Discover Donostia: A 4-Day Dream Trip

Discover the beauty of Donostia without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Donostia!

  • Check in at Hotel Avenida, conveniently located in the heart of the city
  • Stroll along the Concha beach and take in the stunning views
  • Visit the Museum of San Telmo, where history and art come together
  • Try some pintxos (local tapas) at Bar Zeruko, a local favorite
  • Catch the sunset from Monte Urgull, a hilltop fortress with panoramic views
Day 2

Flavorful Discoveries

  • Enjoy a traditional breakfast at Bar Sport, famous for their churros and hot chocolate
  • Visit the Mercado de la Bretxa, a food market with local products and delights
  • Take a cooking class at the Basque Culinary Center and learn to make pintxos
  • Savor pintxos and local cider at Sagardi, known for its high-quality ingredients and presentation
  • End the night with a drink at Bar Txurrut, a cozy and authentic Basque bar
Day 3

Culture and Art

  • Explore the old town and its charming medieval streets and architecture
  • Visit the San Vicente Church, an important religious site with a beautiful baroque facade
  • Admire contemporary art at the famous Chillida-Leku museum, showcasing the works of Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida
  • Take a walk through the gardens of the Palacio Miramar, a majestic palace overlooking the sea
  • Dine at Restaurante La Cepa, serving traditional Basque cuisine with a modern twist
Day 4

Mountains and Sea

  • Go for a hike in the nearby Pagoeta Natural Park, where nature meets history and culture
  • Visit the Balenciaga Museum, dedicated to fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga
  • Take a swim at the Zurriola beach, a popular spot for surfing and water sports
  • Have a drink at La Perla Spa, a historic spa with a terrace offering magnificent ocean views
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Bar Nestor, famous for its mouth-watering steak and rustic atmosphere
  • Donostia may be small, but it is packed with charm, beauty and flavor. It's a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking a unique and authentic experience.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

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

More travel plans

3 Days in Donostia: Beaches, Bites & Bliss

Donostia, located in the Basque region of Spain, is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning beaches, remarkable architecture, and unmatched gastronomy. While traveling on a limited budget, visitors can enjoy the city's vibrant culture by exploring its picturesque streets and indulging in its renowned pintxos (small bites of food). With affordable accommodation options and free activities such as hiking Mount Urgull or exploring the city's parks, Donostia is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers.

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 3-Day Family Adventure in Spain

Donostia, also known as San Sebastian, is a perfect destination for a family friendly trip in Spain. This coastal city offers beautiful sandy beaches, ideal for building sandcastles and enjoying the sun. Families can also indulge in delectable Basque cuisine, explore cultural and historical landmarks, and take part in outdoor activities like hiking and biking.