Sunny San Sebastián: The Ultimate 5-Day Foodie Adventure

Experience culinary bliss and stunning coastal beauty in San Sebastián.

14 October 2023

San Sebastián is a stunning coastal city located in the Basque Country of Spain. Known for its picturesque beaches, vibrant food scene, and rich culture, it is a perfect destination for tourists. Visitors can indulge in world-class cuisine, explore the historic old town, and relax on the beautiful La Concha beach, making for an unforgettable trip.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to Foodie Paradise:

  • Check into Hotel Maria Cristina, a luxurious belle epoque style hotel overlooking the Urumea River.
  • Start your culinary adventure at Bar Nestor, famous for its mouthwatering tortilla de patatas.
  • Explore the historic old town, where you'll find charming cobblestone streets and picturesque plazas.
  • Indulge in pintxos, Basque's version of tapas, at Gandarias or La Cuchara de San Telmo.
  • Savor a delicious seafood dinner at Restaurante Arzak, a three-Michelin-starred gastronomic temple.
Day 2

Beach Bliss and Scenic Views:

  • Begin your day with a refreshing swim at Playa de la Concha, a stunning crescent-shaped beach.
  • Take a cable car up Monte Igueldo for panoramic views of the city and its picturesque coastline.
  • Visit Urgull Hill and explore the 12th-century Castillo de la Mota, a fortress offering spectacular vistas.
  • Discover the Basque culture at the San Telmo Museum, housing an impressive collection of art and history.
  • Enjoy a sunset picnic on Santa Clara Island, reachable by a short boat ride from the harbor.
Day 3

Day Trip to Rural Charm:

  • Venture out to Pasaia, a charming fishing village just a short boat ride away from San Sebastián.
  • Explore the narrow streets of Pasaia San Pedro and admire its colorful houses and quaint harbor.
  • Sample grilled fish at Alameda, a traditional Basque restaurant with views of the bay.
  • Embark on a scenic hike along the coastal trail to the lighthouse of La Plata.
  • Take a boat tour to the beautiful island of San Juan and bask in its unspoiled natural beauty.
Day 4

Culture and Art:

  • Visit the striking Kursaal Congress Center, one of San Sebastián's most iconic modern architectural landmarks.
  • Explore the contemporary art exhibitions at the Chillida-Leku Museum, showcasing the works of Eduardo Chillida.
  • Wander through the bustling San Martín Market, indulging in a variety of local delicacies.
  • Discover the history of Basque whaling at the Albaola Factory, where traditional wooden boats are crafted.
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant Basque nightlife at Aurora street, known for its lively bars and clubs.
Day 5

Wine and Txakoli Tastings:

  • Take a guided tour to the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa and experience Spain's famous wine region.
  • Visit Bodegas Baigorri for a wine tasting session paired with delicious local delicacies.
  • Head to the charming coastal town of Getaria, birthplace of fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga.
  • Enjoy a Txakoli tasting experience at a traditional winery like Txomin Etxaniz.
  • Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch at Elkano, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its grilled fish dishes.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to San Sebastián by plane is to fly into San Sebastián Airport (EAS) which is located approximately 20 kilometers away from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or hotel shuttle to reach your destination in San Sebastián.

Car

Driving to San Sebastián is a convenient option if you prefer to have your own transportation. You can reach San Sebastián by car via the AP-8 motorway, also known as Autopista del Cantábrico. The city is well connected to the highway and has a good road network.

Train

Unfortunately, San Sebastián does not have a train station. If you prefer to travel by train, you can take a train to Hendaye, France and then transfer to a bus or taxi to reach San Sebastián. The train station in Hendaye is called Gare de Hendaye.

Boat

San Sebastián does not have a commercial port for passenger boats. However, if you prefer to travel by boat, you can take a ferry to Bilbao Port or Santander Port and then continue your journey to San Sebastián by bus, train, or car.

Bus

To get to San Sebastián by bus, you can take a long-distance bus to San Sebastián Bus Station, also known as Estación de Autobuses Donostia. Many bus companies offer routes to San Sebastián from various cities in Spain and Europe.

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