A 4-Day Romantic Getaway to Donostia, Spain

Fall in love with the charm of Donostia, Spain.

22 April 2023

Donostia, also known as San Sebastian, is a charming and picturesque city on the northern coast of Spain. It's known for its beautiful beaches, Michelin-starred restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Perfect for a romantic getaway filled with culture, romance, and culinary excellence.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Sights and Bites

  • Check into the stunning Hotel Maria Cristina, an elegant and romantic stay
  • Walk along the iconic La Concha beach, taking in the breathtaking views
  • Grab a bite at the legendary Bar Zeruko, trying their famous Txakoli and pintxos
  • Explore the Old Town, winding through the narrow streets and admiring the quirky architecture
  • Visit the stunning San Telmo Museum to learn about the Basque Country's rich history and culture
  • End the day with a sunset stroll and a glass of wine at the Miramar Palace Gardens
Day 2

Coastal Escape

  • Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe de la Concha, with views out onto the sea
  • Take a day trip to the charming fishing village of Getaria, famous for its fresh seafood and wine
  • Visit the Balenciaga Museum to learn about the fashion designer rooted in the Basque Country
  • Hike up to the stunning San Anton hermitage, enjoying the views over Getaria and the coast
  • Relax on the beach, taking in the sea air and soaking up the sun
  • Return to Donostia for dinner at Borda Berri, with their mouth-watering Basque cuisine and charming atmosphere
Day 3

Artistic Inspiration

  • Start the day with breakfast at the quirky and artistic Tabaqueria de Vizcaya
  • Visit the Guggenheim Museum in nearby Bilbao, marvelling at Frank Gehry's stunning architecture and world-class art collection
  • Stroll through the Art District of Bilbao, filled with galleries and street art
  • Enjoy a casual lunch in one of the city's many pintxo bars, sampling traditional Basque dishes
  • Return to Donostia for some rest and relaxation at the La Perla spa, with stunning views over the sea
  • Dine at the Michelin-starred Akelarre Restaurant, with its innovative cuisine and panoramic views of the coast
Day 4

Cultural Immersement

  • Have breakfast at Cafe Buen Pastor, with its charming outdoor terrace
  • Visit the unique Chillida-Leku Museum, showcasing the work of Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida
  • Take a cooking class at the Basque Culinary Center, learning the secrets of Basque cuisine
  • Dine at Casa Urola, a traditional Basque restaurant with intimate, homely vibes
  • Enjoy an evening stroll along the seafront, taking in the twinkling lights of Donostia
  • End the night with a drink and live music at the cosmopolitan Doka Club, soaking up the city's energetic nightlife.

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.

More travel plans

Discover Donostia: A 4-Day Dream Trip

Donostia, also known as San Sebastian, is a beautiful coastal city in Spain that can be explored on a limited budget. Enjoy delicious pintxos, small tasty snacks, for a budget-friendly meal. Take in the city's stunning architecture by walking or biking around instead of taking taxis or public transportation. Plan ahead to find affordable accommodations, such as hostels or inexpensive hotels outside the city center.

5 Days of Fun in Donostia, Spain!

Donostia or San Sebastian, has plenty to offer, from picturesque beaches and world-renowned cuisine to nightlife and cultural attractions. Visitors can enjoy surf lessons at Playa de la Zurriola, explore the Old Town or "Parte Vieja" with its famous pintxos bars, and take in the breathtaking views from the top of Mount Igueldo. A trip to Donostia is not complete without indulging in the city's delicious Basque cuisine and savoring a glass of Txakoli, a light and fizzy white wine, in one of its many seaside terraces.

Surf, Pintxos, Art, and Wine in Donostia

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.

Donostia Delights: A Perfect 4-Day Escape to Spain

Donostia, also known as San Sebastian, is a picturesque coastal city located in the Basque Country of Spain. As a tourist, you can enjoy the stunning beaches, explore the charming old town, and indulge in the delicious Basque cuisine, particularly pintxos (tapas). You can also take a stroll along the La Conche Beach or hike to the top of Monte Urgull for breathtaking views of the city.