12 day itinerary
North Spain
Personalized with:Road Trip. Make it family friendly
Itinerary
A 12-day road trip through Northern Spain sounds like an incredible adventure, especially for a family. Northern Spain is known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances exploration, relaxation, and fun for everyone!
Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao
- Morning: Arrive in Bilbao. Pick up your rental car and check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the iconic . The building itself is a work of art! Kids will love the giant puppy sculpture outside.
- Evening: Stroll through the Casco Viejo (Old Town) and enjoy some pintxos (Basque tapas) for dinner. Try Bar El Globo for a family-friendly atmosphere.
Day 2: Bilbao to San Sebastián
- Morning: Drive to San Sebastián (about 1 hour). Stop at along the way to see the beautiful coastline.
- Afternoon: Spend the day at . The shallow waters are perfect for kids, and there are plenty of beachside cafes.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Old Town. Try Bar Nestor for their famous tomato salad and steak.
Day 3: San Sebastián
- Morning: Take the funicular up to for panoramic views of the city. There’s a small amusement park at the top!
- Afternoon: Visit the to learn about Basque culture. The museum has interactive exhibits that kids will enjoy.
- Evening: Have a family dinner at , known for its traditional Basque cuisine.
Day 4: San Sebastián to Picos de Europa
- Morning: Depart for (about 2.5 hours). Stop in for a quick snack and to see the charming fishing village.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Cangas de Onís. Visit the Roman Bridge and explore the town.
- Evening: Check into a family-friendly hotel or cabin. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, trying some Cabrales cheese.
Day 5: Picos de Europa
- Morning: Take a cable car ride at for breathtaking views. There are easy hiking trails suitable for families.
- Afternoon: Visit the . The scenery is stunning, and there are picnic areas for lunch.
- Evening: Return to Cangas de Onís for dinner. Try Restaurante El Molín de la Pedrera for a cozy atmosphere.
Day 6: Picos de Europa to
- Morning: Drive to (about 2 hours). Stop at for a quick visit to the beach and some ice cream.
- Afternoon: Explore ’s historic center. Don’t miss the and the park.
- Evening: Dinner at Casa de la Bodega, where you can try local Asturian dishes.
Day 7: to Gijón
- Morning: Short drive to Gijón (about 30 minutes). Visit the for a lovely morning walk.
- Afternoon: Head to the beach! is perfect for families, with plenty of space to play.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Taberna del Zurdo, known for its family-friendly vibe.
Day 8: Gijón to
- Morning: Depart for (about 2 hours). Stop in Avilés to see the .
- Afternoon: Explore the and the surrounding old town. Kids will love the lively atmosphere.
- Evening: Dinner at Casa de Xantar, where you can try the famous Galician octopus.
Day 9:
- Morning: Visit the to learn about Galician culture. There are often workshops for kids.
- Afternoon: Take a day trip to (about 1.5 hours). Visit the lighthouse and enjoy the dramatic coastline.
- Evening: Return to Santiago for dinner at O Gato Negro, known for its tapas.
Day 10: to A Coruña
- Morning: Drive to A Coruña (about 1 hour). Visit the , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Afternoon: Spend time at . There are playgrounds nearby, making it great for kids.
- Evening: Dinner at La Bombilla, where you can enjoy local seafood.
Day 11: A Coruña to
- Morning: Depart for (about 1 hour). Explore the Roman walls, which are a UNESCO site.
- Afternoon: Visit the and enjoy a leisurely lunch in the old town.
- Evening: Dinner at Restaurante A Cova, known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
Day 12: to Bilbao
- Morning: Start your journey back to Bilbao (about 3.5 hours). Stop in for a quick visit to the beach or the .
- Afternoon: Arrive in Bilbao. If time allows, do some last-minute shopping or visit any sights you missed.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at , a family-friendly spot with a great view of the river.
Tips for a Family-Friendly Road Trip:
- Pack Snacks: Keep a cooler with snacks and drinks for the road.
- Frequent Stops: Plan for breaks to stretch legs and explore small towns.
- Engage the Kids: Involve them in planning activities or choosing places to eat.
- Flexible Schedule: Be open to changing plans based on the family’s mood or interests.
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Northern Spain! Enjoy your road trip! 🚗✨