Cheap 6-Day Spain Road Trip from Santander to Valladolid, and 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.

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, Santander 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 of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Restaurante la Mayor, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Santa & Co, 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 Restaurante Agua Salada, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Kings Pub is an excellent example of a great bar in Santander offering drinks at reasonable prices. You can also hang out at Grog, another of locals’ go-to bars in Santander. But if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Santander, Hygge Cocktail is for you.

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

Day 2 of your self-drive vacation in Spain will take you to the city of Valladolid, where you'll be staying for 2 nights. On your way to Valladolid, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Spain, including Santander, and Cueto.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Centro Botin. This extraordinary art museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,508 visitors. Each year, around 111,096 people visit this site to learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico. This top attraction is a maritime museum with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,771 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cueto. This car ride takes around 10 min.

Drop by the renowned Parque De Mataleñas. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,724 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,037 visitors, this museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

Valladolid 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.

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

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at The Lost Child Cocktail's Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Café Bar Alborada provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Monasterio offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Ready for day 3 of your road trip vacation in Spain? Discover more of Valladolid and beyond on this leg of your journey. Explore more top attractions, dive into new cultures, and enjoy unique experiences. Today is all about maximizing your 1 night in this vibrant destination!

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Parque Campo Grande. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,850 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Segovia. This car ride takes around 1 hour 19 min.

Make Aqueduct Of Segovia one of your first sightseeing stops in Segovia. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 95,202 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Segovia Cathedral is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This catholic cathedral is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 18,509 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Alcázar Of Segovia. This alcázar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 49,713 visitors. Up to 754,946 people travel to this site annually.

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

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, Valladolid 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 of exploring, unwind at the popular Restaurante Niza, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. El Corcho is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to La Pícara.

After your evening meal, enjoy a drink or two at Rugby Bar The Central, a must-visit destination for a great night out. Locals also enjoy the cocktails at The Villa Gin Bar, where you can relax and have some fun in a welcoming environment.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Spain offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Burgos Province, and Portugalete. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Bilbao, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Burgos Province. This car ride takes around 1 hour 23 min.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Puente De Santa María. This much-appreciated bridge is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 699 reviews.

Next up is Arco De Santa María. This triumphal arch has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,973 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Burgos Cathedral. This catholic cathedral has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 28,435 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 1 hour 55 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Vizcaya Bridge. Previous visitors have rated this suspension bridge an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 28,202 reviews.

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.

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.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Stromboli Taberna, known for its lively atmosphere.

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

On day 5 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Spain, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Bilbao, and Villaescusa. 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.

Kick off the day at Federiko Moiua Enparantza, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,235 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Zubizuri. Zubizuri is a footbridge with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 10,295 reviews.

Guggenheim Museum is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This museum building is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 64,815 visitors. In a single year, this museum building hosts approximately 530,967 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, 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.

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.

Journey into the unknown at Cabarceno Natural Park, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable zoo has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 45,839 reviews.

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 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.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Little Bobby after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Spain. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday 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 Santander.

On your last day in Spain, take time to indulge in shopping at Santander’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Santander is the remarkable Plaza Porticada. This square and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,395 visitors.

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 Bar La Cátedra Tapas y Vinos, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, La Barruca de Calderón features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, La Bombi 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!