Cheap 6-Day Spain Road Trip from San Sebastian traveling west to Santander and Bilbao

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

San Sebastian is a popular cheap holiday destination in Spain with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Spain, San Sebastian 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 Cristina Enea parkea. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,457 reviews.

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. San Sebastian has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Polka San Sebastián, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Bar Antonio, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss Bodega Donostiarra Gros, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in San Sebastian, Gorriti Taberna.

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 offers you the chance to visit 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including San Sebastian. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Santander, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Gipuzkoa Plaza. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,940 reviews.

Next up is Beach of La Concha. This natural feature has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 21,054 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Alderdi Eder Parkea. This park has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,442 reviews.

Aquarium is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This aquarium has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,413 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Peine del Viento XV. This sculpture is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,281 reviews.

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 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 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 Restaurante Agua Salada.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Kings Pub offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Grog is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. HYGGE COCKTAIL is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

Day 3 means another chance to make the best memories in Santander. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Santander and check out the most popular dining spots. You still have 1 night left to stay in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Catedral de Santander. This museum is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 6,521 visitors.

Centro Botin is another popular attraction you could visit today. This art museum has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 14,508 visitors. Centro Botin attracts up to 111,096 visitors every year.

Mercado del Este is also highly recommended by travelers. This point of interest has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 7,680 visitors.

Plaza Porticada is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 5,395 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Santander. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Santander offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Spain worth remembering for a lifetime.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Santander. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at El Sol, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Restaurante Posada Del Mar, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss Cadelo Restaurante, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Little Bobby offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

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

On day 4 of your cheap holiday travels in Spain, you’ll tour 5: Ruente, Rionansa, Cerrazo, Santillana del Mar, and Villaescusa. You'll stay in Bilbao for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Santander and set your GPS to Ruente. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 45 min. Upon reaching Ruente, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is La Fuentona de Ruente. This watercourse is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,844 reviews.

Drop by the renowned Cueva El Soplao. This popular sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,913 visitors.

After soaking in Cerrazo’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Santillana del Mar. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 6 min. When you arrive in Santillana del Mar, it's time to take a break from the road.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Laberinto De Villapresente. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Cerrazo, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,994 visitors.

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 any of the following affordable places to stay.

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.

La Viña del Ensanche offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Café Iruña. Or, try Iturriza Taberna, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Stromboli taberna. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Spain. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday 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 — Bilbao, Portugalete, and Sukarrieta. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of San Sebastian, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Make Federiko Moiua enparantza one of your first sightseeing stops in Bilbao. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,235 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This museum is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,312 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Guggenheim Museum. This museum building has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 64,815 visitors. Up to 530,967 people travel to this site annually.

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 Portugalete may take around 24 min. Upon your arrival in Portugalete, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Portugalete and set your GPS to Sukarrieta. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 52 min. Upon reaching Sukarrieta, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready to see some sights, Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,342 visitors.

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

Savor the culinary delights of San Sebastian, 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.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to La Cuchara de San Telmo, 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 Narru Restaurant - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Sirimiri Gastroleku promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

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

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 San Sebastian.

As you approach the end of your journey in Spain, take a moment for some retail therapy in San Sebastian’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Spain, a variety of items are waiting for you. Hold onto the magic of Spain with these wonderful souvenirs, ensuring your memories never fade.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in San Sebastian is the remarkable Miramar Palace. This palace and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,022 visitors.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to San Sebastian, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Txepetxa Taberna, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, Rekondo features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Cervecerías La Mejillonera is a highly recommended spot.

You’ll then say farewell to San Sebastian. 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!