This Northern Spain Road trip itinerary includes a few of my favorite spots to explore in 10 days. But you can easily make this trip shorter or longer with tons of suggestions from me. Ready for an epic adventure across the Spanish North?

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An Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary

Is Northen Spain worth visiting?

Northern Spain is a hidden gem for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, with its rugged cliffs and picturesque fishing villages. It’s also one of my top spots in Spain for a peaceful retreat. Unlike the more tourist-heavy regions like Southern Spain or Barcelona, Northern Spain remains relatively quiet, even in peak summer season, making it perfect for a more authentic and tranquil experience.

While the region boasts some beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast, it’s not your go-to destination for a sun-soaked beach holiday. The weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain and cooler temperatures, so packing extra layers is a must. Personally, this hasn’t been an issue for me – after experiencing the sweltering, tourist-packed summers of the Valencia region, I’ve come to truly appreciate the laid-back vibe and natural beauty of lesser-known spots like those in the north.

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 access a list of Northern Spain’s top landmarks here, save the itinerary map here, and download additional travel resources to help organize 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. The best part? The museum offers virtual tours, so you can explore its collection from the comfort of your home before you go. 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 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:

spanish landmarks gaztelugatxe
Gaztelugatche
bilbao in a day Things to see and do
Check out my full one-day itinerary for Bilbao in this post

Discovering more of the Basque Country from Bilbao

While two days in Bilbao is plenty to see the city’s 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:

2. Days 3-4: San Sebastian

The city of San Sebastian

San Sebastián is undeniably one of the most stunning cities on the Iberian Peninsula, and it’s one of my all-time favorite places to visit in Spain. 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, I recommend joining a pintxo tour or checking out the winners of recent competitions. That said, it’s hard to go wrong – every bar offers something delectable. 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.

basque country san sebastian
You can check out my full San Sebastian Travel Guide in this post
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The landscapes of the Basque Country

This Northern Spain road trip itinerary is designed to be packed with experiences, so I’d recommend dedicating just one day to San Sebastián (though it’s easy to spend 2-3 days here). 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

France from San Sebastian

San Sebastián is just a stone’s throw from the French border, making it the perfect starting point for a visit to 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.

Hondarribia basque country
Hondarribia

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 you might think. 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.

Navarra also offers plenty of adventure parks perfect for family fun, such as Sendaviva, Irrisarri Land, and Baztan Abentura Park.

olite navarra spain sightseeing
Olite Castle in Navarra

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 this Quick Guide to La Rioja.

4. Days 7-8 Burgos

the cathedral of burgos northern spain road trip
The Cathedral of 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 one-day Burgos itinerary here. But if you’re staying longer, you can easily combine a visit to Burgos with a trip to Soria and other hidden gems of Spain – I’ve got a post on Soria for more inspiration.

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.

cantabria northern spain road trip
San Vicente de la Barquera

Unique tours to book in Santander and its surroundings:

More of 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 – tailor it to your own interests!

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.

At this point, you can conclude your Northern Spain road trip and head back to Bilbao, as it’s only a 1-hour drive from Santander. Alternatively, you can add more stops to extend your journey. With all the suggestions I’ve provided in this post, you can easily plan a 2- or 3-week Northern Spain road trip.

Asturias Best Beaches Northern Spain: 3 Beaches to Awaken Your Wanderlust
Playa del Silencio in Asturias

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 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. Late spring offers similar weather with averages between 15°C to 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.

Driving in Northern Spain

Driving in Spain for the first time? – You might find handy this Driving in Spain Guide, with Expert Videos, 360 Driving Tours and an On-The-Go PDF.

More things to do in the North of Spain

In case you want to drive further along the coast of Northern Spain check my posts about traveling to Asturias, the beautiful villages of Asturias, and one day in Santiago de Compostela. Also, you can consider adding to this Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary my Pyrenees Road Trip, Asturias Road Trip, Weekend in La Rioja and Navarra, and even Andorra.

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.

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northern spain road trip itinerary 2

For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

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