9-Day Spain Road Trip from Vitoria-Gasteiz traveling north to Pamplona, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Oviedo, and Santander

Your road trip adventure in Spain begins as soon as you reach Vitoria-Gasteiz and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 La Florida 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz. 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz. 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.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Vitoria-Gasteiz by reserving a table at Zabala. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of contemporary cuisine. Looking for something different? Restaurante-Asador Matxete offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Bar Txiki. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Soho Vitoria-Cocktail Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Taberna Txustarra, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Aldapa Taberna also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Spain!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Vitoria-Gasteiz and Elorriaga. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Pamplona, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Nueva Square. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,706 reviews.

Continue your journey at Plaza Virgen Blanca. This sightseeing destination is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,751 travelers from near and far.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is also the home of Cathedral of Santa María de Vitoria. This catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,503 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Arriagako Donibane Parkea. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,770 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Set your GPS to Elorriaga and hit the road. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Elorriaga beckons with new experiences!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Salburua. This extraordinary protected area is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,863 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Pamplona, 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 Pamplona.

Begin your culinary exploration in Pamplona by securing a reservation at El Merca'o. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award, and offers an exceptional menu of traditional cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Europa, 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 Rodero, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Vermutería RÍO, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Bar Cerveceria La Estafeta, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Bar Hawái likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day 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 Pamplona and Olite/Erriberri. In the evening, you’ll end up in San Sebastian, where you will stay for 1 night.

Make Plaza de Toros de Pamplona your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this bullring an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 10,402 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Castle Square. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,066 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this square every year.

Taconera is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This urban park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,567 visitors.

When you’re finished at Taconera, the perfect next stop is Citadel of Pamplona. This citadel is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 15,829 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Olite/Erriberri. This car ride takes around 35 min.

Drop by the renowned Royal Palace of Olite. This popular castle has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,713 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of San Sebastian. San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian's best restaurants.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Arzak, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional creative and traditional menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, known for its delicious creative cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in San Sebastian is Kokotxa, a renowned restaurant , known for its delicious modern menu.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Gorriti Taberna, a top-rated bar in the area.

Say good night to San Sebastian 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 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 Bilbao. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Aquarium. This extraordinary aquarium has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,413 visitors.

Next, make your way to Alderdi Eder Parkea. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,442 reviews.

While in San Sebastian, we also recommend a visit to Beach of La Concha. This natural feature has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 21,054 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Peine del Viento XV. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,281 travelers, this sculpture is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around San Sebastian.

Make your way to Funicular Monte Igueldo, perhaps the most famous park in San Sebastian. This attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 9,567 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Bilbao, 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 Bilbao. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Discover the culinary delights of Bilbao by securing a reservation at Mina. Esteemed for its , 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.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Stromboli taberna, a prime destination for a thrilling night out.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Spain!

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Bilbao, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate village. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Sukarrieta, Portugalete, and Bilbao. You still have 1 night left in Bilbao.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Federiko Moiua enparantza. This sightseeing destination is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Bilbao, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,235 visitors.

Guggenheim Museum is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 64,815 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction. It’s estimated that around 530,967 people visit this museum building every year.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Doña Casilda Iturrizar park. Visitors have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,643 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Sukarrieta. This drive usually takes around 42 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Journey into the unknown at Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,342 reviews.

Set your GPS to Portugalete and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 53 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Portugalete beckons with new experiences!

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Vizcaya Bridge. This much-appreciated suspension bridge is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 28,202 reviews.

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

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

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

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Villaescusa, Santillana del Mar, and Cerrazo. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Oviedo. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Villaescusa.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Cabarceno Natural Park, a remarkable zoo where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 45,839 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Santillana del Mar, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Cerrazo. Your travel time is around 6 min.

Take the opportunity to see Cave of Altamira. This attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 13,460 visitors.

National Museum and Research Center of Altamira is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This museum has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,249 travelers.

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

As you explore more of Oviedo, 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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurante Doña Concha, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try La Oveja Negra? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Restaurante La Tagliatella | Oviedo / Uviéu as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Oviedo.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Baam. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Mala Saña offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook L'Esperteyu Pub - Cervecería, another top-rated bar in the area.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Spain and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Colunga, Ribeseya, Cangas de Onís, and Cuadonga/Covadonga. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Santander, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

After soaking in Oviedo’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Colunga. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 51 min. When you arrive in Colunga, it's time to take a break from the road.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Jurassic Museum of Asturias. This fossil museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,827 visitors. Jurassic Museum of Asturias welcomes around 1,000,000 visitors every year.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Ribeseya, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in Ribeseya, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Mirador del Fito. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,162 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Santander. Santander 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.

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

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Santander by reserving a table at Cadelo. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern menu. For a different taste experience, head to Umma, recognized for its delicious modern dishes. This Bib Gourmand restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Agua Salada, a local favorite known for its delightful contemporary and traditional cuisine in Santander. Nestled in the heart of the city, this Bib Gourmand awardee is an ideal choice for discerning contemporary and traditional foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Continue your lively evening at Kings Pub, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Grog is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, HYGGE COCKTAIL ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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 8 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Santander and Cueto. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Vitoria-Gasteiz, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

When you're ready to see some sights, Catedral de Santander is a great place to start. This museum is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 6,521 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Plaza Porticada. This square has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,395 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Mercado del Este. The point of interest has been rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 7,680 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Centro Botin. This art museum is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 14,508 reviews. As a top-rated attraction, it's no surprise that 111,096 people visit Centro Botin every year.

Upon reaching Cueto, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Llamas Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,849 visitors.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Zaldiaran, an iconic dining spot in Vitoria-Gasteiz. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of La Escotilla, a popular restaurant in Vitoria-Gasteiz. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of El Portalón, a hidden gem nestled in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Spain!

Day 9 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Vitoria-Gasteiz before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in Spain unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Vitoria-Gasteiz’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Spain. Keep the spirit of your trip to Spain alive with these special souvenirs.

Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Erdizka bar&grill, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Vitoria-Gasteiz. 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!