Discover Donostia: Beaches, Pintxos, and Culture.

Taste the flavors of Basque cuisine and the beauty of the Bay of Biscay in Donostia, Spain.

22 April 2023

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.

Day trip plan

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Day

Beaches, Bars and Basque Cuisine

  • Start the day off at Playa de la Concha, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
  • Walk along the beach promenade to the Old Town, where you can explore the charming cobblestone streets and colourful Basque architecture.
  • Stop by a pintxos bar for some delicious Basque tapas and a glass of Txakoli wine.
  • Visit the San Telmo Museum for a dose of Basque history and culture.
  • Have dinner at Elkano, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its fresh seafood and traditional Basque dishes.
  • End the night at a lively bar like Bar La Espiga or Atari Gastroteka.
  • Don't forget to try the local dessert, pantxineta, a delicious pastry made with almonds and puff pastry. With its picturesque beaches and vibrant culinary scene, Donostia is a destination that cannot be missed.

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

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Basque Adventures: A Family-Friendly Day in Donostia!

Donostia, also known as San Sebastián, is a beautiful coastal city in northern Spain that offers a perfect setting for a family-friendly trip. With its stunning beaches, delicious food, and a range of kid-friendly activities, Donostia has something for everyone. Spend your days building sandcastles on La Concha Beach, enjoying the panoramic views from Monte Igueldo, or exploring the interactive exhibits at the San Telmo Museum.

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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.