Donostia on a Budget: Coastal Adventure Awaits!

Experience the beauty of Basque culture without breaking the bank in Donostia.

21 June 2023

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.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring the Coastal Charm of Donostia

  • Start your day with a traditional Spanish breakfast at Panadería Amaiur, with its crispy pastries and aromatic coffee, to fuel up for the day's adventure.
  • Head to the iconic La Concha Beach, where you can soak yourself in the refreshing waters or simply relax on the sandy shore, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and the Old Town.
  • Take a stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, also known as Parte Vieja, and discover the medieval architecture, lively plazas, and colorful shops. Don't miss the breathtaking views from the top of Mt. Urgull, accessible from the Old Town.
  • For lunch, head to Bar Nestor, a small and cozy bar renowned for its delicious tortilla, made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Try also their steak or red pepper dish, and pair it with locally brewed beer or wine.
  • Spend the afternoon at the impressive San Telmo Museum, featuring an extensive collection of Basque art, history, and culture. Don't forget to also check out the museum's charming courtyard and gardens.
  • End your day with a savory dinner at Borda Berri, a trendy pintxo bar with a lively atmosphere and mouth-watering Basque cuisine. Try their traditional Basque-style cod, or their famous hake cheeks with pil-pil sauce, and savor the flavors of the city.

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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Discover Donostia: Beaches, Pintxos, and Culture.

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