10-Day Scenic Road Trip Along Spain's Northern Coast: From Catalonia to Galicia

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Costa Brava

Barcelona, Spain on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Enjoy a charming Catalan breakfast featuring traditional pastries and coffee in this iconic Barcelona venue.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Drive to Costa Brava Coastline

Head towards Costa Brava, known for its rugged coastline and beautiful beaches like Tossa de Mar.
Fuel costs approx. EUR20, 1h30m

12:00pm

Visit Tossa de Mar Beaches and Old Town

Relax on the Platja Gran beach and explore the medieval old town with its lighthouse and fortress for stunning viewpoints.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Can Sophia

Savor fresh Mediterranean seafood with a view of the sea, known for its high-quality local ingredients.
EUR30, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Cap de Creus Lighthouse

Drive to Cap de Creus natural park to visit the lighthouse perched on the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula offering panoramic sea views.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Gritta Barcelona

Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine with some Catalan influences, perfect after a scenic day.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Basque Coast Highlights

San Sebastian, Spain on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de la Concha

Enjoy pastries and coffee with views of La Concha Bay before heading west.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Drive to San Sebastian

Travel west along the coast heading to the Basque culinary capital.
Fuel approx EUR30, 5h

3:00pm

Lunch at Bar Nestor

Try the iconic Basque steak or famous tomato salad in this bustling famed eatery, reservations recommended.
EUR40, 1h

4:30pm

Visit Monte Igueldo

Take the funicular for spectacular views of San Sebastian beach and town at sunset.
EUR5, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gandarias Jatetxea

Dine in a classic pintxos bar sampling a variety of traditional Basque small plates.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Bilbao and Lighthouse Visit

Bilbao, Spain on May 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Iruña

Historic café offering excellent pastries and morning coffee in the heart of the city.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Getxo and Visit Matxitxako Lighthouse

Explore the charming fishing village and visit Matxitxako lighthouse with its dramatic sea cliffs.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Asador Etxebarri

Relish top-tier grilled dishes in this Michelin-starred countryside restaurant near Bilbao, a must for food lovers.
EUR60, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Experience contemporary art and iconic architecture. Open 10am-8pm.
EUR16, 2h

6:00pm

Evening stroll along the Nervión River

Relax and enjoy the urban vibe with views of the cityscape and river.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Zortziko

Traditional Basque cuisine in an elegant setting with seasonal specialties.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Cantabrian Coast and Santillana del Mar

Santillana del Mar, Spain on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local bakery in Bilbao

Grab fresh pastries and coffee before heading to Cantabria region.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Santillana del Mar

Arrive in this picturesque medieval town known for its well-preserved architecture.
Fuel approx EUR20, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Santillana del Mar & visit the Altamira Replica Museum

Walk cobblestone streets and visit the nearby Altamira caves replica presenting prehistoric art. Open 10am-5pm.
EUR8, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante El Castillo

Enjoy traditional Cantabrian dishes using fresh local ingredients.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Llanes Coastline and Beaches

Drive west to Llanes to visit scenic beaches and dramatic cliffs with lighthouses nearby.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Taberna del Puerto in Llanes

Savor fresh seafood right by the harbor area.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Asturias Coast & Scenic Views

Cudillero, Spain on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Start with light breakfast before driving toward Asturias.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Cudillero

A charming fishing village with colorful houses and dramatic cliffs on the northern coast of Asturias.
Fuel approx EUR15, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Cudillero Harbor and Cliffs

Walk through the village and climb up to the viewpoints overlooking the harbor and sea.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante La Marina

Specialize in fresh seafood with spectacular sea views.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Cape Vidio Lighthouse & Cliffs

Drive along the rugged coastline to the lighthouse famous for its dramatic cliff views and bird watching.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Relax on Playa del Silencio Beach

End the day with a visit to one of Asturias’ most beautiful and tranquil beaches.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Casa Poli, Cudillero

