Travelling to Bilbao by ferry? Your adventure begins the moment you drive off the ship. Bilbao sits right in the heart of the beautiful Basque Country, a region perfect for exploring by car or campervan. You will find coastal villages, mountain passes, vineyards and medieval towns, all within a few hours’ drive from the city.
Below are our favourite road trip ideas from Bilbao, each offering a journey through stunning landscapes, gastronomy and culture.
1. San Sebastián: Beaches, Pintxos and Atmosphere
Just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Bilbao lies San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque). This elegant seaside resort is famous for its golden beaches, lively old town and world-renowned pintxo culture. Stroll along the boulevard at Playa de la Concha, hike up Monte Urgull and taste some of the finest tapas of your life.
2. The Rioja wine region
Head a little further inland and after around 2 hours’ drive you will reach the La Rioja wine region. Visit charming villages like Laguardia and Haro, where you can tour vineyards and, of course, enjoy tastings. The combination of excellent food, scenic routes and rolling hills makes this a fantastic road trip for wine lovers.
3. Gaztelugatxe: Game of Thrones and Rugged Cliffs
Only 45 minutes from Bilbao, Gaztelugatxe is an iconic site that is well worth a stop. This small island is connected to the mainland by a dramatic stone bridge with 241 steps. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognise it instantly as Dragonstone. The views of the Basque coastline here are absolutely breathtaking.
4. Vitoria-Gasteiz
The official capital of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, is about an hour and a half’s drive away. It is often quieter than Bilbao or San Sebastián, but full of charm with its medieval streets, a beautiful cathedral, green parks and excellent places to eat. A perfect stop if you are looking for authenticity and a more relaxed pace.
5. The Green Coast Route (Costa Verde)
If you head west along the coast from Bilbao, you will discover the wild beauty of the Costa Verde. Highlights include stops in Lekeitio, Mundaka and Gernika – characterful villages with small harbours and rich cultural heritage. This route is ideal for those who love seascapes and a taste of local life.
6. Picos de Europa: A mountain road trip
If you have more time, it is definitely worth heading east towards the Picos de Europa mountain range. After about 3 to 4 hours’ drive from Bilbao, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular national park with winding mountain roads, deep gorges and wild landscapes.
Practical tips for your road trip from Bilbao
- Fuel and tolls: Petrol prices in Spain are generally lower than in the UK. There are a few toll roads, so it is handy to have some cash or a bank card ready.
- Parking in Bilbao: Park your car in one of the secure car parks on the edge of the city. This way you avoid the busy centre and can easily set off on your road trip.
- Navigation: An offline map or Google Maps works well in Spain. Some mountain areas have limited mobile coverage, so it is a good idea to download your route beforehand.
- Ferry arrival: If you arrive in Bilbao via ferry from Portsmouth or Rosslare, it takes about 20 minutes to drive from the port (Santurtzi) to the city centre or head straight towards the coast or the mountains.
Ready for Your Adventure?
Setting off from Bilbao with your own car or campervan is one of the best ways to discover northern Spain. You travel at your own pace, reach places most tourists miss and have the freedom to stop whenever you like. From the ferry, you step straight into a landscape full of surprises.
