This 10-day Northern Spain road trip itinerary covers a few of my absolute favorite spots to explore. However, you can easily adapt it to be shorter or longer using all the extra recommendations I’ve included. Ready for an epic adventure across the Spanish North?

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An Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary

To help you explore Northern Spain like a pro, I’ve put together a 10-day itinerary that highlights the best of the region, drawn from my own multiple trips. Plus, I’ll share alternative suggestions throughout the post, so you can customize the itinerary and make your Northern Spain road trip perfectly suited to your bucket list adventures.

Planning Northern Spain Itinerary

This Northern Spain itinerary is carefully planned to keep driving times between major city stops under two hours. It focuses on the Basque Country, Cantabria, La Rioja, and includes a stop in Burgos (Castile-Leon), but does not cover Asturias or Galicia. Although Bilbao is suggested as the starting point, the route is circular – Bilbao – San Sebastián – La Rioja – Burgos – Santander – Bilbao – so you can conveniently begin your road trip from San Sebastián, Burgos, or Santander instead.

To maximize your sightseeing experience in 10 days, consider splitting Northern Spain into two distinct itineraries: one covering the Basque Country, Cantabria, La Rioja, and Navarra, and the other exploring Asturias and Galicia.

For further planning, you can check my collection of posts on each region: the Basque Country here, La Rioja here, Navarra here, Asturias here, and Galicia here. You can also access a list of Northern Spain’s top landmarks here, save the itinerary map here, and download additional travel resources to help organise your trip here.

Discover the best hotel deals on the road by using the map below. Simply zoom in on the area where you want to stay and check out the current hotel offers.

10-days Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary

1. Days 1-2: Bilbao

The city of Bilbao

Bilbao is an absolute must-stop on any Northern Spain road trip. As the capital of the Basque Country, it’s home to one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks – the Guggenheim Museum. Even if modern and contemporary art isn’t your thing, you can’t help but be captivated by the stunning, futuristic design of the museum, crafted by the brilliant architect Frank Gehry.

The Guggenheim showcases masterpieces by artists like David Salle, Eduardo Chillida, Jeff Koons, Louise Bourgeois, Andy Warhol, Anselm Kiefer, and Robert Rauschenberg, among others.

Want to know how to spend a perfect day in Bilbao? Check out my full one-day itinerary in this post, for 3 days in Bilbao read more here.

Unique experiences to pre-book in Bilbao:

Bilbao has become an increasingly popular destination, with a noticeable rise in visitors over the past couple of years. If you’re keen on experiencing any of the city’s top attractions, I highly recommend pre-booking to secure your spot:

• Bilbao Basque Food Tour with Guide (check availability)
• Guggenheim Museum Private Guided Visit (check availability)
• Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar (check availability)

Discovering more of the Basque Country from Bilbao

While with one or two days in Bilbao, you can see the city’s main highlights, I highly recommend carving out at least one day for a trip beyond the city to explore more of the Basque Country. Bilbao is a must-visit for first-timers in Northern Spain, but the region’s hidden gems are just waiting to be discovered outside the urban sprawl.

Depending on your interests, you can choose from a few must-see destinations. Nature lovers won’t want to miss places like Salto de Nervión, Salinas de Añana, and Gaztelugatxe (which also happens to be a filming location for Game of Thrones). Salto de Nervión offers a 7.2 km hike, while the others are shorter and easier: Salinas de Añana (2.6 km) and Gaztelugatxe (3.6 km). These spots are generally family-friendly, making them great options for those traveling with kids.

If hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other fascinating places to visit. Explore the Santuario de Arantzazu, the historic town of Guernica (famous for Picasso’s painting), or Cueva de Pozalagua, home to the world’s largest concentration of eccentric stalactites.

For families with children, Pagoeta Natural Park is an excellent choice, with animal encounters and easy hikes. Be sure to stop by the Centro de Visitantes de Iturraran to learn about their activities. And if you’re a fan of museums and art, don’t miss Chillida Leku in Hernani or Topic in Tolosa, where you can also indulge in delicious local sweets like tejas, xaxus, and cigarillos.

Unique day trips from Bilbao:

• From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Mundaka Group Tour (check availability)
• From Bilbao: Biarritz and San Sebastian Full-Day Tour (check availability)
• From Bilbao: Loyola, Getaria, Zarauz and San Sebastian Tour (check availability)

2. Days 3-4: San Sebastian

The city of San Sebastian

San Sebastián is undeniably one of the most stunning places in Spain, and it’s one of my all-time favorite destinations. While it’s become more touristy since my first visit in 2011, the city has managed to preserve its timeless charm, making it the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.

Located in the Basque Country, one of the world’s premier culinary regions, San Sebastián is a food lover’s paradise. The city is home to 40 Michelin-starred restaurants spread across just 21,000 square kilometers. The heart of its food scene is the famous pintxos – small, mouthwatering snacks served in a variety of inventive combinations. Every year, the Euskal Herria Pintxo Championship draws local bars and restaurants into a friendly competition to create the most delicious pintxos.

