Cheap 4-Day Spain Road Trip from Santander to Bilbao

Your exciting road trip through Spain starts when you reach the incredible city of Santander, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Santander and begin your adventure in Spain.

Santander is a popular cheap holiday destination in Spain with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Spain, Santander is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You’ll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

A cheap, budget vacation in Santander should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Santander, try some of our top recommendations.

Start your flavor-filled journey at Restaurante la Mayor, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Santa & Co offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Restaurante Agua Salada is the perfect spot for you!

Kings Pub offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices. When you're in the mood for a classic drink or something more adventurous, Grog is the perfect place. For a unique experience, visit Hygge Cocktail, known for its vibrant atmosphere and offerings that suit every palate.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Spain!

Day 2 of your road trip across Spain is another proof that cheap holidays in Spain can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes touring 2 wonderful destinations — Santander, and Cueto. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Bilbao, where you'll be spending 1 night.

When you're ready to see some sights, Plaza Porticada is a great place to start. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,395 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Mercado Del Este. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 7,680 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Centro Botin. This site gets more than 111,096 visitors annually. The art museum has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,508 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Santander, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Cueto. Your travel time is around 8 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Parque De Mataleñas is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,724 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. This museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,037 travelers.

Bilbao offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Spain. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Make the most of your budget vacation in Spain by treating yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Bilbao that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Stromboli Taberna, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Spain with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Spain!

On day 3 of your cheap holiday travels in Spain, you’ll tour 3 destinations: Bilbao, Sukarrieta, and Portugalete. You'll stay in Santander for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Federiko Moiua Enparantza. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,235 visitors.

When you’re finished at Federiko Moiua Enparantza, head to Guggenheim Museum. This one-of-a-kind museum building is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 64,815 reviews. Every year, approximately 530,967 travelers come here to experience the museum building for themselves.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,643 visitors.

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 46 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,342 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Portugalete. This drive usually takes around 53 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready to see some sights, Vizcaya Bridge is a great place to start. This suspension bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 28,202 visitors.

While exploring Spain is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Santander has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Santander on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Santander, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best restaurant and bar options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a refreshing cocktail, these spots have something for everyone.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Little Bobby, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Santander!

Your budget road trip vacation in Spain is about to end. Day 4 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Santander.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Santander is the remarkable Paseo Marítimo De Santander. This sightseeing destination and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,078 visitors.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Santander, consider a top-rated restaurant like Bar La Cátedra Tapas y Vinos, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. La Barruca de Calderón is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is La Bombi, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Santander.

You’ll then say farewell to Santander. 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!