7-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bilbao to Santander and San Sebastian and surrounding area

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Bilbao has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Bilbao by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Start your day with a visit to Guggenheim Museum. This astonishing museum building is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Puppy, which may be one of the most picture-perfect 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 Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao, an up-and-coming museum in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park and Etxebarri Parkea.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Spain is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bilbao. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Mina in Bilbao by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Mina delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious creative and seasonal cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Zortziko, acclaimed for its delectable contemporary specialties. This local 1-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Etxanobe Atelier, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for creative cuisine in the city.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Spain.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Villaescusa, Puente Viesgo, and Santillana del Mar. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Santander. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, natural wonders, and scenic views in the charming city of Bilbao. Your adventure starts at Cabarceno Natural Park, an impressive local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Cave Of El Castillo. This curiosity-inducing cave is known for its peaceful appeal.

After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Bilbao's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to National Museum And Research Center Of Altamira. This photogenic museum offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Cave Of Altamira is also worth visiting, along with Museum Of Torture - Inquisicion. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Santander. Santander offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Santander's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Santander by reserving a table at Cadelo. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Umma, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This distinguished Bib Gourmand-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Agua Salada, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite contemporary and traditional menu. With a Bib Gourmand 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 Santander.

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

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Spain.

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Santander, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Nacimiento Del Rio Ebro is must-visit park and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, a beloved art gallery, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Parque De Mataleñas, a stunning park, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Santander. When you're ready, let your sightseeing route take you to the worthwhile Llamas Park. If you’re looking for more, Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico is also an increasingly popular attraction that is worthwhile a visit.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Santander's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

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

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Little Bobby is an excellent place to start.

Head back to your accommodation in Santander and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Spain!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Santander. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in San Sebastian, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Santander, including a church, a public square, a market, an art gallery, a boardwalk and much more! Start your day at Catedral De Santander. This majestic church is an underrated place to see in Santander. Then, wander over to Plaza Porticada. If instagrammable sites excite you, this public square will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Mercado Del Este. This instagrammable market is a favorite among visitors.

Santander offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Centro Botin is a locally renowned spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the art gallery, don’t forget to check out the visually striking Paseo Marítimo De Santander. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this often recommended boardwalk.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in San Sebastian. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in San Sebastian. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Arzak in San Sebastian by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 3-star Michelin status, Arzak offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious creative and traditional menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing creative cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Kokotxa, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional modern menu.

Continue your lively evening at Txiki Taberna Donosti, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Taberna Barun is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Gorriti Taberna ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Spain.

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, San Sebastian, Sukarrieta, and Portugalete. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bilbao, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in San Sebastian, featuring family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Start at Alderdi Eder Parkea, a popular park in the city. Then, head to Beach Of La Concha and soak in the ambiance of this stunning beach.

There are many interesting places to see in San Sebastian, and when you are ready for more, go to Peine Del Viento Xv. This is one of the city’s most captivating instagrammable spots of interest. After exploring the art installation, visit the locally renowned Urdaibai Biosferaren Erreserba. Not far away, you'll also find Vizcaya Bridge. This monument is a respected highlight in San Sebastian.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bilbao, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you explore more of Bilbao, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Gaztandegi taberna, a popular restaurant in Bilbao. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Bilbao at Café Bar Bilbao, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Laga jatetxea. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Bilbao tonight.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Spain and look forward to more memorable moments to come!