A 6-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Santander, Bilbao, and La Rioja

  • Day 1: Santander
    2 hours (101 km) from Bilbao

    Palacio de La Magdalena: This neo-Gothic palace built in the early 20th century is located on a spectacular peninsula overlooking Santander Bay. Visit the palace's interior, walk in the gardens or simply take in the stunning views around you.

  • Day 2: Bilbao
    1 hour 30 minutes (120 km) from Santander

    Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: This icon of modern architecture and art is a must-see. Explore world-class contemporary art exhibitions and installations surrounded by inspiring architecture, and don't forget to take a picture of the iconic Puppy sculpture outside.

  • Day 3: La Rioja
    1 hour 20 minutes (120 km) from Bilbao

    Bodegas Muga Winery: Come and enjoy a tour of this famous 19th-century winery's facilities, get to know the process of winemaking and finish with a wine tasting.

  • Day 4: La Rioja
    30 minutes (23 km) from Bodegas Muga Winery

    Dinastia Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture: This is a perfect place for wine lovers of all ages. This museum is an interactive experience, filled with wine-related exhibits, inside you can learn about the history and culture of the wine industry, as well as tasting different wines from the region.

  • Day 5: La Rioja
    40 minutes (30 km) from Dinastia Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture

    Ezcaray: Explore the charming village of Ezcaray, known for its colorful architecture, narrow streets, and delicious regional gastronomy. Try the local sausages and cheeses.

  • Day 6: Santander
    1 hour 40 minutes (100 km) from Ezcaray

    Matalenas Beach: End your trip with a relaxing day at one of Santander's stunning beaches. Enjoy swimming or sunbathing in the dazzling waters of the Cantabrian Sea.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Palacio de La Magdalena (1-2 hours, €12 per person)
  • Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (2-3 hours, €16 per person)
  • Bodegas Muga Winery (2 hours, €15 per person)
  • Dinastia Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture (3 hours, €13 per person)
  • Ezcaray (3-4 hours, prices vary depending on activity)
  • Matalenas Beach (4-5 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: €56 per person

Transportation

Travelers need to consider their transportation for travel between different locations. There are different options such as public transport, rental car, taxi, or guided tours. A rental car is a good option as it gives visitors flexibility and comfort during their travels. Alternatively, public transport is a convenient and cost-effective option. The rental car with an average cost of €30-35 per day, whereas public transport options are priced between €3-5 per ride on average. Please check the latest price list for accurate information.

Useful Tips

If you have more than six days, you can spend an additional day exploring San Sebastian. On the other hand, if time is limited, you can skip a day in Bilbao and La Rioja. The best time to travel in San Sebastian is from March to November. The climate is mild, and the crowds are manageable.

Airports

Santander Airport (SDR) is the main airport serving Santander, Bilbao, and La Rioja. It is only 5km from Santander city center, 100km from Bilbao city center, and 150km from La Rioja. Shuttle buses, taxis or rental cars services are available to reach the city center, please check for the prices and schedule for the latest information.

0