17 days in Spain Itinerary

Known for its prime north coast location and elegant city center, Santander remains the central destination for tourism and commerce in the whole Cantabrian region.

Get in touch with nature at Peninsula of Magdalena and Costa Quebrada Geologic Park. Visit Palacio de La Magdalena and Ermita Virgen del Avellanal for their historical value. Venture out of the city with trips to Natural Monument of the Sequoias of Monte Cabezon (in Cabezon de la Sal), El Capricho de Gaudi (in Comillas) and Centro Ornitologico del Embalse del Ebro (in Campoo de Yuso). There's much more to do: identify plant and animal life at Urros de Liencres, stroll around Parque natural de las Marismas de Santona, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabarceno, and kick back and relax at Playa de Trengandin.

To see where to stay, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Santander online vacation planner.

Barcelona to Santander is an approximately 3-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In August, Santander is slightly colder than Barcelona - with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Fri) so you can go by car to Celis.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Sat): admire the landmark architecture of Palacio de Los Mier, relax in the rural setting at Queseria La Branuca, then identify plant and animal life at Senda Fluvial del Nansa, then examine the collection at Ferreria de Cades, and finally explore the fascinating underground world of Cueva El Soplao.

To find other places to visit, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Celis vacation planner.

You can drive from Santander to Celis in 1.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 26°C in August, and nighttime lows around 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Bilbao.

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

Take a break from the city and head to La Concha Beach and Urdaibai Bird Center. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Bilbao: Basondo (in Kortezubi), San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (in Bermeo) and San Sebastian - Donostia (Parte Vieja, Monte Urgull, &more). There's lots more to do: visit Casco Viejo, look for all kinds of wild species at Urdaihide, test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, and explore the world behind art at Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

For reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Bilbao trip itinerary maker app.

You can drive from Celis to Bilbao in 2 hours. When traveling from Celis in August, plan for somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Bilbao: temperatures range from 31°C by day to 19°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Wed) so you can drive to Pamplona.

Pamplona or Iruña is the historical capital city of Navarre, in Spain, and of the former Kingdom of Navarre.The city is famous worldwide for the running of the bulls during the San Fermín festival, which is held annually from July 6 to 14. Get in touch with nature at Finca Ribavellosa and Parque Natural Urbasa Andia. Your inner history buff will appreciate Palacio Real de Olite and Iglesia de San Pedro de la Rua. Get out of town with these interesting Pamplona side-trips: Castillo de Acher (in Hecho), Senorio de Bertiz Natural Park (in Oieregi) and Foz de Lumbier (in Lumbier). And it doesn't end there: identify plant and animal life at Selva de Irati, steep yourself in history at Plaza de Toros de Pamplona, and make a trip to Plaza del Castillo.

To see maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Pamplona trip site.

Traveling by car from Bilbao to Pamplona takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in August, and nighttime lows around 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Sat) early enough to drive to Zaragoza.

The city of Zaragoza is known as the City of Four Cultures for its interwoven history of Iberian, Roman, Moorish, and Christian influences.

Get some historical perspective at Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar and Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza. Visiting Fishing Charters & Tours and Galacho de Juslibol will get you outdoors. Get out of town with these interesting Zaragoza side-trips: Monasterio de Piedra (in Nuevalos), Iglesia de San Felix (in Torralba de Ribota) and Laguna de Gallocanta (in Gallocanta). Next up on the itinerary: pause for some photo ops at Palacio de la Aljaferia, skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilica of Santa Engracia Church, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Huesca Cathedral.

To find maps, photos, and tourist information, read our Zaragoza online vacation builder.

Getting from Pamplona to Zaragoza by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Pamplona in August; daily highs in Zaragoza reach 38°C and lows reach 21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Thu) to allow enough time to take a train back home.