For the ultimate foodie experience in San Sebastian, I recommend joining a pintxo tour – you could easily spend an entire evening hopping from one spot to the next, tasting your way through the city. Keep an eye out for certificates on the walls – they often highlight the top pintxos from past competitions, helping you choose the best bites. For more tips, check out my full San Sebastián Travel Guide in this post or follow this 3-day San Sebastian Itinerary.

This Northern Spain road trip itinerary is designed to be packed with experiences and offer a glimpse of different regions, so you can pick your favourites to return to next time and explore in more depth. That’s why I’d recommend dedicating just one day to San Sebastian if you are limited to 10 days. However, if you can stretch your trip longer, definitely give the city three days and explore some nearby places, as I did on this trip.

With so many incredible destinations nearby, you’ll definitely want to set aside time for at least one day trip from the city.

Unique experiences to book in San Sebastian

• San Sebastian: Guided Food Tour with Pintxo Tasting & Wines (check availability)
• Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour From San Sebastian (check availability)

France from San Sebastian

San Sebastian has a unique location right on the French border, making it perfect for combining with a visit to the French Basque Country and the charming town of Biarritz, which holds a special place in my heart. A few years ago, I spent two weeks in Biarritz immersing myself in French and taking surfing lessons – one of the most memorable solo adventures of my life. On your way from San Sebastián to Biarritz, don’t miss a stop in Hondarribia (also known as Fuenterrabia), one of Spain’s most vibrant and colorful villages. And if you’re interested in religious landmarks, you can also take a day trip to Lourdes in France.

• From San Sebastian: Biarritz & French Basque Coast Day Trip (check availability)
• From San Sebastian: Lourdes Private Full-Day Tour (check availability)

Navarra from San Sebastian

Another fantastic day trip from San Sebastián is a visit to the Caves of Zugarramurdi, one of Spain’s most mysterious and captivating sites. Although the caves are technically in the Navarra region, they’re much closer to San Sebastián than to Pamplona. Dating back to the 12th century, they were once the gathering place for witch covens, leading to widespread persecution during the Spanish Inquisition – a dark chapter that intensified under Queen Isabella I of Castile when Spain became deeply religious.

If you’re looking for another exciting day trip, consider heading to Pamplona, just an hour’s drive away. Famous for the running of the bulls during the San Fermín Festival (held every year from July 6 to July 14), Pamplona offers a fascinating cultural experience. Though Navarra isn’t part of this itinerary, I’ve written about my recent weekend trip to Navarra and La Rioja, which you can explore in this article. And if you have more than 10 days to spare on a Northern Spain road trip, check out my guide to the top attractions in Navarra.

If you’re doing this Northern Spain road trip with kids, keep in mind that Navarra also offers plenty of adventure parks that are perfect for family fun, such as Sendaviva, Irrisarri Land, and Baztan Abentura Park.

3. Days 5-6: La Rioja

Visiting La Rioja wineries

One of Spain’s most internationally renowned treasures is its Rioja wine. The Rioja region spans over 41,000 hectares of vineyards and is home to around 600 bodegas. If you’re embarking on a Northern Spain road trip with your significant other, consider a romantic experience in La Rioja, such as exploring ancient bodegas in search of the perfect wine or enjoying a hot-air balloon ride over the stunning vineyards.

For families traveling with kids, several bodegas offer family-friendly tours. Your little ones can learn about local history and the winemaking process, and instead of wine, they’ll be treated to grape juice during the tasting. Last year, we visited Bodegas Franco Españolas, a place famously visited by Ernest Hemingway in 1956. During his visit, the legendary author reportedly said, “My only regret in life is that I did not drink more wine.” While I can’t say I fully relate to that, I still had a great time touring the bodega with the kids.

If wine isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other attractions in the region worth exploring. Check out the Arnedo Caves, the San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries, or go hiking in the Sierra Cebollera Natural Park.

For an educational and fun experience for kids, visit Tierra Rapaz, a theme park and center dedicated to birds of prey. Just make sure to check the schedule, as the park typically opens on weekends.

For more details on the La Rioja region check my Quick Guide to La Rioja.

4. Days 7-8 Burgos

You absolutely can’t miss one of Spain’s most breathtaking cathedrals on your Northern Spain road trip – the Cathedral of Burgos. It’s not only one of my favorite landmarks in the country but also one of Europe’s finest examples of Gothic architecture.

The Burgos Cathedral was constructed between 1221 and 1260, although the site originally hosted a medieval Romanesque church. Despite the long building period, work continued on new chapels and structural elements until the 18th century. The cathedral is also the final resting place of El Cid (Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar), the legendary Spanish knight, whose story you can dive into through my list of must-watch Spanish documentaries.

The city of Burgos offers plenty more to explore, from the Monasterio de las Huelgas and the Arch of Santa María to the MEH Museum of Human Evolution.

