Road Trip in Spain Now – A Must Add to Your Travel Bucket List European Travel !

Road trip in Spain and see some beautiful sites ! Spain is a absolutely beautiful country and there are so many road trips in Spain that you can do throughout the country. This one highlights going from Burgos to Santillana del Mar.

Last summer, my husband and I went to Burgos to experience the town and visit the archaeological site of Atapuerca. Check out my blog about Burgos here. Check out my blog about Atapuerca here.

Not to Miss if You’re Driving from Burgos to Santilla del Mar

Road Trip through Spain Stop 1 : Orbaneja del Castillo

Trust me when I tell you, you need to stop in this town. It is a very small, charming town. I think we were the only tourists there. I randomly researched places to stop along the way from Burgos to Santillana del Mar. I saw the waterfalls at Orbaneja del Castillo and knew we had to stop there.

These waterfalls are along the road, no hiking is required to see them. This is a huge plus for me because hiking in the heat with Multiple Sclerosis is not easy !

If the waterfalls aren’t enough to make you stop, then bring your bathing suits ! When my husband and I stopped here, there were people swimming in these natural pools of water. They are separated from the waterfalls by a road, so you can easily get from the falls to the crystal clear pools of water.

Road Trip in Spain Stop 2 : Puente Viesgo

Travel a little further north to Puente Viesgo. Nestled in the lush landscapes of Cantabria in northern Spain, Puente Viesgo is a hidden gem that blends natural beauty with historical intrigue. This charming village, known for its prehistoric caves and rejuvenating thermal baths, offers a perfect retreat for those seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation. Let’s explore the unique allure of Puente Viesgo and what makes it a must-visit destination.

Prehistoric Wonders

The large group of four caves is called the Caves of Monte Castillo and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The four main caves—El Castillo, Las Monedas, Las Chimeneas, and La Pasiega. Visitors can marvel at ancient cave paintings and carvings, some dating back over 40,000 years, depicting animals, human figures, and abstract symbols. Because this is in a remote area of northern Spain, my husband and I didn’t think to buy tickets ahead of time. So instead of visiting the famous Cave of El Castillo (one of the caves in this group of caves), we went to La Cueva de Las Monedas (cueva is spanish for cave and monedas is spanish for money).

Find tickets to visit the caves here.

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities

Surrounded by hills and scenic landscapes, Puente Viesgo is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers numerous hiking and biking trails that wind through the beautiful countryside, providing breathtaking views and opportunities to explore. The Pas River, which flows through the village, is perfect for fishing and leisurely strolls along its banks.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

In addition to its natural and prehistoric attractions, Puente Viesgo boasts a rich cultural heritage. The village itself is charming, with traditional Cantabrian architecture, quaint streets, and friendly locals. The Church of San Miguel, dating back to the 17th century, is a notable historical landmark worth visiting. The local cuisine, featuring delicious Cantabrian dishes such as cocido montañés (mountain stew) and fresh seafood, is another highlight that adds to the cultural experience.

Road Trip in Spain Stop 3 : Santillana del Mar

I wrote a separate blog about Santillana del Mar which you can read here.

My husband and I visited the town of Santillana del Mar, but stayed nearby the caves of Monte Castillo, nearby the town of Puente Viesgo. The name of this hotel is Villa Arce. It is quiet and calm and I highly recommend staying here.

Conclusion to Your Road Trip in Spain

If you have the opportunity to road trip in Spain, do it ! This road trip featured here is a very small part of the country.

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