From royal cities to coastal gems, this 8-day road trip through Basque Spain and Northern Spain is packed with history, food, and scenery that’ll leave you speechless (and full)! Here's how to make the most of your journey through Segovia, Burgos, Santander, Bilbao, and San Sebastian.

Day 1: Madrid

Stay: SmartRental Gran Vía Capital - Modern 2-bedroom apartments with a rooftop pool overlooking Madrid’s skyline — right on the buzzing Gran Vía. Ideal for families or small groups seeking comfort, space, and a great location. Gran Vía hums with life from morning coffee runs to late-night tapas crawls.

If you're landing after a long flight, embrace Madrid’s easygoing vibe before you head on your Basque road trip with a sunset stroll to Plaza Mayor, where you can sip sangria and watch the city pulse around you.

🚗 Drive Time: Madrid → Segovia (1 hour)

Day 2: Segovia

We spent the morning exploring Segovia, a city where fairytale castles and rich history come together in every stunning view. Perched dramatically atop a rocky cliff, the Alcázar of Segovia is a turreted fortress straight out of a fairytale. Wander through lavish halls, soak in the royal artifacts, and don’t miss the climb up the Tower of John II for sweeping views over the Castile countryside. Entry to the Alcázar costs €9 for the palace and museum, or €11.50 if you include the tower climb. It’s open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, though hours may shorten in winter.

Nestled near the Alcázar, Mesón Don Jimeno serves rustic Segovian fare in a cozy setting. The must-try dishes include:

🐖 Cochinillo Asado (crispy, golden roast suckling pig)
🥘 Judías de La Granja (the region’s famous velvety white beans)

After a hearty meal, there’s no better way to soak in Segovia’s charm than a stroll through its vibrant heart. The Plaza Mayor bursts with life, perfect for people-watching with a coffee in hand. Just steps away, the Segovia Cathedral, known as The Lady of Cathedrals, stands as Spain's Gothic masterpiece — elegant, imposing, and filled with centuries of history. Exiting the Plaza, we popped into Limón y Menta, where we indulged in decadent trufas and a slice of the classic Segovian dessert, Ponche Segoviano.

Meandering down the streets of Segovia, we ended the city tour at the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, one of Europe’s best-preserved examples of ancient engineering. This UNESCO World Heritage Site rises proudly in Segovia’s old town, built entirely without mortar and still standing strong after 2,000 years. It’s a humbling reminder of the city’s ancient past — and an unforgettable photo opportunity.

🚗 Drive Time: Segovia → Burgos (2 hours)

Day 3: Burgos

Start your morning with a self-guided walking tour through the heart of Burgos, where every corner echoes centuries of stories. Begin at the awe-inspiring Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Step inside to admire its ornate chapels, royal tombs, and dazzling stained glass windows — and be sure not to miss the iconic golden staircase, a true feat of design.

From the cathedral, stroll under the grand Arco de Santa María, once the ceremonial entrance to the city. Then follow the Paseo del Espolón, a charming, tree-lined promenade alive with street performers, bustling cafés, and locals soaking up the morning sun. It’s the perfect way to experience Burgos’s rich history blended with everyday life.

Lunch or Dinner at La Boca del Lobo — This lively tapas bar impressed us with bold flavors and creative plating. Perfect for sharing:

🐙 Grilled Octopus
🥩 Wagyu Tataki
🐟 Ceviche
🥬 Veggie Tempura
🍤 Fried Shrimp
🧄 Beef Tartare
🍮 Their signature French Toast — a decadent, crispy-custardy finale.

🚗 Drive Time: Burgos → Santander (Approx. 2 hours)

Day 4: Santander

Stay: Hotel Silken Río Santander - Nestled on Playa del Sardinero, this elegant hotel offers sweeping views of the Atlantic. The perfect place to unwind after a day on the road.

Start your day in Santander with a walk to the Palacio de la Magdalena, following the scenic seaside path that leads to this former royal summer residence. Perched on a windswept peninsula, the palace offers postcard-perfect views of the bay — and if you’re lucky, you might even spot playful seals lounging near the cliffs.

