Roadtrip in Spain: From Barcelona to Santander 🇪🇸 🚘
- hummblylife
- Oct 2
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 4
Spain will always hold a special place in our hearts. Sitting at outdoor terraces with family and friends, sipping a tinto de verano, sharing plates of ali-oli potatoes, padrón peppers (pimientos al padrón), Galician-style octopus (pulpo a la gallega), huevos rotos, and tortilla . Having long conversations about all sorts of things… with loved ones and sometimes even strangers! The cultural centers, the art, the melodies of a guitarist outside the Prado Museum… and maybe what we also miss is the version of ourselves when we lived there more than 10 years ago? That younger self, with so much more time and energy 😅
For me personally, nostalgia is almost inevitable... like a friend that’s always present, but at the same time, evoking those memories brings an immense sense of peace, joy, and gratitude.
Now as parents of two children, we were able to return and show them this beautiful country. And the truth is, with kids, a city we thought we knew fairly well suddenly felt completely different!
Before, we never cared where the playgrounds were on the map, or whether a restaurant had a kids’ menu, etc.
And without them, we would never have noticed the little doors on the streets in Madrid (apparently for Ratón Pérez?), or stopped to pay attention to the little insects we used to pass by, unnoticed, on the way to our “next destination.”
On this trip, we had the chance to take a road trip through the Northeast of Spain: driving along the Mediterranean coast from Barcelona… passing through the beautiful Basque landscapes, strolling through towns where people were enjoying tapas, exploring streets filled with the laughter of grandparents and children, and then heading towards the cliffs of the Cantabrian coast until we reached Santander. We returned the car in Madrid, but before that, we stopped in Burgos (actually a village nearby) to visit family.
The most special part was being able to make this trip with family who flew in from Chile to reunite with us in Spain after so many years apart (due to COVID)!
Without a doubt, we cherished those hours together along the 1,300-kilometer (approx.) route, crossing six autonomous communities and hearing three official languages (Spanish, Catalan, and Basque) along the way.
We hope this itinerary can be useful for other families considering a similar road trip through Spain.
Introduction
In our case, we rented a car through AVIS, picked it up in Barcelona, and dropped it off in Madrid.
🚙 Tips for Drivers (click to expand)
You can drive in Spain as a foreigner:
With a valid driver’s license from your country (maximum 6 months if you’re a resident).
If your license isn’t in Spanish, you’ll need an official translation or an international permit.
The license must be recognized under international conventions (check official sites for details).
If you live in Spain for more than 6 months, you may need to exchange your license for a Spanish one, if your country has an agreement.
Navigation: Google Maps and apps like Waze work well; download offline maps just in case for rural areas.
Low Emission Zones: Barcelona and Madrid have LEZs (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones). Make sure your car meets the requirements (environmental label).
Parking: In the city center it’s expensive and tricky. Look for public parking or book accommodations with parking included.
Regulated parking (ORA/OTA system):
Blue zone: pay at meter/app, time-limited (2–4 hrs).
Green zone: residents’ preference; non-residents pay more and for less time.
Orange/other: varies by city, but always check signs, payment + time limits apply.
Local festivals: Can affect traffic and accommodation, check the calendar in advance!
🇪🇸 Cultural Aspects
Schedules: In small towns, shops may close from 2–5 pm for rest.
Meals: Lunch around 2–3 pm, dinner from 9–11 pm.
General Tips
Tap water is safe to drink everywhere.
Watch out for pickpocketing in very touristy areas. Keep valuables secure.
SIM/eSIM: Major carriers are Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo.
Physical SIM: easy to buy at airports, stores, kiosks (passport required).
eSIM: convenient, buy online before travel, scan QR. Options: Airalo, Holafly, Nomad.
Plugs: Type C & F (European round 2-pin), 220V. Bring adapter if needed.
Payments: Cards and mobile payments work almost everywhere, but carry some coins/cash for small towns, parking meters, markets.
Travel insurance: recommended (mandatory for visa travelers).
Barcelona
Barcelona's many neighborhoods: each with its own style. The best thing is simply to wander through them, giving yourself time to get lost in the streets and stumble across something wonderful around every corner!
