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10-Day Northern Spain Road Trip (Loop) — 3 Days in Barcelona then East-to-West Coast Highlights

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Day 1: Barcelona Arrival

Barcelona, Spain on May 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Classic Catalan café near the Ramblas with pastries and hot chocolate — a historic spot to begin the day.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:00am

Sagrada Família visit

Gaudí's masterpiece — book tickets in advance; generally open ~9:00–18:00 (times vary). It's essential for architecture and city skyline views.
EUR28, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Paradeta

Fresh seafood market-style restaurant where you pick fish and they cook it — casual, local, and excellent value.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Park Güell

Gaudí's colorful park with sweeping city views; ticketed access to the monumental zone (usually 9:30–20:30).
EUR10, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll Gothic Quarter & Las Ramblas

Wander narrow streets, historic plazas and lively pedestrian ways for photo ops and viewpoints.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ciudad Condal (tapas)

Classic tapas bar popular with locals; great way to sample many small dishes affordably.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Barcelona

Day 2: Barcelona Highlights

Barcelona, Spain on May 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Forn Baluard

Highly-regarded bakery for artisanal breads and pastries — perfect to fuel a full day of walking.
EUR8, 0h45m

10:00am

Picasso Museum visit

Marvel at one of the most complete collections of Picasso's early work; typical opening hours ~10:00–19:00 (closed Monday).
EUR12, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch in La Boqueria market

Choose from fresh tapas or a seafood stall inside the market for an energetic culinary stop.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon at Barceloneta Beach

Relax on the city beach or walk the promenade; an easy coastal interlude with sea views.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Montjuïc & Castell de Montjuïc

Cable car or drive up Montjuïc for panoramic views and castle grounds (castle generally open ~10:00–20:00).
EUR6, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Cal Pep

Famous for fresh seafood tapas and lively atmosphere — arrive early or expect to wait.
EUR35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Barcelona

Day 3: Coastal Day Trip

Cadaqués / Cap de Creus, Spain (day trip from Barcelona) on May 14, 2025

6:45am

Early breakfast and depart

Grab a quick breakfast and coffee to leave early — drive to Cap de Creus/Cadaqués (~2h30m–3h depending on stops).
EUR10, 0h30m

10:30am

Explore Cadaqués Old Town

Picturesque whitewashed village beloved by artists (Dalí lived nearby); great for walking, photos, and a seaside lunch.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at a seaside restaurant in Cadaqués

Fresh fish and Catalan cooking with views over the bay — a relaxed coastal meal.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Cap de Creus Lighthouse

Spectacular headland with rugged scenery and views over the Mediterranean; the lighthouse and paths are open outdoors year-round.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return drive to Barcelona

Return to Barcelona for the night; expect to arrive in the evening depending on traffic.
Fuel approx EUR25, 3h30m

8:30pm

Dinner near hotel in Barcelona

Local neighborhood restaurant for a relaxed final night in the city before the coastal drive west.
EUR25, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Cadaqués / Cap de Creus

Day 4: Drive to Basque Coast

San Sebastián, Spain on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and depart Barcelona

Early start for the long coastal drive west to San Sebastián (approx 5.5–6.5 hours driving with one or two short stops).
EUR10, 0h45m

2:00pm

Arrive and lunch in San Sebastián Old Town

Sample pintxos and Basque specialties in the Parte Vieja — an ideal first taste of the city.
EUR30, 1h

3:30pm

La Concha Bay promenade & beach

Walk the iconic curved bay and enjoy seaside viewpoints; great for photos and a relaxed afternoon.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Monte Urgull or Monte Igueldo viewpoint

Monte Urgull is free to walk (sunset views), Monte Igueldo has a funicular (check hours, generally daytime) for sweeping bay vistas.
EUR6, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at a pintxos bar (Gandarias or similar)

Enjoy a variety of small plates along with local txakoli wine or cider.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in San Sebastián

Day 5: San Sebastián to Bilbao

Bilbao, Spain on May 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de la Concha (or local café)

Light breakfast before a short coastal drive to Bilbao (approx 1h15m–1h45m).
EUR12, 0h45m

10:30am

Drive to Getxo and Matxitxako viewpoint

Explore fishing villages near Bilbao and visit coastal cliffs and Matxitxako lighthouse area for dramatic sea views.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch near the estuary

Try grilled fish or Basque cuisine in a local asador — Bilbao region excels at simple, well-cooked seafood.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Iconic modern art museum and architectural landmark; open roughly 10:00–19:00 (check specific date).
EUR16, 2h

6:00pm

Stroll along the Nervión River & Casco Viejo

Evening walk through old town with pintxos bars and riverside views.
Free, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Zortziko or local pintxos crawl