Next, wander over to Plaza Porticada, a lively square framed by elegant arcades. It’s an ideal spot to grab a morning coffee, watch the city wake up, and soak in the local atmosphere. Getting around Santander is easy thanks to the reliable bus system — all you need is a quick tap of your contactless credit card to hop on.

Make your way to Centro Botín, an avant-garde modern art museum that seems to float above the sea. You can explore its rotating contemporary art exhibits or enjoy the panoramic harbor views from its open-air terraces.

Finally, head to Mercado de la Esperanza, the bustling heart of Santander’s food scene. Great lunch time experience with the vibrant market brimming with fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, and irresistible local pastries.

In the afternoon, head to Playa del Sardinero, Santander’s star attraction. With its soft golden sands, calm waves, and elegant vibe, this beach is the perfect place to stretch out in the sun, take a refreshing swim, or enjoy a chilled tinto de verano at one of the inviting beachfront bars.

Begin your evening with a stroll through the Jardines de Piquío, perched on a clifftop between Sardinero’s twin beaches. These peaceful gardens offer sweeping panoramic views of the coastline, framed by palm trees and vibrant flowerbeds — a perfect spot to pause and take in the scenery.

Continue to the Gran Casino del Sardinero, a stunning example of old-world glamour with its whitewashed façade glowing beautifully at sunset. Whether you snap a quick photo or linger over a cocktail at a nearby café, it’s a classic Santander landmark worth admiring.

From there, follow the Avenida Reina Victoria, a scenic coastal walk lined with grand villas and historic mansions. This elegant stretch offers uninterrupted views of the Bay of Biscay and the soft sounds of the sea as your backdrop.

For dinner, visit Panorama Restaurant located within Hotel Silken Río in Santander. This elegant restaurant combines refined cuisine with uninterrupted ocean views, making every dish feel like a love letter to the sea.

Our Favorites:

🐟 Tuna Tartare
🦑 Squid Croquettes in Black Ink
🍚 Truffle Rice
🥗 Artichoke Hearts
🥭 Mango Spring Rolls

🚗 Drive Time: Santander → Bilbao (Approx. 1.5 hours)

Day 5: Bilbao

Start your morning in Bilbao at the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a stunning creation by Frank Gehry that blurs the line between sculpture and architecture. Inside, you’ll find expansive contemporary art exhibitions, while outside, the towering floral sculpture “Puppy” and the haunting spider “Maman” are must-see installations.

💡Local Tip: For easy access, park at Plaza Euskadi Car Park, conveniently located near the Zubiarte Shopping Center and just steps from the museum.

A short walk from the museum brings you to the Zubizuri Bridge, the sleek white footbridge designed by Santiago Calatrava. Its graceful curve offers panoramic views of the Nervión River, making it a perfect spot for photos.

Next, visit the Santiago Cathedral in the heart of Bilbao’s Old Town. This 14th-century Gothic sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat with its serene cloisters, making it a meaningful stop, especially for those following the Camino de Santiago route.

Immerse yourself in local flavors at La Ribera Market. Here, colorful stalls overflow with fresh produce, seafood, and pintxos — small, flavorful bites typically served on bread and skewered with a toothpick, a beloved Basque tradition. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite, sip some txakoli, and experience Bilbao’s vibrant culinary scene.

Don’t leave Bilbao without wandering through Casco Viejo, the city’s lively Old Town. Get lost in the labyrinth of the historic Seven Streets (Las Siete Calles), browse artisan shops, and pause in Plaza Nueva, where locals linger over pintxos and glasses of Rioja.

🚗 Drive Time: Bilbao → San Sebastian (Approx. 1 hour)

Day 6: San Sebastián

Begin your day by wandering through San Sebastián’s Old Town (Parte Vieja), a charming maze of narrow stone streets, colorful balconies, and lively plazas. Be sure to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro, where an ornate Baroque façade opens into a serene interior, making it an ideal spot for a quiet moment of reflection.

In the afternoon, relax on La Concha Beach, celebrated for its elegant crescent shape, golden sands, and calm, sapphire-blue waters. Whether you swim, sunbathe, or rent a paddleboard for a peaceful ride across the bay, this beach offers the perfect urban escape. For a quieter experience, head to the far end of the beach near Ondarreta, where the crowds thin out.

