Romantic 5-Day Getaway to Donostia, Spain

Fall in love with the charm of San Sebastián on your romantic getaway to Donostia.

22 April 2023

Donostia, Spain is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. The city boasts beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water, as well as stunning views of the Basque Country. Couples can indulge in the local gastronomy, wander through picturesque streets, and take in the lively culture of this vibrant city.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival in Donostia

  • Check-in at Hotel Maria Cristina, a luxurious accommodation with a perfect location
  • Stroll along the beach promenade "La Concha" and enjoy the scenic views
  • Have a delicious seafood lunch at Bar Nestor, a small and quaint restaurant with limited seating
  • Visit "La Perla Spa" and indulge in a relaxing massage and thermal circuit
  • Grab a pintxo (Basque tapas) at "Gandarias" and wash it down with a glass of Txakoli, a local white wine
  • End the day with a romantic walk through the old town and a drink at "La Viña", famous for its mouth-watering cheesecake
Day 2

Cultural immersion

  • Take a morning visit to the San Telmo Museum, a contemporary art museum housed in a 16th-century convent
  • Visit the impressive Gothic-style Catedral del Buen Pastor in the city center
  • Discover the Basque culture at the Albaola Sea Factory, an interactive museum showcasing traditional boat-building techniques
  • Have a traditional Basque lunch at "Asador Etxebarri", famous for its perfectly grilled meat
  • Participate in a pintxo cooking class at "San Sebastian Food"
  • Cap off the evening with a glass of Basque cider at "Sidrería Astarbe"
Day 3

Active adventure

  • Head to Monte Urgull and hike to the top for panoramic views of the city
  • Take a surfing lesson at "Pukas Surf School" in Zurriola Beach
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, provided by "Lantoki"
  • Visit the Chillida-Leku museum, dedicated to the works of renowned Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida
  • Have a drink at "Museo del Whisky", a cozy bar with over 1,000 whiskey options
  • End the day with a romantic dinner at "Rekondo", a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its wine list
Day 4

Day trip to the Basque countryside

  • Take a scenic drive to Hondarribia, a charming fishing village with a medieval Old Town
  • Enjoy a lunch feast at "Txubillo", a tucked-away eatery serving traditional Basque cuisine
  • Visit the picturesque coastal town of Getaria, birthplace of legendary fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga
  • Take a stroll through the vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting at the Txomin Etxaniz winery
  • Return to Donostia for a stroll through the romantic "Jardines de Alderdi Eder"
  • Dine on classic Basque cuisine at "Bodegón Alejandro", a historic restaurant with a charming atmosphere
Day 5

Relaxation and goodbye

  • Take a morning yoga class at "Laia Yoga"
  • Have a lazy breakfast at "Alameda", a bright and airy cafe with great coffee
  • Spend some time shopping in the boutiques along Avenida de la Libertad
  • Head back to La Concha Beach for a lazy afternoon sunbathing
  • Say farewell to Donostia with a gourmet dinner at "Martín Berasategui", a 3 Michelin-starred restaurant with exquisite Basque-inspired cuisine.

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

Romantic Weekend Getaway: Donostia, Spain

Donostia, also known as San Sebastian, is a coastal city in northern Spain famous for its stunning beaches, picturesque streets, and delicious cuisine. It offers a perfect romantic getaway with its charming architecture and scenic views of the sea. Couples can enjoy an array of activities, including walks on the beach, wine tastings, and exploring the city's rich cultural heritage.

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.

Discover Donostia: A 5-Day Budget Adventure

A trip to Donostia, Spain, on a limited budget can still be enjoyed with plenty to see and do. Take a stroll around the charming Old Town and explore the picturesque architecture. Enjoy the sun, sea, and sand at Playa de la Concha, one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe.

3 Days in Donostia: Beaches, Pintxos, and Culture

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.