San Sebastián: From Beaches to Cheesecakes on a Budget

Discover the beauty of San Sebastián without breaking the bank.

14 October 2023

San Sebastián, located in Spain's Basque region, offers an incredible travel experience even on a limited budget. Enjoy the city's beautiful beaches, wander through its charming Old Town, and indulge in the famous pintxos (local tapas) for affordable yet delicious meals. With affordable accommodations and plenty of free cultural activities, San Sebastián guarantees a memorable trip without breaking the bank.

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Day trip plan

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Day

A Gourmet Adventure on a Shoestring Budget

  • Start your day with a visit to La Concha Beach, where the golden sand meets the crystal-clear waters of the Cantabrian Sea.
  • Head over to the picturesque old town, Parte Vieja, and wander through its narrow streets, lined with charming buildings and bustling pintxo bars.
  • Embrace the local culture by sampling cheap and delicious pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, at Bar Sport’s mouthwatering counter.
  • Take a leisurely stroll to Mount Urgull and revel in panoramic views of the city and the stunning bay – the perfect spot for a budget-friendly picnic.
  • Indulge in a sweet treat at La Vina, a legendary pastry shop known for their luscious Basque cheesecakes.
  • To end the day in style, watch the sunset from the Kursaal Bridge, with the silvery waves shimmering underneath and the sky ablaze with hues of pink and orange.

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 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.

Destination

San Sebastián

Welcome to the land of mouthwatering pintxos and breathtaking coastal views, where even the clouds are tempted to take a siesta in this vibrant Basque city. Prepare to indulge your taste buds and mesmerize your senses in San Sebastián!

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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