4 days in Basque Country & Cantabria Itinerary

A city of stunning architectural and artistic heritage, Bilbao is situated on the banks of the Nervión River.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Thu): take in the spiritual surroundings of Catedral de Santiago, appreciate the extensive heritage of Casco Viejo, and then admire the masterpieces at Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

To find more things to do, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, read our Bilbao trip itinerary planner.

Paris, France to Bilbao is an approximately 4.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. When traveling from Paris in November, plan for a bit warmer days in Bilbao, with highs around 19°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Santillana del Mar.

Santillana del Mar is a historic town situated in Cantabria, Spain. Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Fri): Head underground at cueva del castillo, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Playa de El Puntal, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, and finally examine the collection at Museo de la Inquisicion.

For ratings, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, read Santillana del Mar route planning tool .

Getting from Bilbao to Santillana del Mar by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and train; or take a bus. In November, daily temperatures in Santillana del Mar can reach 17°C, while at night they dip to 10°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Fri) early enough to drive to San Sebastian - Donostia.

As one of the anchoring cities of the beautiful Basque Country, San Sebastián boasts a trendy, cosmopolitan vibe while still harboring a relaxed, coastal charm.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Sat): kick back and relax at La Concha Beach, steep yourself in history at Historic Center of Hondarribia, then examine the collection at Cristobal Balenciaga Museum, and finally explore the historical opulence of Miramar Palace. Keep things going the next day: tour the pleasant surroundings at Zurriola Beach, then make a trip to Plaza de la Constitucion, then wander the streets of Parte Vieja, and finally examine the collection at San Telmo Museoa.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our San Sebastian - Donostia visit website .

Traveling by car from Santillana del Mar to San Sebastian - Donostia takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or take a bus. In November in San Sebastian - Donostia, expect temperatures between 18°C during the day and 10°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.