Cheap One-Week Spain Road Trip from Santiago De Compostela traveling south to Leon, Madrid, Merida, and Zamora

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

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

Make Parque da Alameda one of your first sightseeing stops in Santiago De Compostela. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 19,510 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Santiago De Compostela offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Spain.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Bar Raíces Galegas (Santiago de Compostela), serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. A Taberna do Bispo is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Restaurante A Moa.

Visit Pepa A Loba, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. Casa das Crechas (Santiago de Compostela) serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Santiago De Compostela. And if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the evening, our recommendation is Bar O´46.

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 Santiago De Compostela. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Leon, where you'll stay for 1 night.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Previous visitors have rated this catholic cathedral an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 71,359 reviews.

Praza da Quintana de Vivos is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,255 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Parque de San Domingos de Bonaval. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,719 reviews.

Cidade da Cultura de Galicia is another outstanding experience in Santiago De Compostela. Around 9,542 travelers have rated this point of interest an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.

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

Start your flavor-filled journey at Bar Nápoles, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Clandestino Gastrobar offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Four Lions Brewery is the perfect spot for you!

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Bar Chelsea, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Café Bar Silver offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife.

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

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Spain will take you to the city of Madrid, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Madrid, you'll explore 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in Spain, including Salamanca.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Salamanca and set your GPS to Madrid. 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 2 hours 8 min. Upon reaching Madrid, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Kick off the day at Torre del Clavero, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This building is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 191 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Roman bridge of Salamanca. Roman bridge of Salamanca is a bridge with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,869 reviews.

Monumento al Lazarillo de Tormes is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 331 visitors.

Madrid 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.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Madrid offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Spain.

Discover the heart of Madrid through its culinary scene, starting with El miniBAR. 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 Restaurante De María - Felíx Boix, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Areia, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Cafe Madrid. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at 1862 Dry Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

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 4 of your cheap holiday travels in Spain, you’ll tour 1: Madrid. You'll stay in Merida for 2 nights, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Main Square. This extraordinary square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 152,388 visitors.

Next, make your way to Museo del Prado. This top attraction is an art museum with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 98,929 visitors. Museo del Prado welcomes 3,497,345 yearly visitors.

We also recommend a visit to El Retiro Park. This urban park is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 162,386 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 120,158 travelers.

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

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Merida, 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 filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Restaurante Chamorro, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, A de Arco is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Bar Volterra, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at trastero after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Jazz Bar Mérida for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Cafetería Pizarrín is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

Get ready for another thrilling road trip adventure both in and around Merida on day 5 of your affordable vacation in Spain. You’ll continue your stay in Merida for an additional 1 night. Explore more top attractions in Spain, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and enjoy unique experiences!

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Badajoz. This car ride takes around 47 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Castelar Park. This urban park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Badajoz, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,160 visitors.

Door of Palmas is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,269 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Alcazaba of Badajoz. Visitors have rated this alcazaba an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,857 reviews.

Parque de La Legión is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 993 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Orellana la Vieja, 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 Badajoz to Orellana la Vieja may take around 1 hour 37 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Orellana la Vieja, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make Orellana Beach your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,289 reviews.

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

Savor the culinary delights of Merida, 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.

Start your foodie adventure at Restaurante Rainha do Mar, Restaurante y Marisquería, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Los Segovianos, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Restaurante La Tahona, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Merida, Cervecería Bremen. Alternatively, visit Bar Nevado, a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Spain!

On day 6 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Spain, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Merida. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Zamora, where you'll stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Roman Circus of Mérida. This much-appreciated sightseeing destination is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 9,532 reviews.

Next up is Roman Theatre of Emerita Augusta. This roman theatre has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 37,382 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Temple of Diana. This roman temple has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,292 reviews.

Archaeological area of Morería is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 2,698 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Acueducto de los Milagros. This aqueduct is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,410 reviews.

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

Savor the culinary delights of Zamora, 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.

Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Spain!

Day 7 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 1 wonderful destinations — Ourense. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Santiago De Compostela, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Ourense. This car ride takes around 2 hours 54 min.

Take the opportunity to see As Burgas. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,636 visitors.

Ponte Vella is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This footbridge has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,511 travelers.

Ourense is also the home of Termas Outariz e Canedo. Around 1,572 people have rated this spa an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Caldas de Outariz (Hot Springs). With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from a total of 11,884 reviews, a visit to this spa is a great idea.

Santiago De Compostela 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 Santiago De Compostela, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

Los Caracoles Restaurante offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Bresca. Or, try Casa de Xantar O Dezaseis, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Fuco Lois, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Pub Momo provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Pub Modus Vivendi offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Santiago De Compostela.

As you approach the end of your journey in Spain, take a moment for some retail therapy in Santiago De Compostela’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 Santiago De Compostela is the remarkable Praza de Galicia. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 9,953 visitors.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Santiago De Compostela, consider a top-rated restaurant like Café Tertulia, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. A Noiesa ~ Casa De Comidas (Santiago de Compostela) is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is RESTAURANTE SAN CLEMENTE, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Santiago De Compostela.

You’ll then say farewell to Santiago De Compostela. 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!