Montjuïc
Montjuïc, the hill overlooking Barcelona’s port, is packed with attractions for all ages. Families can visit the Montjuïc Castle 📍Castillo de Montjuïc, an old fortress with panoramic city views, or stroll by the Magic Fountain 📍Fuente Mágica, where the evening light-and-music shows fascinate both kids and adults. Nature lovers will enjoy the Botanical Garden 📍 Jardín Botánico and the open spaces around the Olympic Stadium 📍Estadio Olímpico, perfect for picnics.
The Joan Miró Foundation 📍Fundación Joan Miró adds art and creativity, while the Montjuïc cable car 📍teleférico de Montjuïc offers excitement and unforgettable views of the city.
This time we didn’t go up Montjuïc due to time, but we recommend it here because it’s truly a part of Barcelona worth dedicating at least half a day to.
Eixample (Left side)
📍 Rambla de Catalunya : A tree-lined street full of cafés and local shops. Perfect for a shaded stroll.
📍 Mercat de Sant Antoni Visit this market and pick up snacks for the road (olives! for example 🫒 so many options).
Before: The bullring “Plaza de Toros de las Arenas” was inaugurated in 1900 in classic Spanish style. For nearly a century it hosted bullfights, concerts, and cultural events. Closure: Bullfights ended in the late 1980s due to legal and cultural changes.
Today: In 2011 it was transformed into a shopping and leisure center by architect Richard Rogers. The original red-brick façade was preserved, while the inside is fully modern with shops, restaurants, and a cinema.
Highlight: Its circular rooftop terrace
Eixample (Right side)
Home to Gaudí masterpieces like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera).
Basílica de la Sagrada Familia:
An absolute must-see! Book tickets online in advance.
There’s also a park just outside where kids can play
Hospital de Sant Pau (Sant Pau Modernist Complex): Although technically in Horta-Guinardó, it’s close enough to Sagrada Familia to combine. A UNESCO site with gardens and stunning modernist architecture.
Gràcia
Parc Güell is Gaudí’s colorful, whimsical public park filled with mosaics and nature-inspired forms.
Book tickets online in advance to avoid waiting.
Best time: early mornings, especially on weekdays.
Suggested duration: 1.5–2 hours.
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible, with priority entry and loaner chairs available.
Apart from Gaudí’s designs, our kids had fun just watching the green parrots that live in the park!
Barri Gòtic and El Born (Ciutat Vella)
Narrow medieval streets, hidden plazas, and historic buildings.
Highlights:
We also visited a friend living near Parc de la Ciutadella. The kids had a really good time there (despite the fierce summer heat!).
Las Ramblas y Rambla de Mar
Las Ramblas is the famous pedestrian avenue stretching from Plaça de Catalunya down to the Columbus Monument at the port. It’s the tourist heart of the city, linking the Gothic Quarter and El Raval. Highlights:
Port and Colón Monument: Continue to the waterfront for fresh air and ocean views. You can also check out the:
Museo Marítimo de Barcelona and/or Maremagnum Shopping Center.
🌴 The beachers
Zaragoza
🚙 About 3h 15m drive from Barcelona → Zaragoza
The perfect stop to stretch your legs and have lunch before heading north to the Basque Country.
Suggested Itinerary 2-3 hrs in Zaragoza:
Start at Plaza del Pilar (30–45 min): Admire the Basilica del Pilar from the outside (or pop inside if time allows). Check out La Seo Cathedral or simply enjoy the fountains, sculptures, and atmosphere. 📍 Plaza del Pilar | Basílica del Pilar
Lunch at Tubo (1.5 hrs): A lively tapas area just a short walk away. Family-friendly options include migas aragonesas, roast lamb (ternasco), croquettes, or assorted tapas.
Final stroll (30 min): Walk along the Ebro River to the Iron Bridge for great views of the Basilica. Treat yourself to ice cream or coffee before hitting the road again.
Durango
🚙 About 3h 10m from Zaragoza → Durango.
