Road-Tripping Northern Spain and Rioja

Afternoon: We started our trip in Bilbao, arriving around noon. After picking up our rental car, we headed straight to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, famously known as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones. It’s a must-see! We spent about three hours walking the grounds and enjoying the scenery before returning to Bilbao for the evening.

Evening: Begin your evening in the Old Town, Zazpi Kaleak, the heart of Bilbao’s historic area. It’s perfect for exploring, bar hopping and discovering unique shops. Don’t miss San Antón Church, then cross the bridge into the New Town for dinner at Café Iruña. This beautiful restaurant, with its medieval decor and incredible food, is a memorable spot.

Morning: Today you will make your way to Llanes, but before leaving Bilbao, spend the morning exploring the Guggenheim Museum. This is a must if you are in Bilbao.

Afternoon: Take the scenic coastal drive to Llanes, a picturesque seaside town in the Asturias region. Along the way, stop at one of the many beautiful beaches for a picnic.

Evening: Once in Llanes, enjoy wandering through the historic Old Town. Don’t miss Los Cubos de la Memoria, a must-see art installation. For dinner, head to Casa Xico to try local specialties like fabada asturiana (bean stew) and cachopo (stuffed, breaded veal cutlets). Pair your meal with traditional Asturian cider for the full experience.

Morning: Spend the day in Picos de Europa National Park. Begin in Cangas de Onís, stopping at a quaint café for espresso and a pastry. Visit the medieval bridge, which offers views of the picturesque town and Stella River.

Afternoon: Drive through the park to Fuente Dé and take the cable car to the top. The views are incredible, and there are several hiking trails to explore. Pack warm clothes, as it’s chilly at the summit. Afterward, stop by Arenas de Cabrales to sample the famous blue cheese at a local farm.

Evening: Dine at Restaurante Casa Marcial, listed in the Michelin Guide. This high-end restaurant uses local ingredients to create amazing high-end dishes.

Morning: Drive to Haro, the capital of the Rioja region.

Afternoon: Upon arrival, head to the Haro Station District, a short walk from Haro Old Town. This area is home to seven wineries, all within walking distance of each other. Each winery offers tours and tastings, so you can explore at your own pace. Here are the wineries you can visit:

• CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España)

• R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia

• Bodegas Muga

• Bodegas Roda

• Bodegas Bilbaínas – Viña Pomal

• La Rioja Alta, S.A.

• Gómez Cruzado

Evening: Enjoy tapas in the Old Town. We loved Bar Beethoven for upscale tapas with luxurious ingredients and Bar Bremen for South American-inspired bites.

Morning: Drive to Laguardia, another gem of the Rioja region. Begin with a visit to Campillo Winery for a private tour of the estate, complete with wine tastings paired with appetizers. The onsite art gallery showcases rotating exhibits by Spanish artists.

Afternoon: Visit Ysios Winery, known for its unique architecture and premium wines. Afterward, explore Laguardia’s Old Town and enjoy tapas at Bar Hiruko.

Evening: Watch the sunset at Balcón de La Rioja for stunning views of the region. Then, visit the underground wine cellars in Casco Histórico (Old Town) for a unique Rioja experience.

Morning: Start your day at Bar Velar for coffee, then drive to San Sebastián.

Afternoon: Hike up Mount Urgull for panoramic views of the city, then return to the Old Town for an afternoon of tapas. For dessert, stop by BASK Bakery for their famous Basque cheesecake, which we enjoyed at La Concha Beach.

Evening: Book a market tour to get the full Basque foodie experience and sample the local food and wine.

Morning: Start your final day with a morning sailing tour along the coast. Afterward, enjoy brunch at Café Botanika, known for its healthy, rustic meals.

Afternoon: Spend the day in Gros, the less touristy side of San Sebastián. Shop, relax at Zurriola Beach and watch the surfers.

Evening: For your final dinner, visit Zazpi. It’s unassuming on the outside but delivers beautifully presented, high-quality food — a perfect way to end the trip.

For more recommendations or help planning your dream trip to Spain, feel free to get in touch! I’d love to help you plan and customize your trip.