7-Day Spain Road Trip from Bilbao traveling west to Santander, Leon, and Oviedo

Photo of City Hall in Bulbao in Spain by Juan Manuel Garcia Bilbao
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 7-day road trip through Spain.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Spain. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Bilbao, 2 nights in Santander, 1 night in León, and 1 night in Oviedo, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Spain. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Bilbao, Santander, Villaescusa, León, and Oviedo. We'll help you experience the best 7 days in Spain you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Bilbao, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Spain, including the stunning Guggenheim Museum and Centro Botin.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Spain. From the magnificent León Cathedra to the breathtaking Vizcaya Bridge and Cabarceno Natural Park, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Cave of Altamira and learn more about the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Bilbao, Santander, Villaescusa, León, and Oviedo, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Spain. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Spain.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Spain. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Spain.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Spain.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Spain has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Spain. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 6 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 6 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Spain extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Spain fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Spain today!

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Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Photo of aerial view of Bilbao, Spain city downtown with a Nevion River, Zubizuri Bridge and promenade. Mountain at the background, with clear blue sky.Bilbao / 2 nights
Photo of aerial view of Vizcaya bridge over the river and cityscape at Portugalete, Spain.Portugalete
Photo of Santander city beach aerial panoramic view.Santander / 2 nights
León - city in SpainLeón / 1 night
Photo of the Cathedral of Oviedo, Spain, was founded by King Fruela I of Asturias in 781 AD and is located in the Alfonso II square.Oviedo / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Photo of Guggenheim, Bilbao, museum, modern art, Spain.Guggenheim Museum
photo of stunning landscape in the Cabarceno Nature Park in Cantabria. Northern coast of Spain.Cabarceno Natural Park
photo of León Cathedra at morning in Leon, Spain.León Cathedra
photo of Vizcaya Bridge in the Biscay province of Spain - A UNESCO World Heritage Site.Vizcaya Bridge
Medieval bridge in Cangas de Onis, Cangas de Onís, Asturias, SpainRoman bridge in Cangas de Onis
Centro Botin, Santander, Cantabria, SpainCentro Botin
photo of the Altamira Caves, Cantabria. Spanish rock art. It is the highest representation of cave painting in Spain.Cave of Altamira
Laberinto De Villapresente, Reocín, Saja-Nansa, Cantabria, SpainLaberinto De Villapresente
Photo of Colorful and modern Bilbao Bridge, Basque Country, Spain.Zubizuri
Photo of Fountain in Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park at night - park in Bilbao, Vizcaya, Basque Country, Spain.Doña Casilda Iturrizar park
Federico Moyua enparantza, Abando, Bilbao, Biscay, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainFederiko Moiua enparantza
Parque Etxebarria, Casco Viejo, Ibaiondo, Bilbao, Biscay, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainParque Etxebarria
Photo of Collegiate Church of San Isidoro, Leon Spain.Basilica of San Isidoro
Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, Indautxu, Abando, Bilbao, Biscay, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainMuseum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
photo of Casa botines in Leon By Antoni Gaudi architect in 1894 Modernism by Saint James way.Casa de los Botines
Plaza del GranoPlaza del Grano, León
Bilboko Donejakue katedrala, Casco Viejo, Ibaiondo, Bilbao, Biscay, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainBilboko Donejakue katedrala
Puerto Viejo
Puppy, Abando, Bilbao, Biscay, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainPuppy
Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor, Santander, Cantabria, SpainCentro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor
Europa parkea
Albiako Lorategiak, Abando, Bilbao, Biscay, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainAlbiako Lorategiak
San Miguel Historic Garden Bridge, Reocín, Saja-Nansa, Cantabria, SpainSan Miguel Historic Garden Bridge

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Bilbao - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Bilbao - arrival day

  • Bilbao - Arrival day
  • More
  • Federiko Moiua enparantza
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Spain begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Bilbao. You’ll stay in Bilbao for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Bilbao has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Federiko Moiua enparantza. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,235 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Bilbao, Kafe Antzokia. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,751 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Bilbao is Gure Kabi jatetxea. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,296 customers.

Locals recommend Mugi taberna as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bilbao. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 986 customers.

Bilbao also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Bilbao is El Globo taberna. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,994 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Bilbao is La Viña del Ensanche. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,499 customers.

Locals also enjoy Stromboli taberna. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,133 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 7-day vacation in Spain!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Bilbao and Santander

Day 2

Day 2 – Bilbao and Santander

  • Bilbao
  • Santander
  • More

Drive 101 km, 1 hour 44 min

  • Zubizuri
  • Puppy
  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
  • Doña Casilda Iturrizar park
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Bilbao and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Santander. You will stay in Santander for 2 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Bilbao is the amazing Zubizuri. This attraction is a footbridge that is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 10,295 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible best-rated sightseeing destination, Puppy. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,913 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Bilbao is the outstanding Guggenheim Museum. This popular museum building and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 64,815 visitors.

The spectacular Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,312 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Doña Casilda Iturrizar park. This attraction is a popular park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 9,643 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Bilbao by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Santander, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Cadelo Restaurante, one of the best restaurants in the city of Santander. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 855 customers.

Locals also recommend Cañadío as one of the best restaurants in the city of Santander. Cañadío is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,193 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Santander is Restaurante Los Peñucas. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,136 customers.

