Best One-Day Trips from Bilbao: Discover Nearby Gems

Bilbao
  • San Sebastian

    Explore the best of San Sebastian in a day!

  • Vitoria-Gasteiz

    Explore the best of Vitoria-Gasteiz in a day!

  • Santander

    Explore the best of Santander in a day!

One-Day Trip from Bilbao to San Sebastian

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Bilbao: 100 km (62 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes by car

Transportation Options

  • By Car: Take the AP-8 highway, which offers a scenic drive along the Basque coast.
  • By Bus: Direct buses are available from Bilbao Termibus station, taking approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
  • By Train: Direct trains from Bilbao-Abando station to San Sebastian take around 2 hours.

Main Attractions

  1. La Concha Beach

    • Description: One of the most famous urban beaches in Europe, La Concha Beach offers golden sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
    • Highlight: The stunning views of Santa Clara Island and the surrounding hills make it a perfect spot for photography.
  2. Old Town (Parte Vieja)

    • Description: The historic heart of San Sebastian, the Old Town is a maze of narrow streets filled with pintxo bars, shops, and historic buildings.
    • Highlight: Visit the Plaza de la Constitución, a picturesque square that was once a bullfighting ring.

Itinerary Suggestions

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to La Concha Beach. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenade and take in the beautiful views.
  • Lunch: Head to the Old Town and indulge in a pintxo crawl, sampling the local Basque tapas.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Old Town, visiting landmarks like the San Vicente Church and the San Telmo Museum.
  • Evening: Take a stroll along the Urgull Hill for panoramic views of the city and the bay before heading back to Bilbao.

Activities and Experiences

  • Pintxo Tasting: Experience the local culinary culture by hopping from bar to bar in the Old Town, tasting a variety of pintxos.
  • Beach Activities: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or even paddleboarding at La Concha Beach.
  • Cultural Exploration: Visit the San Telmo Museum to learn about Basque history and culture.

Cost Estimates

  • Transportation: €20-€30 (round trip by bus or train)
  • Entrance Fees: €6-€10 (San Telmo Museum)
  • Meals: €20-€40 (pintxo tasting and drinks)

Local Tips

For the best photo spots, head to the top of Urgull Hill or the Miramar Palace gardens. Don't miss the hidden gem of the Aquarium, which offers fascinating marine exhibits and stunning views of the bay.

One-Day Trip from Bilbao to Vitoria-Gasteiz

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Bilbao: 65 km (40 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour by car

Transportation Options

  • By Car: Take the AP-68 highway, which provides a direct route to Vitoria-Gasteiz.
  • By Bus: Direct buses are available from Bilbao Termibus station, taking approximately 1 hour.
  • By Train: Direct trains from Bilbao-Abando station to Vitoria-Gasteiz take around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Main Attractions

  1. Cathedral of Santa Maria

    • Description: This Gothic cathedral, also known as the Old Cathedral, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers guided tours of its impressive architecture and history.
    • Highlight: The panoramic views from the cathedral's tower are breathtaking.
  2. Plaza de la Virgen Blanca

    • Description: The central square of Vitoria-Gasteiz, this vibrant plaza is surrounded by historic buildings and is a hub of local activity.
    • Highlight: The iconic statue of the Battle of Vitoria stands proudly in the center of the square.

Itinerary Suggestions

  • Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and enjoy the views from the tower.
  • Lunch: Head to Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and enjoy a meal at one of the many outdoor cafes.
  • Afternoon: Explore the medieval streets of the Old Town, visiting landmarks like the Casa del Cordón and the Artium Museum.
  • Evening: Relax in one of the city's beautiful parks, such as the Florida Park, before returning to Bilbao.

Activities and Experiences

  • Historical Tour: Take a guided tour of the Cathedral of Santa Maria to delve into its rich history and architecture.
  • Art Exploration: Visit the Artium Museum, which showcases contemporary Basque and Spanish art.
  • Outdoor Relaxation: Enjoy a leisurely walk or picnic in the lush Florida Park.

Cost Estimates

  • Transportation: €15-€25 (round trip by bus or train)
  • Entrance Fees: €5-€10 (Cathedral of Santa Maria)
  • Meals: €15-€30 (lunch and refreshments)

Local Tips

For the best photo opportunities, visit the top of the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the picturesque streets of the Old Town. Don't miss the hidden gem of the Green Belt, a network of parks and green spaces surrounding the city.

One-Day Trip from Bilbao to Santander

Distance and Travel Time

  • Distance from Bilbao: 100 km (62 miles)
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes by car

Transportation Options

  • By Car: Take the A-8 highway, which offers a scenic drive along the northern coast of Spain.
  • By Bus: Direct buses are available from Bilbao Termibus station, taking approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • By Train: Direct trains from Bilbao-Abando station to Santander take around 2 hours.

Main Attractions

  1. Palacio de la Magdalena

    • Description: This stunning palace, located on the Magdalena Peninsula, was once the summer residence of the Spanish royal family and offers guided tours of its opulent interiors.
    • Highlight: The panoramic views of the Bay of Santander from the palace grounds are spectacular.
  2. Santander Cathedral

    • Description: This historic cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, features beautiful Gothic architecture and a fascinating history.
    • Highlight: The cloister and the crypt, which houses the remains of the city's patron saints, are must-see attractions.

Itinerary Suggestions

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Palacio de la Magdalena. Take a guided tour and explore the beautiful gardens.
  • Lunch: Head to the city center and enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the many restaurants near the waterfront.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Santander Cathedral and explore the surrounding historic district.
  • Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the Paseo de Pereda, a scenic promenade along the bay, before heading back to Bilbao.

Activities and Experiences

  • Palace Tour: Explore the opulent interiors and beautiful gardens of the Palacio de la Magdalena.
  • Historical Exploration: Visit the Santander Cathedral and learn about its rich history and architecture.
  • Waterfront Walk: Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Paseo de Pereda, taking in the views of the bay and the city.

Cost Estimates

  • Transportation: €20-€30 (round trip by bus or train)
  • Entrance Fees: €5-€10 (Palacio de la Magdalena)
  • Meals: €20-€40 (seafood lunch and refreshments)

Local Tips

For the best photo spots, visit the grounds of the Palacio de la Magdalena and the Paseo de Pereda. Don't miss the hidden gem of the Jardines de Piquío, a beautiful garden offering stunning views of the bay and the city.

ItineraryTrip

Explore your next itineray destination with our AI travel agent. ... Because travel planning can be easy.

Chat with me
AI Travel Chat Agent