3 Days in Donostia: Beaches, Pintxos, and Culture

Discover the Basque Country's picturesque coastal city of Donostia.

03 May 2023

Donostia, Spain, also known as San Sebastian, is a picturesque coastal city in Basque Country that offers a unique blend of sea, sun, and mountains. The city's stunning landscapes and cultural richness make it a popular tourist destination. Visitors can indulge in mouth-watering Basque cuisine, surf the waves of Playa de la Concha, and explore the winding streets of the Old Town.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Explore the Old Town

  • Stay: Hotel Maria Cristina, a luxurious hotel overlooking the Urumea River.
  • Stroll through Parte Vieja, the historic Old Town, and admire the beautiful architecture and lively atmosphere.
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Gothic-style Church of Santa Maria.
  • Enjoy pintxos, Basque-style tapas, at legendary bars like Borda Berri and La Cuchara de San Telmo.
  • Walk along La Concha Beach, one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, and admire the stunning views of the bay.
  • End the day with a glass of txakoli, the local sparkling wine, at a traditional sidrería.
Day 2

Get a Taste of Basque Culture

  • Stay: Astoria7, a boutique hotel inspired by cinema.
  • Head to San Telmo Museum to learn about Basque history and culture, including its unique language, Euskara.
  • Explore the modernist district of Ondarreta and visit Palacio de Miramar, a summer palace built for the Spanish royal family.
  • Try some traditional Basque dishes like bacalao al pil pil (cod in garlic and olive oil sauce) and kokotxas (cod cheeks) at a local restaurant like Bar Sport.
  • Visit Tabakalera, an innovative cultural center housed in a former tobacco factory, for art exhibitions, film screenings, and more.
  • End the day with a performance of Basque folk music and dance at the Teatro Victoria Eugenia.
Day 3

Escape to Nature

  • Stay: Zenit San Sebastián, a modern hotel with a rooftop terrace and stunning views.
  • Take a hike in the nearby hills or head to Monte Igueldo to enjoy panoramic views of the city and bay.
  • Visit the Aquarium, one of Europe's largest, and see a wide variety of marine life including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
  • Have a picnic on Zurriola Beach, a popular spot for surfers and beachgoers.
  • Take a day trip to the nearby fishing village of Getaria and visit the Balenciaga Museum, dedicated to the famous fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga.
  • End the day with a sunset cruise on the bay, admiring the city from a different perspective.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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.

Destination

Donostia

Welcome to a magical city where the pintxos are as delicious as the language is unpronounceable. Donostia, also known as San Sebastián, awaits your curious taste buds and adventurous spirit.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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