After dinner, visit Casa Lita, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Santander. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,651 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Max Sports Café Santander. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,627 customers.

Alternatively, Restaurante La Ventana is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Santander. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,224 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Spain!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Bilbao, Portugalete, Getxo, and Santander

Day 3

Day 3 – Bilbao, Portugalete, Getxo, and Santander

  • Portugalete
  • Bilbao
  • Santander
  • More

Drive 231 km, 3 hours 28 min

  • Bilboko Donejakue katedrala
  • Parque Etxebarria
  • Europa parkea
  • Puerto Viejo
  • Vizcaya Bridge
  • More

Day 3 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.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Bilbao. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Bilbao, like the extraordinary Bilboko Donejakue katedrala. This attraction is a church and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,802 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Bilbao is the spectacular Etxebarria parkea. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,229 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Europa parkea. This top-tier point of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,593 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Bilbao.

Your discovery of Bilbao does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Bilbao on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Spain, be sure to eat at Bodega del Riojano, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Santander. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,195 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Santander is the popular Taberna La Radio. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,408 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Santander is Restaurante Las Olas. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,798 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, La Magnolia is one of the best bars in the city of Santander for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,129 customers.

Little Bobby is another of the most popular bars in the city of Santander. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 920 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Santander is Kings Pub. Kings Pub has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 857 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Santander!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Cueto, Villaescusa, Santillana del Mar, and Leon

Day 4

Day 4 – Cueto, Villaescusa, Santillana del Mar, and Leon

  • Santander
  • León
  • More

Drive 315 km, 3 hours 44 min

  • Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor
  • Centro Botin
  • Cabarceno Natural Park
  • Cave of Altamira
  • More

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the city of Santander and the city of Cueto, Cantabria. You’ll stay in Leon for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Santander today is Centro Botin. This excellent attraction is an art museum that has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,508 visitors. Each year, Centro Botin attracts over 111,096 local and international travelers.

To experience the local culture, see more of Spain, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Spain. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Centro de Arte Faro Cabo Mayor for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Cueto, Cantabria. This popular attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,037 visitors.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Leon.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Leon, Restaurante Cocinandos. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,382 customers.

Locals recommend Restaurante Cenador Rua Nova as one of the best restaurants in the city of Leon. Restaurante Cenador Rua Nova is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,072 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Leon is Restaurante Asiático - Kamado Asian Food. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,620 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Leon, Clandestino Gastrobar. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,610 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Bar Chelsea. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 911 customers.

Taxman Beatles Bar is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Leon. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 834 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Spain with a toast!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Oviedo

Day 5

Day 5 – Oviedo

  • León
  • Oviedo
  • More

Drive 128 km, 1 hour 44 min

  • León Cathedra
  • Basilica of San Isidoro
  • Casa de los Botines
  • Plaza del Grano, León
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 5 of your epic road trip in Spain, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Leon. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Oviedo. You’ll stay in Oviedo for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Leon’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Leon, start your day with a visit to the amazing León Cathedra. This much-appreciated catholic cathedral and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 30,058 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Basilica of San Isidoro. This collegiate church and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,015 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Casa de los Botines to make the most of your road trip across Spain. The spectacular Casa de los Botines is a building that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,594 visitors.

The lovely Plaza del Grano, León is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 6,643 visitors have left this square average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Leon has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Oviedo. Oviedo offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Restaurante Casa Lobato. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,081 reviews.

The remarkable Casa Fermín is another top restaurant in Oviedo we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 671 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous La Panoya is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,461 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Oviedo, the fantastic Per Se Café. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,642 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful La Finca Sidrería Agrobar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,955 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Mala Saña. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,642 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Spain!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Cerrazo, Cangas de Onís, and Bilbao

Day 6

Day 6 – Cerrazo, Cangas de Onís, and Bilbao

  • Bilbao
  • More

Drive 306 km, 3 hours 38 min

  • Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis
  • San Miguel Historic Garden Bridge
  • Laberinto De Villapresente
  • More

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Spain. Today, you'll wake up in Oviedo and embark on a scenic drive to Bilbao, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Oviedo and Cangas de Onís / Cangues d'Onís before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Oviedo. When you’re eager to explore the hamlet and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Laberinto De Villapresente. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,994 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Cerrazo and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Cangas de Onís / Cangues d'Onís has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 21,965 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Cangas de Onís / Cangues d'Onís, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Bilbao. When you arrive in Bilbao you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like La Barraca jatetxea. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 842 customers.

Locals also recommend Zurima jatetxea, another of the best restaurants in Bilbao. Zurima jatetxea is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 784 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Nura jatetxea. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 586 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Mugi taberna to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Bilbao, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 986 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Arpiku. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Arpiku has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 571 customers.

Café Iruña is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 11,699 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Spain, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Bilbao - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 – Bilbao - departure day

  • Bilbao - Departure day
  • More
  • Albiako Lorategiak
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Bilbao before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Albiako Lorategiak is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Bilbao. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,047 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Bilbao and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Spain.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Bilbao at Zarate jatetxea before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 525 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Ágape jatetxea for your last chance at a meal in the city of Bilbao. The Ágape jatetxea restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,513 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Restaurante Pentxo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,466 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Bilbao. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Spain!

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Experiences

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