A must-visit dining spot for lunch or dinner is Bar El Kbzon, perched dramatically on the cliffs of San Sebastián. This hidden gem delivers imaginative, bold dishes that celebrate Basque flavors, all served in a stunning seaside setting.

Our Must-Try Picks:

🍗 Yellow Chicken Drumsticks on Creamy Mashed Potatoes
🐖 Torrezno with Earthy Lentils & Pickled Onion
🍜 Iberian-Style Pad Thai
🐟 Roasted Hake with Cauliflower Purée
🦆 Duck & Mushroom Ravioli
🍚 Creamy Truffle Rice
🐟 Anchovies with Homemade Hummus

No visit to San Sebastián is complete without a stop at La Viña, the birthplace of the famous Basque Burnt Cheesecake. To avoid long lines, it’s best to arrive between meal times.

Day 7: San Sebastián

Start your day with a ride on the Monte Igueldo Funicular, a vintage wooden cable car from 1912 that steadily climbs to reveal breathtaking views over La Concha Bay. Once at the top, you’ll find a quirky, old-school amusement park complete with vintage carousels and even a rollercoaster perched right on the cliffs. It’s a charming throwback and a perfect way to kick off the morning.

💡 Local Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and catch the clearest views of the bay.

In the afternoon and evening, immerse yourself in San Sebastián’s legendary pintxos scene with a self-guided tour of the city’s most iconic bars. This beloved local tradition, known as Txikiteo, involves hopping from bar to bar, savoring a pintxo and a drink at each stop.

Bar Nestor:

🥔 Famed tortilla (reserve by 11 AM or 5 PM — only two made daily)
🥩 Txuleta (Basque ribeye steak)
🌶️ Padrón peppers
🍷 Crisp txakoli

Borda Berri (cash-only):

🧀 Idiazabal cheese “risotto”
🍖 Meltingly tender veal cheeks
🐙 Expertly grilled octopus

Bar Sport:

🦆 Grilled foie gras
🦑 Stuffed squid
🦀 Delicate sea urchin cream

Ganbara:

🍄 Wild mushrooms with egg yolk and foie
🦀 Crab tartlets
🍷 Glass of Rioja

Atari Gastroleku:

🐙 Grilled octopus over potatoes
🍖 Beef cheeks
🍸 Early evening gin and tonic on the terrace

🚗 Drive Time: San Sebastián → Rioja (Approx. 2 hours)

Day 8: Rioja

In the morning, leave San Sebastián behind and journey into the rolling vineyards of La Rioja, a region renowned for producing some of the world’s finest wines and showcasing some of Spain’s boldest modern architecture.

Begin at Bodegas Ysios, a striking wave-shaped winery designed by Santiago Calatrava. This architectural masterpiece is just as captivating as the wines it offers. You can book a tasting in advance, or drop in for a glass while enjoying the breathtaking backdrop of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains — walk-ins are welcome.

Next, visit Marqués de Riscal, where Frank Gehry’s avant-garde hotel and winery create a surreal contrast against the traditional Rioja landscape. A guided tour here offers insight into both the design and the winery’s signature vintages. It’s wise to book tastings in advance, especially during the busy harvest season, which typically runs from September to October; walk-ins are not welcome, so make a reservation.

For lunch, make a stop in Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, and dine at Sugar Restaurant. Their seasonal set menu showcases regional flavors with a creative twist. Be sure to save room for dessert — the goxua, a local favorite, features layers of sponge cake, cream, and caramel for a sweet finish to your meal.

🚗 Drive Time: Rioja → Madrid (Approx. 3.5 hours)

From grand cathedrals and medieval castles to sunny beaches, buzzing pintxos bars, and vineyard-covered hills, this eight-day road trip through Basque Spain brings together the best of history, culture, and unforgettable food. Each stop — from Madrid’s lively streets and Segovia’s storybook charm to Santander’s coastal beauty and San Sebastián’s pintxos scene — adds its layer to Northern Spain’s rich character. Whether you’re sipping txakoli at a crowded bar, gazing up at Gothic spires, or catching the sunset over the Atlantic, this trip feels less like a checklist and more like a deep dive into Spain’s heart, one unforgettable moment at a time.

San Sebastian + Bilbao + Santander, Spain