Surf, Pintxos, Art, and Wine in Donostia

Discover the charm of Donostia without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Donostia, also known as San Sebastian, offers plenty of budget-friendly options for travelers. By staying in a hostel or small guesthouse outside of the city center, visitors can save money on accommodations. Additionally, exploring the city by foot or using public transportation, such as the bus or metro, is an affordable way to see the sights and enjoy the delicious pintxos, or tapas, that Donostia is famous for.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Surf and Pintxos

  • Start your day with a surfing lesson at Zurriola Beach, one of the best surf spots in Europe.
  • Continue with a stroll along La Concha Beach, one of the best urban beaches in the world.
  • Visit the Old Town, where you can find some of the best pintxos bars, offering delicious local tapas.
  • Wander around the charming streets of the center and explore the Basque culture and traditions.
  • Finish your day with a sunset view from Monte Urgull, a hill that offers breathtaking views of the city.
  • For a budget-friendly stay, check out Hotel Terminus, a cozy and affordable option located in the heart of the city.
Day 2

Art and Wine

  • Start your day at the San Telmo Museum, a modern art museum that showcases regional history and culture.
  • Visit the Basilica of Santa María del Coro, a stunning Gothic church that dates back to the 18th century.
  • Discover the Sidreria culture with a traditional cider tasting at Petritegi, a Basque country cider house.
  • Enjoy a sunset over the sea while sipping on some Txakoli, the locally produced white wine, at a bar overlooking La Concha Beach.
  • End your day with a tasty dinner at Gandarias, a classic Basque restaurant with a modern twist.
  • Don't forget to explore the city's vibrant nightlife, where you can find live music, craft beer bars, and discotheques for all ages and tastes. This itinerary will definitely make your stay in Donostia a memorable one!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Donostia by plane is to fly into San Sebastian Airport, which is located approximately 22 kilometers from the city center.

Car

Driving to Donostia is a good option if you're traveling from within Spain or France. The A-8 motorway connects San Sebastian with Bilbao, Santander, and Bordeaux. However, be aware that parking in the city center can be difficult and expensive.

Train

There is a train station in Donostia, called Estación de San Sebastián. The best way to get there is to take a train from any major Spanish city, such as Madrid or Barcelona.

Boat

There isn't a direct way to get to Donostia by boat, but you can take a ferry from the UK to Bilbao or Santander and then take a bus or train to Donostia.

Bus

A convenient way to get to Donostia is by bus. The best option is to take a bus from Bilbao, as there are several daily services that run between the two cities. The bus station in Donostia is called Estación de Autobuses de Donostia.

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