For families, there are two fun and unique attractions near the city: Territorio ARTLANZA, a real-life medieval town, and Paleolítico Vivo, Europe’s only park featuring Paleolithic animals.

If you’re short on time, check out my brief one-day Burgos itinerary here. Yet, keep in mind that Burgos is one of the main cities in Castile and Leon, one of Spain’s richest regions in terms of UNESCO sites.

Despite this international recognition, the region is also full of hidden gems. For example, Burgos pairs perfectly with a trip to Soria. While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Soria for first-timers exploring Northern Spain, as visitors usually start with the most famous destinations, it’s a perfect addition if you love hidden gems and want to combine this Northern Spain road trip with a more off-the-beaten-path destination. You can read more about my trip to Soria in this article.

5. Days 9-10 Santander

The city of Santander

For some reason, many Northern Spain road trip itineraries overlook Cantabria, but in my opinion, it’s one of the most exciting regions for adventurous family travel. Plus, it’s conveniently just an hour’s drive from Bilbao.

The capital city, Santander, is a must-see. Don’t miss the breathtaking Palacio de la Magdalena and the stunning panoramic views from the Funicular de Río de la Pila. Take time to explore the lively Plaza del Ayuntamiento and the gorgeous Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción as well.

If you’re visiting in summer and seeking a more laid-back vibe, the beautiful beaches of Playa de los Peligros and Playa del Puntal are perfect for relaxing.

Unique tours to book in Santander and its surroundings:

• Santander: 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay (check availability)
• Cabarceno Natural Park Half-Day Trip (check availability)
• Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour (check availability)
• Soplao Cave Excursion (check availability)

More epic places to visit in the Cantabria Region

As I’ve mentioned before, Cantabria is an incredible destination for adventurous family vacations. While you won’t be able to experience everything in just a few days, there’s definitely something for everyone on this list:

• Altamira Caves (one of the top Spanish national landmarks)
• Bosque de Secuoyas ( a park full of giant sequoias, very rare in Spain)
• Laberinto de Vilapresente (with its 5625 m², the biggest labyrinth in Spain)
• Cueva el Soplao (a unique cave, one of the greatest Spanish wonders of geology)
• Teleferico de Fuente De (a cable car to one of the most stunning National parks in Spain – Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa)

From the small towns of Cantabria, you´ll definitely love San Vicente de la Barquera, Santoña (famous for its anchovies), Castro Urdiales (read its famous legend of The Mermaid of Castro-Urdiales), and Santillana del Mar.

After Santander and its surroundings, you can finish this Northern Spain road trip by returning to Bilbao, which is just an easy one-hour drive from Santander.

However, in this post, I’ve included so many extra places based on my 15+ years of living and travelling in Spain that you can completely personalise this itinerary to your own interests and even stretch it into an incredible 2- or 3-week Northern Spain road trip.

Best time to visit Northern Spain

Summer is a great time to plan a trip to Northern. The temperatures in the north are mild and comfortable for sightseeing, and except for cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian, you won’t experience the intense crowds typical of Spain’s peak season. In terms of weather, summer in Northern Spain sees average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F), making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the scenic landscapes. Rain is occasional but not too frequent.

However, early autumn and late spring are also great times for a road trip through Northern Spain. During autumn, temperatures typically range from 16°C to 22°C (61°F to 72°F), with fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the sights at a more relaxed pace. Some areas of Northern Spain also have spectacular fall foliage, as you can see in this fall Pyrenees trip, where I visited Navarra, or during this weekend in Asturias. So, despite the rain, I love returning to Northern Spain in September and October.

Late spring offers similar weather, with average temperatures between 15°C and 22°C (59°F to 72°F), providing pleasant conditions for sightseeing and fewer crowds.

Traveling in winter can be trickier, especially in higher-altitude areas. A few years ago, we experienced heavy snowfall on the roads near Oviedo, which made travel challenging. Winter temperatures in Northern Spain typically range from 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F), and while coastal areas like Santander experience milder conditions, inland cities and mountains can get colder and see snow.

Northern Spain Road Trip Map

Here’s a map of the must-visit spots in Northern Spain you won’t want to miss. You can save this itinerary directly to Google Maps here.

Is Northen Spain worth visiting?

I love Northern Spain and return every year, so perhaps I’m not entirely objective, but I truly adore this part of the country. Unlike more tourist-heavy regions such as Southern Spain or Barcelona, Northern Spain remains relatively quiet, even during the peak summer season.

There are exceptions, of course, with some cities like San Sebastian becoming increasingly busy with travellers in summer, while Santiago de Compostela, as Europe’s famous pilgrimage destination, stays busy from April to October. Still, I highly recommend Northern Spain if you’re looking for lush greenery, beautiful natural landscapes, interesting landmarks, and hidden gems that many tourists miss when visiting Spain.

The weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain and cooler temperatures, so packing extra layers is a must. Personally, this has never been an issue for me. After experiencing the hot, tourist-packed summers of the Valencia region, where I’m based in Spain, I’ve come to truly appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty of lesser-known spots in the north.

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