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 brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a park, a church, a public square, a market, an art gallery and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the up-and-coming Doctor Morales Park and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Catedral De Santander, a majestic church that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Plaza Porticada, one of the village’s most intriguing spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the increasingly popular Mercado Del Este. When you're finished at the market, Centro Botin awaits your visit. This art gallery is a detailed highlight on today's itinerary.

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

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.

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.

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.

Continue your lively evening at Little Bobby, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Santander as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Spain with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in Spain!

On day 3 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Santander and visit amazing attractions in Cueto, Monte, and San Román de la Llanilla destinations, just outside of the city. You still have 2 nights 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 an art gallery, a beach, a park, a church and much more! Start your adventure at Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. This increasingly popular art gallery is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Playa De Mataleñas located in Santander for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Parque De Mataleñas. Its eye-catching features will captivate you. After the park, continue your tour of the village with a visit to La Maruca. Visitors usually appreciate the mesmerizing features of this beach. Next up is Ermita De La Virgen Del Mar, a highly recommended church.

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

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? El Sol offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurante Posada Del Mar. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Santander.

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!

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain continues on day 4, 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.

Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, natural wonders, and breathtaking views. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Llamas Park. This up-and-coming park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Parque De La Teja, one of the village’s best highlights.

Next, check out Parque Los Pinares, one of the most up-and-coming places to see in Santander. This park is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Playa Del Camello. Wander around and soak in the romantic atmosphere this beach offers. Then, head to Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico, a top-rated maritime museum that adds another dimension to your day.

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

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Santander has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Cadelo Restaurante, a top-rated dining spot in Santander. If you're in the mood for something new, try Cervecería Kiss, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Bar La Cátedra Tapas y Vinos. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Santander.

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.

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 hamlet of Elorriaga. 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.

Today’s agenda in Santander includes a nature reserve, a public square, a park, a church and much more! Salburua is must-visit nature reserve and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Nueva Square, an up-and-coming public square, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to La Florida, a romantic 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 well-known Plaza Virgen Blanca. If you’re looking for more, Cathedral Of Santa María De Vitoria is also an increasingly popular attraction that is worthwhile a visit.

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.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Bilbao has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Start your culinary exploration in Bilbao by securing a reservation at Mina. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of creative and seasonal cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Zortziko, celebrated for its delectable contemporary menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Etxanobe Atelier, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Bilbao and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Boss Bilbao. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Stromboli Taberna offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Zuberoa Taberna, another top-rated bar in the area.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed 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!

Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Albiako Lorategiak. This curiosity-inducing park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Zubizuri, one of the city’s best highlights.

Next, check out Furnicular Bottom Station, one of the most intriguing places to see in Bilbao. This tramway is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Puppy. Wander around and soak in the detailed atmosphere this art installation offers. Then, head to Guggenheim Museum, a top-rated museum building that adds another dimension to your day.

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.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Bilbao has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

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.

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

Day 7 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Bilbao, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Spain are extraordinary.

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 intriguing 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 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 Etxebarri Parkea, a beloved park in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala and Pagasarri.

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.

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 Bilbao, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Dine in style at Gaztandegi taberna, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Café Bar Bilbao boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Laga jatetxea. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bilbao.

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.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Bilbao as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Spain with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday 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.

Begin your adventure at Federico Moyúa Enparantza. This is a worthwhile sightseeing destination you should not miss. Another must-see is Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao, a locally appreciated museum in Bilbao.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Itsasmuseum Bilbao, another of the city’s worthwhile attractions.

In the city of Santander, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Spain.

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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at La Barruca de Calderón, a popular restaurant in Santander. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Santander at La Bombi, 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 El Figón. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Santander tonight.

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