Fine Basque dining or sample multiple pintxos bars depending on energy and budget.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Santillana & Cantabria

Santillana del Mar / Llanes, Spain on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Bilbao and depart

Quick breakfast and drive along the coast toward Santillana del Mar (approx 1h30m–2h).
EUR10, 0h45m

10:30am

Explore Santillana del Mar & Altamira Replica

Charming medieval village plus the Altamira Cave replica museum; museum typically open ~10:00–17:00 — book ahead for time slots.
EUR8, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Santillana (local cazuela/cod dishes)

Traditional Cantabrian cuisine in a historic setting.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to Llanes coastline & viewpoints

Visit dramatic cliffs, pebble beaches, and coastal walkways; ideal for lighthouse photos and seaside viewpoints.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Taberna del Puerto (Llanes)

Harbor-side seafood specialties with local ambiance.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Santillana del Mar / Llanes

Day 7: Asturias Coast

Cudillero / Playa del Silencio, Spain on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café and depart

Light breakfast before heading to the colorful fishing village of Cudillero (approx 1h–1h30m).
EUR10, 0h45m

10:00am

Explore Cudillero harbor & viewpoints

Climb winding lanes up from the harbor to viewpoints for postcard-perfect views of the town and sea.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante La Marina

Seafood-focused restaurant overlooking the harbor with local specialties.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Cape Vidio / lighthouse areas

Drive to cliffs and lighthouse viewpoints famous for dramatic drops and seabird colonies — outdoor visit anytime.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Playa del Silencio

Quiet, scenic beach ideal for a late-afternoon walk and sunset photos.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Casa Poli (Cudillero)

Cozy restaurant offering traditional Asturian dishes and regional cider.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 8: Enter Galicia — As Catedrais

Ribadeo / As Catedrais, Spain on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel and depart

Early start for Ribadeo to ensure good tide options at As Catedrais (drive approx 2h).
EUR10, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Praia das Catedrais (As Catedrais)

Stunning coastal arches and caves best seen at low tide — check tide schedule and arrive accordingly (site is outdoor and free, but access may be regulated).
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Miramar in Ribadeo

Local seafood specialties with good estuary views — a relaxed Galician lunch.
EUR28, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll Ribadeo old town & estuary viewpoints

Easy walking tour around the harbor area and lighthouse viewpoints nearby.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Drive to Sanxenxo (Rías Baixas) for overnight

Head southwest to the Rías Baixas region (approx 2h15m–2h45m depending on route).
Fuel approx EUR20, 2h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Marisquería Santiago (Sanxenxo)

Fresh shellfish and Galician specialties; a beachside setting to relax after a long day.
EUR35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Ribadeo / As Catedrais

Day 9: Rías Baixas & A Coruña

Sanxenxo / A Coruña, Spain on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café

Light Galician breakfast before a beach stroll or short morning drive along the ria.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Playa de Silgar (Sanxenxo) morning walk

Soft sand and calm waters in a popular resort area — good for a relaxed start to the day.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Drive to A Coruña (Tower of Hercules)

Head northwest to the historic Tower of Hercules, the Roman lighthouse still in use — visitor hours commonly ~10:00–18:00 (check seasonal times).
EUR3, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at O Bebedeiro (A Coruña)

Traditional Galician cuisine, ideal for trying local stews or fish preparations.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Paseo Marítimo & Orzán Beach

Long coastal promenade with excellent viewpoints and seaside gardens for an afternoon stroll.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Optional short drive to Muxía (Costa da Morte) or relax in A Coruña

If time and energy permit, a 1h–1h30m drive west brings you to wild Costa da Morte lighthouses; otherwise enjoy A Coruña’s seafood and harbor views.
Fuel approx EUR10, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante A Mundiña (A Coruña)

Classic Galician seafood with modern touches; a nice final coastal dinner before the long return drive.
EUR40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Sanxenxo / A Coruña

Day 10: Return to Barcelona

Drive back to Barcelona, Spain on May 21, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast and depart A Coruña

Very early departure for the long drive back to Barcelona — expect around 9–10 hours driving without long stops (plan rest breaks).
EUR10, 0h30m

7:00am

Drive A Coruña → Barcelona

Direct inland route to Barcelona (approx 9–10 hours depending on stops and traffic). Plan fuel and tolls; consider rotating drivers and scheduled breaks every 2 hours.
Fuel approx EUR70, 9h0m

5:30pm

Arrive Barcelona & check-in/relax

Arrival time will vary; use the evening to rest, unpack, and prepare for departure from Barcelona.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Farewell dinner in Barcelona (tapas or Catalan cuisine)

Final Spanish dinner — recommend a relaxed tapas crawl or sit-down Catalan meal to celebrate the trip conclusion.
EUR30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Drive back to Barcelona
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