Donostia Delights: A Perfect 4-Day Escape to Spain

Experience the seaside charm and gastronomic delights of Donostia on your next adventure.

22 April 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Beaches and Pintxos

  • Check in at Hotel Maria Cristina, an elegant landmark hotel in the heart of San Sebastian
  • Take a stroll down La Concha beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe
  • Indulge in some pintxos, the Basque country's version of tapas, at Bar Zeruko, known for its creative flavors and stylish presentation
  • Explore the old town, or Parte Vieja, with its charming narrow streets and historic buildings
  • End the day with a cocktail at La Gintoneria Donostiarra, a trendy bar with a wide selection of gin and tonics
Day 2

Mountains and Cider

  • Take a bus to the picturesque village of Astigarraga, known for its cider houses and stunning landscapes
  • Hike in the nearby Mount Ulia, a natural park with panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay
  • Have a traditional Basque lunch at Sagardotegi Petritegi, where you can taste homemade cider straight from the barrel
  • Visit the Chillida Leku Museum, showcasing the works of Eduardo Chillida, one of the region's most famous sculptors
  • Enjoy the sunset at Miramar Palace, a former royal residence with lush gardens and stunning views of the sea
Day 3

Culture and Cuisine

  • Visit San Telmo Museum, housed in a 16th-century convent and exhibiting Basque art, history and culture
  • Learn how to cook Basque dishes at a cooking class with Mimo San Sebastian, a renowned culinary school
  • Have a gourmet lunch at Arzak, a three Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative cuisine and stunning presentation
  • Explore the modernist architecture of the city, including the Kursaal Congress Center and the Cristina Enea Park
  • Sample some of the best pintxos in town at Gandarias, a popular bar with a vast selection of local and international flavors
Day 4

Wine and Surf

  • Take a day trip to Getaria, a charming fishing village famous for its fresh seafood and txakoli wine
  • Visit the Balenciaga Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the influential fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga
  • Go for a surf lesson at Zarautz, a popular surfing spot with long stretches of sandy beach
  • Have a romantic dinner at Akelarre, a three Michelin-starred restaurant with breathtaking views of the coast
  • End the night with a cocktail at Bataplan Disco, a legendary nightclub with a vibrant atmosphere and DJ sets until dawn

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Discover Donostia: Beaches, Pintxos, and Culture.

Donostia, Spain, is a beautiful coastal city located in the Basque Country. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Biscay, stroll down the picturesque streets of the Old Town, and indulge in the region's famous pintxos, small snacks served in bars. Must-see sights include the iconic La Concha beach and the Miramar Palace gardens.

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.

Donostia Delights: A Fun-Filled 2-Day Family Adventure

Donostia, Spain, also known as San Sebastian, is the perfect destination for a family friendly trip. With its stunning beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Take a stroll along the iconic La Concha promenade, indulge in mouthwatering pintxos, and explore the family-friendly attractions such as the Aquarium or Monte Urgull for a memorable trip.

Donostia on a Budget: Coastal Adventure Awaits!

Donostia, also known as San Sebastian, is a beautiful coastal city in Spain that is perfect for budget travelers. From exploring the beaches and historic sites to enjoying the local cuisine, there's so much to see and do without breaking the bank. You can also stay in affordable hostels, take public transportation, and enjoy free activities such as hiking in the surrounding hills.