Relaxed 7-Day Spain Road Trip Starting from Santander to Bilbao

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Spain begins when you reach Santander, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Santander is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Parque de Mataleñas. Around 2,724 visitors have rated this fascinating park and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

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.

An excellent example is Cadelo Restaurante. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 855 customers.

Cañadío serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Santander has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,193 reviews.

Restaurante Los Peñucas is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,136 customers, Restaurante Los Peñucas is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Santander looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Casa Lita, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 6,651 reviews.

Max Sports Café Santander offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Santander. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,627 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Restaurante La Ventana. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,224 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Spain! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Spain!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, you'll explore the best attractions in Santander at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Santander, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Mercado del Este. This incredible top-tier point of interest has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 7,680 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Spain by seeing another popular site in Santander, the wonderful Plaza Porticada. This square is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 7,680 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Centro Botin. This art museum has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,508 visitors. Up to 111,096 people visit this popular attraction each year.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico. This maritime museum is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,771 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Spain. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Santander itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Spain extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Santander. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Bodega del Riojano. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,195 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Taberna La Radio, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Taberna La Radio is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 3,408 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Restaurante Las Olas. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,798 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Santander and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular La Magnolia. This vibrant bar is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,129 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Little Bobby. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 920 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Kings Pub. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Kings Pub has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 857 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Spain, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Spain serves as your introduction to Villaescusa. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Spain and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Villaescusa, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 4,642 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Eurostars Hotel Real. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,819 guests, Eurostars Hotel Real is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Bed4U Santander offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Bed4U Santander is a top-rated budget hotel in Villaescusa with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,501 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Villaescusa. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Villaescusa, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Cabarceno Natural Park. This zoo and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Villaescusa. The fascinating Cabarceno Natural Park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 45,839 travelers.

A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you.

Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Villaescusa, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Spain.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Spain. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Villaescusa, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Villaescusa is Restaurante La Candelita. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,396 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love La Bombi for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Villaescusa. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,500 customers.

Another alternative is Restaurante Gelín. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,336 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Villaescusa. At Santa & Co, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 887 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Gran Casino del Sardinero, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,588 reviews.

La Barruca de Calderón is also one of the best places in Villaescusa where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,014 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Spain!

Day 4 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Portugalete. 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 2 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Vizcaya Bridge is waiting for you. This suspension bridge has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 28,202 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Portugalete has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Bilbao. In Bilbao, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Spain.

After a long day of driving and exploring along your relaxed road trip route, sitting down for a well-cooked restaurant meal in Sukarrieta is an excellent idea.

A popular restaurant we recommend you try is Kafe Antzokia, one of the best restaurants in Sukarrieta. With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,751 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Kafe Antzokia.

Locals also recommend Gure Kabi jatetxea as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Gure Kabi jatetxea as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,296 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Mugi taberna. Mugi taberna is another of the most popular places to eat in Sukarrieta. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 986 customers.

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.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like El Globo taberna. El Globo taberna is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,994 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is La Viña del Ensanche. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,499 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Stromboli taberna. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Stromboli taberna is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,133 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Spain!

Day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Spain serves as your introduction to Bilbao. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Spain and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Bilbao, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,738 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Carlton. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,104 guests, Carlton is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Sercotel Arenal Bilbao offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Sercotel Arenal Bilbao is a top-rated budget hotel in Bilbao with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,168 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Bilbao. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Bilbao, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Europa parkea. This best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Bilbao. The fascinating Europa parkea has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,593 travelers.

Bilbao is also home to the captivating Guggenheim Museum, a local museum building and another popular attraction in the city. About 64,815 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.5 out of 5 stars. Each year, up to 530,967 people include this sightseeing spot in their travel plans.

The extraordinary Puppy is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Spain. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,913 travelers, Puppy proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing museum and attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,312 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Doña Casilda Iturrizar park. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating park and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 9,643 visitors have rated the famous Doña Casilda Iturrizar park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Bilbao, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Spain.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Spain. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Bilbao, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Bilbao is La Barraca jatetxea. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 842 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Zurima jatetxea for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Bilbao. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 784 customers.

Another alternative is Nura jatetxea. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 586 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Bilbao. At Mugi taberna, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 986 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Arpiku, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 571 reviews.

Café Iruña is also one of the best places in Bilbao where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 11,699 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Spain!

Day 6 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Spain gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Bilbao. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Santander, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Federiko Moiua enparantza is waiting for you. This must-see tourist destination has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,235 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Albiako Lorategiak. This unique park is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,047 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Zubizuri. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 10,295 visitors, this footbridge is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Etxebarria parkea. This popular must-see tourist destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,229 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to Bilboko Donejakue katedrala. This attraction is a valued church in the area that has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,802 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Bilbao has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Spain. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Santander. In Santander, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Spain.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,128 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Restaurante El Serbal.

Locals also recommend Restaurante Posada Del Mar as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Restaurante Posada Del Mar as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Cantabria Restaurant. Cantabria Restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,226 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is El Sol. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,098 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Grog. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Grog is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 1,162 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Spain!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Spain is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Santander.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Santander once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Spain on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Paseo Marítimo de Santander is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Santander. This top sight is a popular best-rated sightseeing destination, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,078 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Santander or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Santander and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Spain is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.