How to get from Santander to San Sebastián via Bilbao

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The first stop on our journey is the Pozalagua Cave, recognisable to Game of Thrones fans as Dragonstone.

Located an hour’s drive from Bilbao, this cave has the greatest concentration of amazing stalactites in the world! Even if you aren’t a Game of Thrones fan, this cave is worth visiting for its unique formations of flowstone, stalagmites, columns, and stalactites that will make for a truly unforgettable experience.

Opened to the public in 1991, you can secure tickets to the cave on the official website.

Holidays to San Sebastián

Discover San Sebastián, a beautiful coastal gem in Spain's Basque Country.

Continuing on the same route, Castro Urdiales is a picturesque seaport town only 30 minutes from Bilbao. This town is small, but provides you with plenty to do if you decide to stop off along the way.

Church of Santa Maria de la Asunción

In the centre of the town, the Gothic 13th Century Church of Santa Maria de la Asunción stands tall. Amazing details decorate the Church’s structure and on the inside the Church features a Gothic sculpture of the White Virgin.

Surrounded by parkland and green hills to set the scene even better, this impressive piece of historic architecture is a must-see when visiting the town.

Castillo y Faro de Santa Ana

Located on a promontory in the town, the Castle of Santa Ana is one of the best preserved castles in the region, and also features a lighthouse that was built in 1853. Originally built in military architectural style, this historical location provides great views of the town and surrounding areas.

Ostende Beach

The main beach, of several that are in the town, is the Ostende Beach - a gorgeous 900-metre beach with dark, golden sands. A perfect spot if you fancy a quick swim or sunbathing while travelling. The town offers plenty more to see too, making it a great place to consider on your journey.

Just 20 minutes from Bilbao, there is another lovely town to visit in Getxo. Built in between cliffs, this town has multiple quirky neighbourhoods, monuments, beaches, and a number of bars offering pintxos!

Bizkaia Bridge

Known as the Hanging Bridge, this is an iconic structure, representing the industrial era and is officially a World Heritage Site as of 2006. The Hanging Bridge is the oldest shuttle bridge in the world, allowing you to walk across to take in the extraordinary views.

Paragliding Off Cliffs

Not for the faint of heart, Getxo is home to several heart-racing activities, including paragliding off the beautiful cliffsides. This experience lets you peacefully soar above the landscape below, enjoying views of the sea, mountains and greenery, for a memory you won’t forget anytime soon.

Pintxos Bars

Like San Sebastián, Getxo is home to the Basque Country’s famous pintxos cuisine, allowing you to explore the many bars and try the specialities they have on offer. This way of eating allows you to try many different small dishes, perfect for food lovers.

As well as these two highlights, Getxo is a great spot for shopping, birdwatching, and even watersports on the beach! After enjoying Getxo, your next stop is Bilbao!

Slightly off your course, if you fancy, are the Salt Valley flats. This is one of the best preserved saltworks in the world, with great architecture, a biodiverse landscape and a 6,500-year history! Due to the size and location of this destination, we recommend planning ahead as it’s a detour on this road trip, and due to the sheer size of it, it will certainly take up an hour or two of your time.

There’s no shortage of beaches to visit during this trip, and the Itzurun Beach is one of the best to check out. Just over a 30-minute drive from San Sebastián, this is another one for Game of Thrones fans - it’s also used as a location for Dragonstone in the show.

With towering cliffs, caves to explore, and striking views, this is a breathtaking location that lets nature do all the talking. It’s located not far from bars and cafes too, so you’re not far from some refreshments after you explore the beach.

The final stop before reaching San Sebastián is the Basque Railway Museum, located just over half an hour away from the city. Home to one of the best railway collections in Europe, the museum features steam, diesel, and electric locomotives alongside railcars, carriages, and wagons. The museum also boasts one of the most complete collections of machine tools in the Basque Country, making it a must-see destination for railway enthusiasts!

The drive from Santander to San Sebastián via Bilbao provides you with plenty of optional destinations to visit along the way. There is lots to do in San Sebastián and Bilbao when you reach those cities, but why not enjoy some of these gems along the way? For a great trip, join us at Brittany Ferries 澳洲幸运10十168体彩开奖网 with our range of ferries to Spain.