9-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Santander to Bilbao and San Sebastian

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Santander, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Whether you decide to explore Santander on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Faro De La Cerda is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this eye-catching lighthouse before continuing your journey. Palacio De La Magdalena is your next stop. This well-known palace is one of the best-rated sights in Santander.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Segunda Playa De El Sardinero. This serene beach is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Llamas Park and Centro Botin. If time allows, end your day with Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico, a historic maritime museum that offers a memorable conclusion to your exploration.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Santander and your accommodation.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Restaurante Agua Salada, 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 Restaurante Matices Santander, 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 La Enmienda Dieciocho, a hidden gem nestled in Santander. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Little Bobby is an excellent place to start.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Spain.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Bilbao. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bilbao, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Santander, featuring family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Start at Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, a locally renowned park in the city. Then, head to Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao and soak in the ambiance of this instagrammable museum.

After exploring the museum building, visit the worthwhile Puppy. Not far away, you'll also find Albiako Lorategiak. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to Federico Moyúa Enparantza, a curiosity-inducing point of interest in the city.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Bilbao. Bilbao offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bilbao. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at La Viña del Ensanche, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Marinela jatetxea? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at San Mamés Jatetxea · Restaurante en San Mamés as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bilbao.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Boss Bilbao, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Stromboli Taberna. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Zuberoa Taberna, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Spain!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will explore San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Today’s itinerary in Bilbao covers several incredible sights, including an art installation, a heritage railway, a palace, a beach, a park, a public square and much more! Start your adventure at Peine Del Viento Xv. This notable art installation is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the visually striking wonders of Funicular Monte Igueldo, a must-see heritage railway 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 Miramar Palace. This captivating palace offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Beach Of La Concha, where you can take in serene features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Alderdi Eder Parkea and Gipuzkoa Plaza. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Polka San Sebastián, a top-rated dining destination in San Sebastian. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider ALABAMA CAFÉ slow Food - Healthy Food, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bar Antonio. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in San Sebastian this evening.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Txiki Taberna Donosti, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Taberna Barun, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Gorriti Taberna provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!

Day 5 of your road trip across Spain promises a magnificent time exploring San Sebastian. You have 1 night left in San Sebastian. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

One of the most iconic places you can visit today in San Sebastian is Gros. Allow yourself some time to explore this neighborhood and discover its unique quirks. You'll also find many of the best sightseeing spots nearby. You can also explore Parte Vieja, a neighborhood that offers a glimpse into local life and culture.

San Sebastian is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a castle, a park, an aquarium, a museum and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the often recommended Motako Gaztelua-castillo De La Mota and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Urgull, an eye-catching park that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Aquarium, one of the city’s most well-known spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the locally appreciated San Telmo Museum.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Spain is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Bodega Donostiarra Gros, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Federiko Taberna offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss La Cuchara de San Telmo. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in San Sebastian.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Spain.

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Bilbao. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bilbao, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Today's adventure in San Sebastian promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Artxanda Funicular. This instagrammable tramway is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Europa Parkea, another instagrammable attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala, one of the city’s most up-and-coming attractions, known for its inviting features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Etxebarri Parkea. This mesmerizing park is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Furnicular Bottom Station, a locally appreciated tramway, and take a stroll around the area. If you want to extend your self-guided sightseeing tour, go check out Zubizuri before you head back to your hotel.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bilbao. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bilbao. 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.

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

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

On day 7 of your road trip in Spain, you’ll start and end your day in Bilbao, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Bilbao for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Logrono to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Bilbao allows for both. Start by heading to Parque Del Ebro, Logroño. This frequently visited park provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Wall Revellín, a standout monument, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Museum Of La Rioja, a worthwhile museum. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the up-and-coming La Laurel. Not far away from the street, you will find the inviting Co-cathedral Of Santa María De La Redonda, perfect for a quick visit. Round off your day at Mercado San Blas / Plaza De Abastos, another gem in Bilbao with picture-perfect features to discover.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Gaztandegi taberna, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Café Bar Bilbao offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Laga jatetxea. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bilbao.

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

On day 8 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 San Millán de la Cogolla and Badarán. In the evening, you’ll end up in Santander, where you will stay for 1 night.

Bilbao is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a monastery and a winery. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the underrated Suso Monastery and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Monastery Of San Millán De Yuso, a picture-perfect monastery that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Bodegas Pedro Martinez Alesanco Sl, one of the village’s most curiosity-inducing spots that you shouldn’t miss.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Santander. Santander offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, a popular restaurant in Santander. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Santander at El Sol, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Restaurante Posada Del Mar. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Santander tonight.

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