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

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Santander, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Santander and Cueto.

Faro De La Cerda leaves a lasting impression. This lighthouse is one of the most up-and-coming places to visit in Santander. Next, head to Palacio De La Magdalena, an interesting palace, known for its respected 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 Centro Botin. This picture-perfect art gallery is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Museo Marítimo Del Cantábrico Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Santander, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Cueto. This drive usually takes around 8 min.

Segunda Playa De El Sardinero is an often recommended beach we recommend visiting today. Discover its mesmerizing features before continuing your self-guided tour to Llamas Park, a visually striking park that’s well-regarded in the area.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Santander's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

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

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Little Bobby is an excellent place to start.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Spain.

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Bilbao. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Bilbao, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Bilbao, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Santander to Bilbao may take around 1 hour 12 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bilbao, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the day by heading to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, a notable park that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Museum Of Fine Arts Of Bilbao, where you can soak in the photogenic surroundings.

Next, explore Guggenheim Museum, yet another widely recognized place to see in the area. After the museum building, make time to go to Puppy. This eye-catching art installation is well worth the visit. Lastly, head to Albiako Lorategiak, a worthwhile park you won’t want to miss.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bilbao, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Bilbao's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Don’t miss out on dining at La Viña del Ensanche, a top-rated dining destination in Bilbao. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Marinela jatetxea, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at San Mamés Jatetxea · Restaurante en San Mamés. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bilbao this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Boss Bilbao stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Stromboli Taberna offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Zuberoa Taberna is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Spain!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 place, which are San Sebastian. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in San Sebastian, where will spend 2 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in San Sebastian. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 16 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Peine Del Viento Xv, a locally renowned art installation that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Funicular Monte Igueldo and admire its enchanting features.

When you’re ready, continue to Miramar Palace, a captivating palace beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Beach Of La Concha, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Alderdi Eder Parkea, an eye-catching place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in San Sebastian. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

San Sebastian is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in San Sebastian.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Polka San Sebastián, a highly-rated dining destination in San Sebastian. If you're eager to try something different, consider ALABAMA CAFÉ slow Food - Healthy Food, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bar Antonio. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in San Sebastian this evening.

Keep the evening going at Txiki Taberna Donosti, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Taberna Barun, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Gorriti Taberna, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Spain.

Day 5 of your road trip across Spain promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in San Sebastian. You have 1 night left in San Sebastian. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

At the top of the list of things to do today is to explore Gros, a neighborhood that captures the true essence of San Sebastian. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions. Another must-visit is Parte Vieja, a neighborhood offering a different perspective on San Sebastian.

Start your day at Motako Gaztelua-castillo De La Mota. This enchanting castle is a frequently visited place to see in San Sebastian. Then, wander over to Urgull. If romantic sites excite you, this park will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Aquarium. This awe-inspiring aquarium is a favorite among visitors.

San Sebastian offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, San Telmo Museum is a beloved spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Spain. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in San Sebastian, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to reserve a table at Bodega Donostiarra Gros, 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 Federiko Taberna, 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 La Cuchara de San Telmo, 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.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in Spain includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Bilbao. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bilbao, where you'll spend 2 nights.

As you explore Bilbao’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bilbao. This car ride takes around 1 hour 11 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Artxanda Funicular. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the tramway before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Europa Parkea. This up-and-coming park is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the church. Next, take your journey to Etxebarri Parkea, a beloved park. Conclude your sightseeing at Furnicular Bottom Station, known for its mesmerizing features.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Bilbao. Bilbao offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bilbao's best restaurants.

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

Say good night to Bilbao and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Spain!

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Bilbao, where you have 1 night left to stay.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bilbao, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Logrono. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 27 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Parque Del Ebro, Logroño, an underrated park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Wall Revellín and admire its heritage-rich features.

When you’re ready, continue to Museum Of La Rioja, a frequently visited museum beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on La Laurel, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Mercado San Blas / Plaza De Abastos, a photogenic place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bilbao. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Gaztandegi taberna, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Café Bar Bilbao is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Laga jatetxea. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Bilbao tonight.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Spain.

On day 8 of your road trip in Spain, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. San Millán de la Cogolla and Badarán are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Santander, where you will stay for 1 night.

After soaking in Bilbao’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: San Millán de la Cogolla. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 39 min. When you arrive in San Millán de la Cogolla, it's time to take a break from the road.

Suso Monastery is a curiosity-inducing monastery we recommend visiting today. Discover its picture-perfect features before continuing your self-guided tour to Monastery Of San Millán De Yuso, a picture-perfect monastery that’s well-regarded in the area.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Badarán, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from San Millán de la Cogolla to Badarán may take around 10 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Badarán, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Bodegas Pedro Martinez Alesanco Sl, a worthwhile winery that everyone visiting Badarán should see.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Santander, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Santander, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota, a top-rated dining destination in Santander. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider El Sol, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurante Posada Del Mar. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Santander this evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Spain!