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

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain continues on day 2, 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 3 nights left in Santander, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Santander, including a park, a church, a public square, a market, an art gallery and much more! Start your day at Doctor Morales Park. This instagrammable park is a worthwhile place to see in Santander. Then, wander over to Catedral De Santander. If historic sites excite you, this church will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Plaza Porticada. This standout public square 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, Mercado Del Este is an intriguing spot in the village that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the market, don’t forget to check out the picture-perfect Centro Botin. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this popular art gallery.

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

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.

Discover the culinary delights of Santander by securing a reservation at Cadelo. Esteemed for its a Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Umma, renowned for its delicious modern dishes. This esteemed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Agua Salada, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering contemporary and traditional menu. With its Bib Gourmand recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

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.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Little Bobby stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Monte can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day 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.

Today’s itinerary in Santander covers several incredible sights, including an art gallery, a beach, a park, a church and much more! Start your adventure at Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor. This frequently visited art gallery is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the peaceful wonders of Playa De Mataleñas, a must-see beach in the village.

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 Parque De Mataleñas. This locally appreciated park offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to La Maruca, where you can take in serene features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Ermita De La Virgen Del Mar. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, El Sol offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Restaurante Posada Del Mar is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Santander.

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

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

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, you’ll explore the area around Santander, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. 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.

Continue your journey to Parque Los Pinares, one of the village’s most underrated spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the often recommended Playa Del Camello. When you're finished at the beach, Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico awaits your visit. This maritime museum is a history-steeped highlight on today's itinerary.

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

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.

Dine in style at Cadelo Restaurante, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Cervecería Kiss boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Bar La Cátedra Tapas y Vinos. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Santander.

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

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Spain. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Spain tomorrow with new energy.

On day 5 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.

Santander is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a nature reserve, a public square, a park, a church and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the worthwhile Salburua and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Nueva Square, a history-steeped public square that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to La Florida, one of the hamlet’s most increasingly popular spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the popular Plaza Virgen Blanca. When you're finished at the public square, Cathedral Of Santa María De Vitoria awaits your visit. This church is a photogenic highlight on today's itinerary.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Bilbao in this laid-back road trip in Spain. You'll stay here for 3 nights.

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.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Bilbao by securing a table at Mina. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional creative and seasonal menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Zortziko, famous for its scrumptious contemporary dishes. This 1-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Etxanobe Atelier, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite creative cuisine in Bilbao. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for creative cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

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.

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.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing 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!

Begin your adventure at Albiako Lorategiak. This is an underrated park you should not miss. Another must-see is Zubizuri, a notable art installation in Bilbao.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Furnicular Bottom Station. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Puppy, another of the city’s beloved attractions.

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 the food culture in Bilbao 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Café Iruña, an iconic dining spot in Bilbao. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Iturriza Taberna, a popular restaurant in Bilbao. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Antxoa Taberna, a hidden gem nestled in Bilbao. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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.

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

On day 7 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Spain, you’ll go deep into Bilbao, where you'll stay for 1 night, 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!

Today’s route brings fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. The first attraction of today is Artxanda Funicular. This frequently visited tramway is an enchanting place to see in Bilbao. Continue your discovery at Europa Parkea, an awe-inspiring park with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Bilbao, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Etxebarri Parkea. This beloved park offers a breathtaking encounter with Bilbao. Next, make your way to Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Pagasarri, a curiosity-inducing hiking area that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Bilbao.

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.

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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Gaztandegi taberna, a top-rated dining spot in Bilbao. If you're in the mood for something new, try Café Bar Bilbao, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Laga jatetxea. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening 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.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Bilbao can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Spain!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Spain will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Spain, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Bilbao allows for both. Start by heading to Federico Moyúa Enparantza. This intriguing point of interest provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao, an instagrammable museum, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, a popular park. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the up-and-coming Itsasmuseum Bilbao.

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.

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at La Barruca de Calderón, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, La Bombi offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, El Figón is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option 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.

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