spain!

Day 4 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!

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Burgos Province. This car ride takes around 1 hour 25 min.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Puente de Santa María. This bridge is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 699 reviews.

Continue your journey at Arco de Santa María. This triumphal arch is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,973 travelers from near and far.

Burgos Province is also the home of Burgos Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 28,435 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Mirador Del Castillo. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,666 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Spain at Madrid. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

Exploring the food culture in Madrid 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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at DiverXO, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Smoked Room is one of the best restaurants for contemporary cuisine in Madrid. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Paco Roncero. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice for creative cuisine in the city.

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

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Cafe Madrid for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, 1862 Dry Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

Day 5 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Madrid, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Spain are extraordinary.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Museo del Prado. This art museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 98,929 visitors. Museo del Prado welcomes around 3,497,345 visitors every year.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is another popular attraction you could visit today. This art museum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 32,846 visitors. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum attracts up to 671,078 visitors every year.

Main Square is also highly recommended by travelers. This square has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 152,388 visitors.

Market of San Miguel is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This building is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 106,296 reviews.

Another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today is Casa de Campo. This park has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 50,826 travelers.

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 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 Madrid.

Enjoy a delicious meal at La Mi Venta, a highly-rated dining destination in Madrid. If you're eager to try something different, consider Mas Al Sur, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Prada a Tope Madrid. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Madrid this evening.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

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

On day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Spain, you’ll go deep into Madrid, 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 Madrid, and meet locals along the way!

Drop by the renowned Western Park. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 28,992 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Puerta de Alcalá. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 43,833 visitors, this triumphal arch deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to El Retiro Park. This urban park has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 162,386 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Crystal Palace. This building and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 39,270 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. This art museum gets around 1 annual visitors. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 46,855 travelers, this art museum is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Madrid.

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

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 Madrid, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Don’t miss out on dining at BiBo Dani García, a top-rated dining destination in Madrid. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Malacatín, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Pum Pum Café. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Madrid this evening.

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

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

Day 7 of your self-drive tour in Spain is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz for 1 night. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Spain.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Royal Palace of Madrid. This royal palace is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 77,471 reviews.

Next up, make your way to plaza de España. This square has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 98,199 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Temple of Debod. This egyptian temple has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 44,446 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This association football venue is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 120,158 visitors.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Vitoria-Gasteiz in this laid-back road trip in Spain. You'll stay here for 1 night.

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.

Savor the flavors at The Bost jatetxea, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Cafetería Alquimia beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider El Toloño taberna. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Vitoria-Gasteiz tonight.

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

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Make the most of your final day in Spain by visiting Vitoria-Gasteiz’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Spain. Take home a piece of Spain with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Vitoria-Gasteiz is the remarkable Arriagako Donibane Parkea. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,770 visitors.

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Vitoria-Gasteiz 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.