One-Week Relaxed 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 2 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 an enchanting, an instagrammable, a respected, a monumental, a culturally significant, and a remarkable! Start at Catedral De Santander, an up-and-coming church that is worthwhile a visit in the village. Nearby, you’ll find Plaza Porticada, enchanting visitors with its historic appeal. Continue your exploration at Mercado Del Este. This market is one of the village’s most frequently visited 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.

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.

Savor the rest of your day by heading to La Maruca, a beloved beach that draws visitors from near and far.

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

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.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Cadelo in Santander by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its Bib Gourmand status, Cadelo offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Umma, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern cuisine. This popular Bib Gourmand-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Agua Salada, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional contemporary and traditional menu.

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.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Little Bobby, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience 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 1 night left in Santander, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

A blend of a breathtaking, an instagrammable, and a heritage-rich await you in Santander on today’s itinerary. First up is the worthwhile maritime museum, Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico. It's a standout spot that offers a memorable visit.

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

Spend your afternoon discovering Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, a beloved art gallery known for its picture-perfect features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Playa De Mataleñas, a locally appreciated beach that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Next, stop by Parque De Mataleñas and uncover the details of this eye-catching park. Make sure to also explore Llamas Park, a frequently visited park that offers a unique experience.

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

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Spain. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Santander, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Savor the flavors at Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, El Sol beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Restaurante Posada Del Mar. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Santander tonight.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Spain.

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

On day 4 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.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Vitoria-Gasteiz, 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 Santander to Vitoria-Gasteiz may take around 2 hours without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Vitoria-Gasteiz, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Head to La Florida, a beloved park in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Plaza Virgen Blanca. This captivating public square is a top recommendation in the area. When you’re ready to explore more, Nueva Square is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most photogenic public square in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the locally appreciated Cathedral Of Santa María De Vitoria and discover what makes this church unique.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Elorriaga. This car ride takes around 7 min.

Begin your journey at Salburua and explore the eye-catching features.

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

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.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Bilbao by reserving a table at Mina. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of creative and seasonal cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Zortziko, renowned for its delectable contemporary dishes. This distinguished 1-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Etxanobe Atelier, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite creative menu. With a 1-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bilbao.

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

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Boss Bilbao, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Stromboli Taberna offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Zuberoa Taberna. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

Day 5 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Bilbao, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Spain are extraordinary.

Start your adventure at Albiako Lorategiak. This worthwhile park is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the romantic wonders of Zubizuri, a must-see art installation in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Furnicular Bottom Station. This up-and-coming tramway offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Puppy, where you can take in its picture-perfect features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Guggenheim Museum.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Spain. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Spain and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

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.

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.

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

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

Day 6 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!

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Bilbao, including a tramway, a park, a church, a hiking area and much more! Start your day with a visit to Artxanda Funicular. This locally appreciated tramway is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Europa Parkea, which may be one of the most breathtaking places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Bilbao on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Etxebarri Parkea, one of the city’s most worthwhile park. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala and Pagasarri.

Spain makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Spain also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Gaztandegi taberna, a top-rated dining destination in Bilbao. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Café Bar Bilbao, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Laga jatetxea. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bilbao this evening.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Bilbao and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Spain.

Day 7 of your self-drive tour in Spain is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll stay in Santander for 1 night. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Spain.

Bilbao is home to plenty of attractions that offer a visually striking, a charming, a scenic, a mesmerizing, and a historic! Start at Federico Moyúa Enparantza, an up-and-coming point of interest that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao, enchanting visitors with its picture-perfect appeal. Continue your exploration at Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. This park is one of the city’s most well-known spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Bilbao at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Itsasmuseum Bilbao. After exploring the maritime museum, head to the frequently visited Euskalduna Zubia. This point of interest will wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour in the city.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Santander. 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 Santander.

Make sure to reserve a table at Cadelo Restaurante, an iconic dining spot in Santander. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Cervecería Kiss, a popular restaurant in Santander. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Bar La Cátedra Tapas y Vinos, a hidden gem nestled in Santander. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Spain!