Cheap 6-Day Spain Road Trip from Bilbao to Santander and San Sebastian and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Spain starts when you reach the incredible city of Bilbao, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Bilbao and begin your adventure in Spain.

Bilbao is a popular cheap holiday destination in Spain with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Spain, Bilbao 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.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Federiko Moiua enparantza. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,235 reviews.

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, Bilbao 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 a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at La Viña del Ensanche, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Café Iruña is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Iturriza Taberna, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Bilbao, Stromboli taberna.

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

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Bilbao, proving that cheap holidays in Spain can be extraordinary. You have ample time, or 1 night, to stay in Bilbao. So make the most of today by going to the best places to visit, eat, and drink in the city.

Make Guggenheim Museum your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this museum building an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 64,815 reviews. More than 530,967 people visit this place of interest every year.

Next up, make a stop at Puppy. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,913 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this sightseeing destination every year.

Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,312 visitors.

When you’re finished at Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, the perfect next stop is Doña Casilda Iturrizar park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,643 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Etxebarria parkea. This park is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 9,229 reviews.

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Bilbao, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Café Bar Bilbao, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, El Globo taberna is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to La Barraca jatetxea, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

A road trip vacation in Bilbao can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Spain!

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Spain will take you to the city of Santander, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Santander, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Spain, including Fontibre, Villaescusa, and Santillana del Mar.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Santillana del Mar. This drive usually takes around 47 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Nacimiento del Rio Ebro. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,575 reviews.

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

Drop by the renowned Cabarceno Natural Park. This popular zoo has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 45,839 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Fontibre, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Santillana del Mar. This drive usually takes around 47 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you're ready to see some sights, Cave of Altamira is a great place to start. This cave with prehistoric art is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 13,460 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is National Museum and Research Center of Altamira. This museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,249 travelers.

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.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Santander, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Restaurante la Mayor, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by Santa & Co - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Restaurante Agua Salada promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Kings Pub, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Grog offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, HYGGE COCKTAIL provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Spain!

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Spain, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Santander and Cueto. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of San Sebastian, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, San Sebastian. This car ride takes around 2 hours 20 min.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Plaza Porticada. This extraordinary square has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,395 visitors.

Next, make your way to Mercado del Este. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 7,680 reviews.

While in Santander, we also recommend a visit to Centro Botin. Hosting around 111,096 visitors every year, Centro Botin is one of the best places to visit. This art museum has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 14,508 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,771 travelers, this maritime museum is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Santander.

When you arrive in Cueto, it's time to take a break from the road.

Make Llamas Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,849 reviews.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of San Sebastian. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in San Sebastian, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Discovering the culinary wonders of San Sebastian is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

Start your foodie adventure at Polka San Sebastián, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Bar Antonio, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Bodega Donostiarra Gros, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Keep the evening going at Gorriti Taberna, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Spain!

Day 5 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 3 wonderful destinations — San Sebastian, Sukarrieta, and Portugalete. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Bilbao, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Set your GPS to Sukarrieta and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 21 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Sukarrieta beckons with new experiences!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Alderdi Eder Parkea. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in San Sebastian, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,442 visitors.

Beach of La Concha is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 21,054 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Peine del Viento XV. Visitors have rated this sculpture an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,281 reviews.

Sukarrieta’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of San Sebastian behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 21 min. Sukarrieta welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Take the opportunity to see Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,342 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Sukarrieta, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Portugalete. Your travel time is around 53 min.

Make Vizcaya Bridge one of your first sightseeing stops in Portugalete. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 28,202 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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.

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Bilbao has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Discover the heart of Bilbao through its culinary scene, starting with Restaurante Pentxo. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Kirol jatetxea, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Arpiku, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Spain! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Bilbao!

Your budget road trip vacation in Spain is about to end. Day 6 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Bilbao.

As your final day in Spain unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Bilbao’s shopping district. 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 Bilbao.

As you prepare to bid farewell to Bilbao, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Mugi taberna, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, Cerveceria Baskian features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Gure Kabi jatetxea is a highly recommended spot.

You’ll then say farewell to Bilbao. 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!