Relaxed 9-Day 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 3 nights left in Santander, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Santander today. One of the most curiosity-inducing attractions included on the itinerary is Doctor Morales Park. This stunning park will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Catedral De Santander and learn what makes this stunning church unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the curiosity-inducing Plaza Porticada. After exploring the public square, head to Mercado Del Este. This often recommended market is a highlight in Santander. As your day continues, stop by Centro Botin, known for its detailed features.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Santander 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!

On day 3 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, you’ll explore the area around Santander, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights. 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.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Santander, including an art gallery, a beach, a park, a church and much more! Start your adventure at Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. This locally appreciated art gallery is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Playa De Mataleñas located in Santander for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Parque De Mataleñas. Its romantic features will captivate you. After the park, continue your tour of the village with a visit to La Maruca. Visitors usually appreciate the peaceful features of this beach. Next up is Ermita De La Virgen Del Mar, a highly recommended church.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, a top-rated dining destination in Santander. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider El Sol, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurante Posada Del Mar. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect 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!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Santander and visit amazing attractions in Cueto and Santander destinations, just outside of the city. You still have 1 night left in Santander. This means today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Llamas Park is must-visit park and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Parque De La Teja, an often recommended park, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Parque Los Pinares, a gorgeous park, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Santander. When you're ready, let your sightseeing route take you to the curiosity-inducing Playa Del Camello. If you’re looking for more, Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico is also an often recommended attraction that is worthwhile a visit.

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

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 Santander.

Don’t miss out on dining at Cadelo Restaurante, a top-rated dining destination in Santander. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Cervecería Kiss, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bar La Cátedra Tapas y Vinos. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Santander 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 a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!

Day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Spain promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the hamlet of Elorriaga and drive in the direction of the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of Bilbao, where you’ll stay for 3 nights.

Today's adventure in Santander promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Salburua. This picturesque nature reserve is a highlight of any visit in the hamlet. Then, enjoy Nueva Square, another history-steeped attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to La Florida, one of the hamlet’s most beloved attractions, known for its romantic features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Plaza Virgen Blanca. This standout public square is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Cathedral Of Santa María De Vitoria, an up-and-coming church, and take a stroll around the area.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Bilbao in this laid-back road trip in Spain. You'll stay here for 3 nights.

Exploring the food culture in Bilbao 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.

Discover the culinary delights of Bilbao by securing a reservation at Mina. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of creative and seasonal cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Zortziko, renowned for its delicious contemporary dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Etxanobe Atelier, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering creative menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

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

Keep the evening going at Boss Bilbao, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Stromboli Taberna, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Zuberoa Taberna, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

Day 6 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Bilbao, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Spain are extraordinary.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Bilbao allows for both. Start by heading to Albiako Lorategiak. This intriguing park provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Zubizuri, a masterful art installation, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Furnicular Bottom Station, an increasingly popular tramway. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the underrated Puppy.

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!

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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Café Iruña, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Iturriza Taberna is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Antxoa Taberna. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Bilbao tonight.

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!

Day 7 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!

Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views in Bilbao. Begin your sightseeing with Artxanda Funicular. This intriguing tramway is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Europa Parkea, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Bilbao, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Etxebarri Parkea. This frequently visited park is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Pagasarri is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.

Spain makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Spain also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring the food culture in Bilbao 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.

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

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Bilbao. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Spain. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Spain tomorrow with new energy.

On day 8 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Spain. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Spain.

A blend of family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and romantic experiences await you in Bilbao on today’s itinerary. First up is the beloved point of interest, Federico Moyúa Enparantza. Afterward, continue to Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao, a museum every traveler should visit.

As you explore Bilbao’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. This locally renowned park is an essential stop. Following that, head to Itsasmuseum Bilbao, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Euskalduna Zubia, an up-and-coming point of interest in the city.

In the city of Santander, 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.

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at La Barruca de Calderón, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, La Bombi offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, El Figón is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Santander.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Santander and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Santander 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!