Traditional Asturian cuisine in a cozy setting, featuring cider and local specialties.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Scenic Drive to Galicia

Ribadeo, Spain on May 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast locally before heading west toward Galicia.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Cudillero to Ribadeo

Travel along the coast entering Galicia, preparing for stunning landscapes.
Fuel approx EUR20, 2h30m

12:00pm

Visit As Catedrais Beach (Praia das Catedrais)

Explore famous for its majestic rock formations resembling cathedral arches, best at low tide (check tide schedule).
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante Miramar

Seafood specialties with views over the Cantabrian Sea in Ribadeo.
EUR28, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Ribadeo's Lighthouse and Old Town

Stroll through the historical town and lighthouse viewpoints near the estuary.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa Marco

Cozy place offering Galician dishes and excellent wines for a perfect regional experience.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Rías Baixas Coast

Sanxenxo, Spain on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café

Enjoy a light Galician style breakfast before enjoying the coast.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Sanxenxo

Travel to one of Galicia’s premier beach resorts on the Rías Baixas coast.
Fuel approx EUR15, 2h

11:00am

Beach Time at Playa de Silgar

Relax on soft sand with clear waters, perfect for a beach day.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at O'Barco

Specialize in seafood and traditional Galician dishes with fresh local fish and shellfish.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Punta do Caguilón Lighthouse

Short scenic drive to this lighthouse with amazing cliff and ocean views.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Evening Walk along Sanxenxo Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely walk with seaside ambiance and cafes.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Marisquería Santiago

Highly recommended for seafood lovers with freshly caught shellfish and Galician wine.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Explore A Coruña

A Coruña, Spain on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pasajes Café

Light breakfast with coffee, pastries and fresh juices before heading to A Coruña.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Drive to A Coruña

Head west to reach this vibrant coastal city known for its architecture and beaches.
Fuel approx EUR25, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Tower of Hercules

UNESCO World Heritage lighthouse, the oldest Roman lighthouse still in use, open 10am-6pm.
EUR3, 1h

11:30am

Stroll the Paseo Marítimo Promenade

Enjoy seafront walk with magnificent views and gardens around the city.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at O Bebedeiro

Known for excellent Galician stews and traditional cuisine in a relaxing setting.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Domus Museum

Interactive science museum about human biology and health. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR6, 2h

6:00pm

Relax at Orzán Beach

Golden sandy beach within the city, great for an afternoon stroll or rest.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante A Mundiña

Enjoy classic seafood dishes with modern touches and local wines.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 9: Quaint Villages and Coastal Insights

Muxía, Spain on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a simple breakfast before scenic village visits.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Muxía

Drive along the Costa da Morte, known for dramatic coastlines and rich maritime history.
Fuel approx EUR15, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Nosa Señora da Barca Sanctuary & Muxía Lighthouse

See the iconic sanctuary with ocean views and the rugged coastline lighthouse nearby.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante O Cruceiro

Traditional Galician cuisine with emphasis on fresh regional seafood specialties.
EUR28, 1h

2:30pm

Drive and short stops along Costa da Morte

Enjoy several viewpoints and beaches on this wild coast before returning eastward.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Return to A Coruña or nearby for overnight

Prepare for departure the next day with leisure time.
Fuel approx EUR15, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Casa Solla

A Michelin-starred restaurant if they want a special meal featuring innovative Galician cuisine. Reservations essential.
EUR70, 1h30m
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Day 10: Return to Madrid

Madrid, Spain on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and prepare for drive

Enjoy breakfast near accommodation and pack for return leg.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive from A Coruña to Madrid

Long drive (approx 6.5-7 hours) back to Madrid with stops as needed.
Fuel approx EUR60, 7h

4:00pm

Light dinner en route or in Madrid upon arrival

Recommend trying local Madrid specialties like tapas or cocido at any convenient local restaurant depending on arrival time.
EUR20, 1h
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