Relaxed 9-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Santander to Bilbao

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, you’ll explore the area around Santander, where you’ll be staying for another 3 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Santander will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Spain.

Santander is home to plenty of attractions that offer a breathtaking, a photogenic, a standout, a culturally significant, a symbolic, and a remarkable! Start at Catedral De Santander, an intriguing church that is worthwhile a visit in the village. Nearby, you’ll find Plaza Porticada, enchanting visitors with its history-steeped appeal. Continue your exploration at Mercado Del Este. This market is one of the village’s most curiosity-inducing spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Santander at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Centro Botin.

When you’ve had your share of Santander, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Monte. Your travel time is around 10 min.

Doctor Morales Park is an up-and-coming park we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its awe-inspiring features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Spain, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Santander.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Santander by booking a table at Cadelo. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Umma, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Agua Salada, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing contemporary and traditional menu. With a Bib Gourmand recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Santander and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

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

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Spain!

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain continues on day 3, allowing you to create more unforgettable memories. Today’s travel plan offers you the chance to have a more in-depth understanding of Spain and its people by visiting the offerings and top attractions of Santander and beyond. With 2 nights left in Santander, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cueto. This car ride takes around 12 min.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, an underrated art gallery that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Parque Cabo Mayor, where you can soak in the enchanting surroundings. Next, explore Playa De Mataleñas, yet another frequently visited place to see in the area. After the beach, make time to go to Parque De Mataleñas. This peaceful park is well worthwhile the visit.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cueto, you’ll hit the road in the direction of San Román de la Llanilla. This drive usually takes around 13 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Begin your journey at Ermita De La Virgen Del Mar and explore the stunning features.

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

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Santander, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, El Sol is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restaurante Posada Del Mar. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Santander tonight.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Spain.

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Santander and visit amazing attractions in Monte, Cueto, and Santander destinations, just outside of the city. You still have 1 night left in Santander. This means today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Santander, including a beach and a maritime museum. Start your adventure at Playa Del Camello. This curiosity-inducing beach is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico located in Santander for an enchanting atmosphere.

Monte’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Santander behind. This drive usually takes around 12 min. Monte welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Spend your afternoon discovering La Maruca, a frequently visited beach known for its serene features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Cueto. This drive usually takes around 9 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to Llamas Park, a worthwhile park that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue on to Parque Los Pinares, where you can soak in the instagrammable surroundings.

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

Exploring the food culture in Santander offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Cadelo Restaurante, a top-rated dining destination in Santander. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Cervecería Kiss, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bar La Cátedra Tapas y Vinos. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Santander this evening.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Santander. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!

Day 5 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Bilbao, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Vitoria-Gasteiz. This drive usually takes around 2 hours, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your journey at La Florida and explore the mesmerizing features. Next, make your way to Plaza Virgen Blanca, another highlight in the city. When you’re done exploring the public square, continue to Nueva Square, a history-steeped public square. Nearby, you will also find Cathedral Of Santa María De Vitoria. This frequently visited church is a top place to see in the area.

When you’ve had your share of Vitoria-Gasteiz, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Elorriaga. Your travel time is around 7 min.

Begin your journey at Salburua and explore the visually striking features.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Bilbao. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Spain, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Bilbao.

Discover the culinary delights of Bilbao by securing a reservation at Mina. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of creative and seasonal cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Zortziko, renowned for its delicious contemporary dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Etxanobe Atelier, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering creative menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Boss Bilbao, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Stromboli Taberna is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Zuberoa Taberna also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Spain!

On day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Spain, you’ll go deep into Bilbao, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Bilbao, and meet locals along the way!

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Bilbao today. One of the most increasingly popular attractions included on the itinerary is Albiako Lorategiak. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Zubizuri and learn what makes this visually striking art installation unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the curiosity-inducing Furnicular Bottom Station. After exploring the tramway, head to Puppy. This often recommended art installation is a highlight in Bilbao. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the astonishing Guggenheim Museum. Enjoy exploring this incredible museum building at your own pace.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Spain by joining a traveler-approved tour in Bilbao. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Bilbao that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Spain more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Bilbao to find the best options for you!

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Café Iruña, a top-rated dining destination in Bilbao. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Iturriza Taberna, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Antxoa Taberna. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bilbao this evening.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Bilbao.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip through Spain means 24 hours of making the best memories in Bilbao. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Bilbao. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Bilbao!

Get ready for an exciting day in Bilbao. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a tramway, a park, a church, a hiking area and much more! Begin your adventure at Artxanda Funicular. This is an increasingly popular tramway you should not miss. Another must-see is Europa Parkea, an intriguing park in Bilbao.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Etxebarri Parkea. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala, another of the city’s intriguing attractions. We recommend ending your self-guided tour of the city with a visually striking hiking area. Pagasarri is a truly remarkable place to visit in Bilbao.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Spain more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Bilbao offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Bilbao, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Make sure to book a table at Gaztandegi taberna, a popular restaurant in Bilbao. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Bilbao at Café Bar Bilbao, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Laga jatetxea. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Bilbao tonight.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!

On day 8 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Spain. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Spain.

A blend of an eye-catching, a charming, a picturesque, an enchanting, and a history-steeped await you in Bilbao on today’s itinerary. First up is the frequently visited point of interest, Federico Moyúa Enparantza. It's a standout spot that offers a memorable visit. Afterward, continue to Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao. A visit to this museum is an enriching experience for all.

As you explore Bilbao’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. This notable park is an essential stop that should not be missed. Following that, head to Itsasmuseum Bilbao, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Lastly, visit Euskalduna Zubia and learn why this point of interest is renowned as one of the city's most increasingly popular attractions.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Spain at Santander. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

Exploring the food culture in Santander offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Enjoy a delicious meal at La Barruca de Calderón, a highly-rated dining destination in Santander. If you're eager to try something different, consider La Bombi, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at El Figón. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Santander this evening.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Santander. The bars in Santander make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!