Cheap 5-Day Spain Road Trip from Santander to Pamplona and Leon and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Spain starts when you reach the incredible city of Santander, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Santander and begin your adventure in Spain.

Santander is a popular cheap holiday destination in Spain with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Spain, Santander is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

A cheap, budget vacation in Santander should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Santander, try some of our top recommendations.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Cadelo Restaurante. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 855 customers.

Another dining option is Casa Lita. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Casa Lita has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 6,651 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Cañadío for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 5,193 customers have rated the irresistible Cañadío an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Enjoy a drink or two at La Magnolia. Around 1,129 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Little Bobby, where you can relax and have some fun. Little Bobby is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 920 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is Kings Pub, averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars in 857 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Spain!

Day 2 of your road trip across Spain offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Santander, Cueto, and Pamplona. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Pamplona.

Drop by the renowned Plaza Porticada. This popular square has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,395 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Mercado del Este. Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars by 7,680 visitors, this sightseeing destination deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Centro Botin. Hosting around 111,096 visitors every year, the fascinating Centro Botin is one of the best places to visit in Santander. This art museum has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 14,508 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Santander, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Pamplona may take around 1 hour 12 min. Upon your arrival in Pamplona, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Pamplona. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Pamplona, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Pamplona, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

You could check out El Globo taberna, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 5,994 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

La Viña del Ensanche is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,499 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Kafe Antzokia. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Kafe Antzokia has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,751 customer reviews.

Stromboli taberna is one of the best bars in Pamplona and the perfect place to go for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,133 customers.

You may also want to check out Mugi taberna. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your evening endeavors. Mugi taberna is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 986 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Arpiku. Arpiku has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 571 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Pamplona!

On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Spain, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Pamplona, Portugalete, and Leon. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Leon.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Federiko Moiua enparantza. This point of interest is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Pamplona, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,235 visitors.

Guggenheim Museum is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 64,815 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction. It’s estimated that around 530,967 people visit this museum building every year.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Doña Casilda Iturrizar park. Visitors have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,643 reviews.

Portugalete’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Pamplona behind. This drive usually takes around 22 min. Portugalete welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Leon. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 30 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

While exploring Spain is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Leon has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Leon on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

A cheap, budget vacation in Leon should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Leon, try some of our top recommendations.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Leon is Restaurante Cenador Rua Nova. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,072 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Leon, Restaurante Asiático - Kamado Asian Food is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,620 diners.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Clandestino Gastrobar, one of the top bars you could visit in the city. Clandestino Gastrobar is an excellent place for a refreshing evening drink and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,610 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals at Bar Chelsea. Around 911 customers have rated their experience at Bar Chelsea an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Taxman Beatles Bar also belongs to the list of the best bars in the Leon, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 834 bar-goers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Spain! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Leon!

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Spain will take you to the city of Santander, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Santander, you'll explore 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in Spain, including Leon, Cuadonga/Covadonga, Cangas de Onís, and Santander.

When you're ready to see some sights, León Cathedra is a great place to start with. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 30,058 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cangas de Onís. This car ride takes around 2 hours 9 min.

When you’ve had your share of Cangas de Onís, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Cuadonga/Covadonga. Your travel time is around 14 min.

Make Sanctuary of Covadonga your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this church an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 34,049 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cuadonga/Covadonga and set your GPS to Santander. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 45 min. Upon reaching Santander, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Santander offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Spain. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Savor the culinary delights of Santander, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Restaurante Los Peñucas. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,136 customers.

Another dining option is Bodega del Riojano. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Bodega del Riojano has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,195 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Taberna La Radio for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 3,408 customers have rated the irresistible Taberna La Radio an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

After dinner, stop by one of the best bars in Santander. Santa & Co often offers travelers and locals alike a great time. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 887 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at La Barruca de Calderón. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,014 customers.

Cantabria Restaurant is another top-rated bar in the city. This place enjoys an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,226 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Spain!

Your budget road trip vacation in Spain is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Santander.

On your last day in Spain, take time to indulge in shopping at Santander’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Spain. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Santander.

For example, La Bombi has a menu of appetizing food and refreshing beverages and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,500 customers.

If you feel like eating something else, Restaurante Posada Del Mar is another restaurant worth trying out. This restaurant serves a variety of value-for-money savory dishes and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 993 customers.

Another restaurant popular among cheap holiday-goers is Restaurante la Mayor. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 921 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy unique flavors that will remind you of Spain and your fun memories in Santander.

You’ll then say farewell to Santander. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Spain!