Durango is a historic town in Biscay (Basque Country), surrounded by mountains and nature. Its old town preserves cobblestone streets, Gothic churches like Santa María de Uribarri, the Santa Ana Arch, and noble houses with medieval character. It’s also a cultural hub with museums and festivals, and an excellent place to try Basque cuisine in traditional taverns.
Nearby is Urkiola Natural Park, perfect for family hikes and outdoor activities.
We stayed with Sally and Rober at an Airbnb on the outskirts, highly recommended! Surrounded by nature, with wonderful hosts.
Donostia - San Sebastián
🚙 About 1 hour drive from Durango → San Sebastián.
San Sebastián developed as a fortified port in the Middle Ages and became a 19th-century aristocratic vacation spot thanks to its bay and beaches. Today it blends historic elegance with a world-class cultural and food scene. Famous for its pintxos and its festivals, especially the prestigious San Sebastián International Film Festival (Zinemaldia, September) and the Jazz Festival (Jazzaldia, summer).
Due to high accommodation prices, we only visited as a day trip.
What we did:
Morning at Ondarreta Beach 🏖️ Playa
Coastal walk along the Paseo de la Concha (you can also rent bikes)
Lunch in the Old Town (Parte Vieja)—lively streets with pintxo bars, many with kid-friendly options
Ended at Alderdi Eder Parkea, where the kids loved the playground.
Other suggestions for families:
Bilbao
🚙 About 1h 30m from San Sebastián → quick stop at Zumaia → Bilbao
Bilbao, the heart of the Basque Country, combines industrial heritage with modern culture, gastronomy, and art. Founded in 1300 as a port town, it grew through trade and iron industry, then transformed in recent decades with the Guggenheim Museum as a symbol of renewal.
Family-friendly highlights:
Museo Guggenheim: The exterior itself is fun for kids—giant floral Puppy sculpture, the massive Maman spider, and interactive spaces inside. There’s also a nearby playground designed for climbing challenges.
Museo Marítimo Itsasmuseum: Ships, models, and hands-on exhibits—great for kids to learn about Bilbao’s port history.
Funicular de Artxanda: Quick ride up to a viewpoint with sweeping city views.
Casco Viejo (Siete Calles): Pedestrian streets full of ice cream shops, bookstores, and pintxo bars.
Santander
🚙 About 1–1.5 hrs from Bilbao/Durango → Santander.
Santander, capital of Cantabria, has Roman origins and grew in the Middle Ages around its port, key to trade with the Americas. In the 19th century it became a royal vacation destination, thanks to the Palacio de la Magdalena.
In 1941 a massive fire destroyed much of the old town, leading to the modern reconstruction you see today.
While the kids rested with grandparents at the park, we visited the Centro Botín for a peek at contemporary art. 🖼️ Centro Botín
What to do with kids in Santander:
Faro Cabo Mayor (1839): popular for sunset walks and picnics.
TirolinasGo Adventure Park: zip-lines and circuits among trees by the sea, for all ages.
El Sardinero Beach - Playa el Sardinero
Palacio de la Magdalena and children's playground
Playa de los Bikinis Beach
We also attended a Sunday service at Comunidad Cristiana Esencia—a special way for us to connect with a local faith community, even briefly 🧡: "Comunidad Cristiana Esencia".
Burgos
🚙 About 2 hrs from Santander → Burgos.
Burgos, in Castilla y León, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Castile and a key stop on the Camino de Santiago. Its crown jewel is the Burgos Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Food in Burgos 🍴:
Morcilla de Burgos (black pudding with rice and spices)
Roast suckling lamb (cordero lechal)
Queso de Burgos (fresh, mild cheese)
We actually visited relatives in Yudego, a quiet village nearby, but for most travelers Burgos itself makes the perfect stop for sightseeing and a hearty meal before continuing to Madrid.
Madrid
🚙 About 2.5 hrs from Burgos → Madrid.
We spent many days in Madrid, since it’s one of our all-time favorite cities… and because it gave us the chance to reunite with old friends we hadn’t seen in years.
👇 Check out our dedicated blog post about Madrid, where you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip to Spain’s capital!
🧡 We hope this guide helps you plan your own family road trip through Spain.
Share it with friends and family, and follow us on Instagram for more travel stories like this one!
Comments