Relaxed 12-Day Spain Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from San Sebastian to Santander and Bilbao

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Spain, you’ll go deep into San Sebastian, where you'll stay for 3 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 San Sebastian, and meet locals along the way!

Parte Vieja is a fantastic place you can explore today in San Sebastian. This neighborhood is a testament to the city’s character, and it's easy to spend hours just walking around and admiring the surroundings. Soak in the San Sebastian-way-of-life and visit all the nearby sights.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in San Sebastian allows for both. Start by heading to Aquarium. This interesting aquarium provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Alderdi Eder Parkea, a romantic park, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Beach Of La Concha, a locally renowned beach. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the captivating Gipuzkoa Plaza.

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

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 San Sebastian.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Arzak in San Sebastian by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 3-star Michelin distinction, Arzak delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious creative and traditional cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, acclaimed for its delectable creative specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Kokotxa, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern cuisine in the city.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in San Sebastian 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!

Day 3 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in San Sebastian, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Spain are extraordinary.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in San Sebastian, featuring fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. Start at Peine Del Viento Xv, an interesting art installation in the city. Then, head to Funicular Monte Igueldo and soak in the ambiance of this enchanting heritage railway.

There are many interesting places to see in San Sebastian, and when you are ready for more, go to Miramar Palace. This is one of the city’s most notable history-steeped spots of interest. After exploring the palace, visit the locally appreciated Cathedral Of The Good Shepherd Of San Sebastian. Not far away, you'll also find Cristina Enea Parkea. This park is a mesmerizing highlight in San Sebastian.

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.

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.

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

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.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of San Sebastian 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!

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 San Sebastian and beyond. With 1 night left in San Sebastian, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Whether you decide to explore San Sebastian on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Hondarribiko Hondartza is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this instagrammable beach before continuing your journey. San Nikolas Gate is your next stop. This beloved historical landmark is one of the best-rated sights in San Sebastian.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit St. Maria Gate. This breathtaking historical landmark is a sight to behold.

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

Exploring the food culture in San Sebastian 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 lovely dining experience at Narru Restaurant, a popular restaurant in San Sebastian. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of San Sebastian at Lukainkategi, 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 Restaurante JATETXEA TOLOSA. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in San Sebastian 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.

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

Day 5 of your self-drive tour in Spain is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll start your day in the town of Guernica and end it in the town of Portugalete. You’ll stay in Santander for 3 nights. 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.

Immerse yourself in San Sebastian’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Casa De Juntas De Gernika. This heritage-rich historical landmark is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the eye-catching features of Urdaibai Biosferaren Erreserba, a must-visit nature reserve in the town.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Playa De Ereaga, an increasingly popular beach. We also recommend visiting Vizcaya Bridge. This monument is a must for anyone looking to experience the town to the fullest.

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

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.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Santander by securing a table at Cadelo. An esteemed Bib Gourmand restaurant, it features an exceptional modern menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Umma, famous for its scrumptious modern dishes. This Bib Gourmand venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Agua Salada, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite contemporary and traditional cuisine in Santander. Located in the heart of the city, this Bib Gourmand-awardee is an ideal pick for contemporary and traditional cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

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.

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.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Spain!

On day 6 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.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Santander. Some of the village’s most loved attractions await! Centro De Arte Faro Cabo Mayor is the perfect place to start. This art gallery is one of the most beloved places to visit in Santander. Next, head to Parque De Mataleñas, a locally appreciated park, known for its romantic features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Llamas Park. This stunning park is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico and Palacio De La Magdalena. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

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.

Savor the flavors at Restaurante Agua Salada, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Restaurante Matices Santander beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider La Enmienda Dieciocho. 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.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Little Bobby offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink.

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 relaxed road trip through Spain means 24 hours of making the best memories in Santander. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Santander. 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 Santander!

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Santander today. One of the most increasingly popular attractions included on the itinerary is Plaza De Pombo. This eye-catching public square will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Mercado Del Este and learn what makes this history-steeped market unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the beloved Plaza Porticada. After exploring the public square, head to Catedral De Santander. This up-and-coming church is a highlight in Santander. As your day continues, stop by Centro Botin, known for its picture-perfect features.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Spain by joining a traveler-approved tour in Santander. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Santander 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 Santander to find the best options for you!

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.

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.

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.

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

Today’s route brings fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and natural wonders. The first attraction of today is Villapresente's Labyrinth. This captivating maze is an instagrammable place to see in Santander. Continue your discovery at Monumento Natural De Las Secuoyas Del Monte Cabezón, a majestic nature reserve with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Santander, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this hamlet so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Cueva El Soplao. Next, make your way to Cabarceno Natural Park to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Playa Ostende / Urdiales, a frequently visited beach 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 Santander.

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.

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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Mina, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible creative and seasonal menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Zortziko is one of the best restaurants for contemporary cuisine in Bilbao. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Etxanobe Atelier. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for creative cuisine in the city.

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

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Boss Bilbao after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Stromboli Taberna, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Zuberoa Taberna also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Spain!

On day 9 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!

A blend of fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views await you in Bilbao on today’s itinerary. First up is the increasingly popular tramway, Artxanda Funicular. Afterward, continue to Furnicular Bottom Station, a tramway every traveler should visit.

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 Zubizuri. This locally renowned art installation is an essential stop. Following that, head to Puppy, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Guggenheim Museum, an impressive museum building in the city.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Day 10 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Bilbao, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Spain are extraordinary.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites. Whether you decide to explore Bilbao on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Carola Garabia is the first of them. Itsasmuseum Bilbao is your next stop. This frequently visited maritime museum is one of the best-rated sights in Bilbao.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Euskalduna Zubia. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park and Museum Of Fine Arts Of 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.

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.

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.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Bilbao’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Spain.

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

Day 11 of your relaxed road trip across Spain promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the city of Bilbao and drive in the direction of the city of San Sebastian for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of San Sebastian, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. Next, go to Albiako Lorategiak.

After visiting Federico Moyúa Enparantza and Albiako Lorategiak, have a stroll along Bilbao's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala. This enchanting church offers a unique experience. Etxebarri Parkea is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Europa Parkea, one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Bilbao.

In the city of San Sebastian, 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.

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 Haizea, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Loretxu Gastrotaberna offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Sirimiri Gastroleku. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in San Sebastian.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in San Sebastian.

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.