Cheap 9-Day Spain Road Trip from Santander to Valladolid, Madrid, Calatayud, and Estella-Lizarra

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.

Drop by the renowned Plaza Porticada. This popular square has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,395 visitors.

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Restaurante la Mayor, where every bite is a flavor-packed adventure! With an enticing menu of affordable delights, this spot is a must-visit for foodies on a budget. Another hotspot worth exploring during your cheap getaway is Santa & Co - a local favorite and a top pick for mouthwatering delights. If you're eager to dine where the locals love, don't miss out on Restaurante Agua Salada, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

Kings Pub offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices. When you're in the mood for a classic drink or something more adventurous, Grog is the perfect place. For a unique experience, visit Hygge Cocktail, known for its vibrant atmosphere and offerings that suit every palate.

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

On day 2 of your cheap holiday travels in Spain, you’ll tour 2 destinations: Santander, and Cueto. You'll stay in Valladolid for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico. This maritime museum is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 6,771 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Centro Botin. This art museum has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 14,508 reviews. Usually, around 111,096 people visit Centro Botin every year.

Upon your arrival in Cueto, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Drop by the renowned Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. This popular museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,037 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Llamas Park. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,849 visitors, this park deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

While exploring Spain is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Valladolid has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Valladolid 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, 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.

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 to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Valladolid!

On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Spain, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Segovia. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Madrid, where you'll stay for 3 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Segovia, 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 Valladolid to Segovia may take around 1 hour 21 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Segovia, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make Alcázar Of Segovia one of your first sightseeing stops in Segovia. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 49,713 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area. This alcázar attracts 754,946 visitors every year.

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 Plaza Mayor. This plaza mayor has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,239 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Aqueduct Of Segovia. A trip to this popular stone bridge is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.8 out of 5-star rating as given by 95,202 previous 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.

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

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Cafe Madrid is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, 1862 Dry Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Ready for day 4 of your road trip vacation in Spain? Discover more of Madrid 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 2 nights in this vibrant destination!

Journey into the unknown at Temple Of Debod, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable egyptian temple has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 44,446 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Casa De Campo is a recommended place to visit. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 50,826 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Madrid, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Toledo may take around 57 min. Upon your arrival in Toledo, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Alcázar Of Toledo. This much-appreciated alcázar is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 30,193 reviews.

Next up is Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada De Toledo. This church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27,938 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Zocodover. This point of interest has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 19,930 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Madrid and your accommodation.

Savor the culinary delights of Madrid, 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 La Mi Venta, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Mas Al Sur is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Prada a Tope Madrid.

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

Day 5 means another chance to make the best memories in Madrid. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Madrid 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 Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This association football venue is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 120,158 visitors.

Crystal Palace is another popular attraction you could visit today. This building has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 39,270 visitors.

El Retiro Park is also highly recommended by travelers. This urban park has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 162,386 visitors.

Puerta De Alcalá is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This triumphal arch is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 43,833 reviews.

Another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today is Museo Del Prado. This art museum has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 98,929 travelers. This local favorite gets around 3,497,345 visitors each year.

Visiting the most popular travel destinations in Spain sometimes leaves you longing for more. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique and cheap tours to try out in Spain. Spain has something for everyone, and you can easily pick an activity you can add to your affordable vacation package. Check out all of the budget-friendly tours in Spain that will fill you with new inspiration.

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

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular BiBo Dani García, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Malacatín is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Pum Pum Café.

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

Day 6 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 — Madrid. You’ll explore along your route leading to the town of Calatayud, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Take the opportunity to see Main Square. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 152,388 visitors.

Market Of San Miguel is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This building has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 106,296 travelers.

Madrid is also the home of Royal Palace Of Madrid. Around 77,471 people have rated this royal palace an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Plaza De España. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from a total of 98,199 reviews, a visit to this square is a great idea.

This day of your vacation in Madrid is also your chance to admire Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofía. This must-visit art museum enjoys an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 46,855 reviews. Approximately 1 person travel to Madrid every year to see this attraction with their own eyes.

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

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

Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options.

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

Day 7 of your self-drive vacation in Spain will take you to the town of Estella-Lizarra, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Estella-Lizarra, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Spain, including Zaragoza, and Pamplona.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Calatayud, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Zaragoza may take around 1 hour 4 min. Upon your arrival in Zaragoza, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Journey into the unknown at José Antonio Labordeta Grand Park, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,535 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Basilica Of Our Lady Of The Pillar is a recommended place to visit. This co-cathedral is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 34,215 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Zaragoza is Puente De Piedra. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,689 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Zaragoza offers an experience you will remember.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Pamplona. This car ride takes around 1 hour 53 min.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Citadel Of Pamplona. This extraordinary citadel has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 15,829 visitors.

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

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Estella-Lizarra, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the town'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.

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

Day 8 of your road trip across Spain offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Bilbao, and Villaescusa. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Santander, where you'll stay for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Estella-Lizarra, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bilbao. Your travel time is around 1 hour 50 min.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Guggenheim Museum. This museum building typically receives around 530,967 visitors every year and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 64,815 reviews.

Continue your journey at Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao. This museum is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,312 travelers from near and far.

Bilbao is also the home of Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,643 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bilbao, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Villaescusa. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 8 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Cabarceno Natural Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 45,839 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.

A cheap, budget vacation in Santander should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Santander, try some of our top recommendations.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Little Bobby. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Spain is about to end. Day 9 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Santander.

Maximize your last day in Spain and go on a shopping spree in Santander’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Spain.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Santander is the remarkable Ascensor Río De La Pila. This point of interest and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 1,667 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!