Cheap 5-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Santander traveling south to Bilbao and Leon
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Get ready for an exciting vacation without hitting your budget hard with this 5-day cheap road trip in Spain. Venture into the heart of Santander, Cueto, Bilbao, Villaescusa, Leon, and Cangas de Onís, where every mile is packed with value and excitement. Embrace the freedom of the open road and make memories that last a lifetime, all within your budget.
Explore Spain for less and on your own terms. This customizable and cheap Spain travel package promises an exhilarating 5-day adventure. We'll introduce you to many famous and affordable vacation spots in the country.
Stay comfortably at a top-rated budget hotel for 2 nights in Santander, 1 night in Bilbao, and 1 night in Leon. Dine with locals at popular restaurants and bars across Spain and get a taste of the people’s hospitality and authentic food. We'll help you have an unforgettable road trip experience in Spain at the lowest price!
On arrival in Santander, you'll pick up your rental vehicle. From there, you'll begin your journey to the best and cheapest places to travel to in Spain. Spain offers a wealth of world-class natural and scenic beauty you wouldn't want to miss!
During your cheap holiday in Spain, the choice of accommodation is entirely yours. Enjoy the freedom to select the ideal budget-friendly stay that perfectly matches your needs. Rest assured, your affordable accommodation will provide a welcoming retreat after a day of exploration and discovery.
Throughout your road trip in Spain, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Spain.
This affordable holiday package includes everything you need for a fantastic 5-day vacation in Spain. We'll offer you cheap flights and arrange your hotel reservations for 4 nights. We'll also provide you with the best budget rental car in Spain with CDW insurance.
You can customize your Spain travel plan for a more personalized holiday experience. Choose from popular and competitively-priced tours and tickets in Spain and add your picks to your itinerary. For example, get cheap tour tickets to uncover the stories behind Spain's famous sights. Or, try out some of the most fantastic excursions. There's no better way to add more culture and inspiration to your trip!
Booking this cheap holiday package in Spain offers you many perks. You'll get 24/7 travel support. In addition, you'll have access to a step-by-step guide in our mobile app. Here, you'll find all your travel documents organized in one place.
So what are you waiting for? Enjoy a hassle-free vacation in Spain with this cheap holiday deal! The best and most affordable tours in Spain fill up fast, so book your adventure today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Santander - arrival day
- Santander - Arrival day
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- Plaza Porticada
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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.
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.
Santander 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 Plaza Porticada or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Savor the culinary delights of Santander, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.
After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Restaurante la Mayor, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Santa & Co is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Marcello Restaurante.
Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Kings Pub and try some of its cocktails and snacks. Grog is another great place to hang out and unwind. If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Hygge Cocktail, offering the perfect setting to unwind and savor the evening.
Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Spain!
Day 2 – Santander, Cueto, and Bilbao
- Santander
- Cueto
- Bilbao
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Drive 111 km, 1 hour 43 min
- Llamas Park
- Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor
- Plaza Pombo
- Botin Centre
- Paseo Marítimo de Santander
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On day 2 of your cheap holiday travels in Spain, you’ll tour 2 destinations: Cueto and Santander. You'll stay in Bilbao for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Santander today. One of the most up-and-coming attractions included on the itinerary is Plaza De Pombo. This instagrammable public square will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Centro Botin and learn what makes this picture-perfect art gallery unique.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the often recommended Paseo Marítimo De Santander.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cueto.
Your self-guided tour starts at Llamas Park, an underrated park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Parque De Mataleñas and admire its mesmerizing features. When you’re ready, continue to Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, a curiosity-inducing art gallery beloved by locals and tourists alike.
You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Bilbao. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Bilbao, relax and restore your energy at your preferred affordable place to stay.
As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Bilbao offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Spain.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Boss Bilbao, known for its inviting atmosphere. Stromboli Taberna is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Zuberoa Taberna provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Spain!
Day 3 – Bilbao, Villaescusa, and Leon
- Bilbao
- Villaescusa
- León
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Drive 362 km, 3 hours 54 min
- Federiko Moiua enparantza
- Guggenheim Museum
- Doña Casilda Iturrizar park
- Cabarceno Natural Park
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Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Spain will take you to the city of Leon, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Leon, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Spain, including Bilbao and Villaescusa.
Today’s route brings a romantic, a picturesque, a mesmerizing, and a visually striking. The first attraction of today is Federico Moyúa Enparantza.
As you stroll around Bilbao, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. This popular park offers a serene encounter with Bilbao.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bilbao, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Villaescusa may take around 1 hour 8 min. Upon your arrival in Villaescusa, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Cabarceno Natural Park. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the safari park before you continue to your next stop.
While exploring Spain is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Leon has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Leon on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.
Going on cheap, budget vacations in Spain shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Leon is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Café Bar La Dama, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Bacanal offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Leon. Bar Chelsea is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Spain!
Day 4 – Leon, Cangas de Onís, Cuadonga/Covadonga, and Santander
- León
- Cangas de Onís / Cangues d'Onís
- Santander
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Drive 343 km, 4 hours 14 min
- Catedral de León
- Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis
- Sanctuary of Covadonga
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On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Spain, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Leon, Cangas de Onís, and Cuadonga/Covadonga. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Santander, where you'll stay for 1 night.
Leon is home to plenty of attractions that offer a romantic, a gorgeous, a picture-perfect, a historic, a culturally significant, and a grand! Start at León Cathedra, a notable church that is worthwhile a visit in the city.
Set your GPS to Cangas de Onís and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 9 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Cangas de Onís beckons with new experiences!
Make your way to Roman Bridge In Cangas De Onis, a popular monument that draws attention for its enchanting features.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Cuadonga/Covadonga, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Cangas de Onís to Cuadonga/Covadonga may take around 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Cuadonga/Covadonga, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Sanctuary Of Covadonga is a locally renowned church we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its visually striking features before continuing your self-guided tour.
Santander 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.
Savor the culinary delights of Santander, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.
Keep the evening going at Little Bobby, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.
Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Santander!
Day 5 – Santander - departure day
- Santander - Departure day
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- Paseo Marítimo de Santander
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Your budget road trip vacation in Spain is about to end. Day 5 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.
Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Santander.
As you prepare to bid farewell to Santander, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, El Sol features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Restaurante Posada Del Mar is a highly recommended spot.
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!
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