5 Days of Fun in Donostia, Spain!

Experience the ultimate Spanish coastal charm in Donostia.

22 April 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Old Town

  • Stay at Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, a luxurious hotel with sea views
  • Start the day with coffee and pintxos (tapas) at Bar La Cepa in the Old Town
  • Visit the Gothic-style Buen Pastor Cathedral and the colorful San Telmo Museum
  • Take a walk along the charming Calle 31 de Agosto street and browse the boutique shops
  • Enjoy a seafood lunch at Bar Txepetxa or Casa Gandarias, both known for their anchovies
  • End the day with a sunset view at Monte Urgull, a historic hill with stunning panoramic views
Day 2

Beaches and Surfing

  • Head to Zurriola Beach, the best spot for surfing in Donostia
  • Rent a surfboard or take a lesson from one of the surf schools on the beach
  • When hunger strikes, grab a bocadillo (sandwich) from surf-oriented Koxkera or enjoy paella at La Perla Restaurant
  • Relax on the beach or take a scenic walk along the promenade to Ondarreta Beach
  • Have a refreshing drink at the iconic La Concha beach bar before dinner at Arzak, a Michelin-starred restaurant
Day 3

Discovering Basque Culture

  • Start the day with coffee and pastries at Café Gibraltar, a historic café in the city center
  • Visit the Basque Culinary Center, a modern culinary school that celebrates Basque cuisine
  • Take a guided tour of the ornate Victoria Eugenia Theatre or see a concert there
  • Enjoy a pintxo crawl through the Gros district, stopping at Zeruko or Bergara for unique snacks
  • Have an authentic Basque dinner at A Fuego Negro or Borda Berri, both known for their contemporary takes on traditional cuisine
Day 4

Scenic Hiking and Wine Tasting

  • Take a scenic drive to the vineyards of Txakoli Begiristain and taste the local Basque wine
  • Enjoy a hike through the stunning countryside of the nearby Pagoeta Natural Park
  • Stop by the quirky and eclectic Chillida-Leku Museum, dedicated to the modernist sculptor Eduardo Chillida
  • Return to the city for dinner at Tenedor, a stylish restaurant known for its innovative dishes
  • End the night with cocktails and live music at the lively Vanguardia cocktail bar
Day 5

Relaxation and Pampering

  • Treat yourself to a full spa day at the upscale La Perla Spa, located right on the beachfront
  • Have a light lunch at the health-focused Ni Neu before indulging in a massage or facial
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens of the Miramar Palace
  • Have a romantic dinner at Restaurant Mirador de Ulía, a restaurant that offers panoramic views of the city and bay
  • Spend the evening at the luxurious Hotel Maria Cristina, sipping on cocktails and enjoying live music in the elegant lounge.

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

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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