Hike up to Aldamar Park in Getaria Spain along the Basque coastline
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10 Spectacular Day Trips from San Sebastian to Get a Taste of the Basque Country & Beyond

Again and again, I find myself back in the Spanish Basque country. One city that always pulls on my heartstrings is the foodie haven of Donostia- San Sebastian, more simply known as San Sebastian.

Most travelers spend a few days in San Sebastian diving deep into the exquisite cuisine. Some of the top San Sebastian food experiences include sampling pintxos, wandering the markets, and savoring a tasting course menu from a top-rated Michelin-star restaurant.

But beyond all the incredible food, San Sebastian is blessed to be on the Bay of Biscay and is within proximity of the Pyrenees and the Basque Mountains. This prime location offers some incredible nature-based day trips from San Sebastian from the coast to the green inland.

San Sebastian is famous for the many pincho bars
Need a break from eating pintxos? Head out of the city of San Sebastian to see more of the Basque country and beyond

San Sebastian has spectacular coastal villages nearby, like Zumaia and Getaria. Additionally, nearby Bilbao is home to one of the most famous museums in all of Europe, the Guggenheim. In under one hour, it’s possible to be in another country and experience the French Basque country.

There are also longer day trips from San Sebastian to historic cities like Pamplona, the capital city of Vitoria-Gasteiz. The longest day trip is to Logroño or simply head straight to the Basque’s Rioja Alavesa Wine Region.

Here are ten of the best day trips from San Sebastian Spain.

Table of Contents

1 | Zumaia

Zumaia is the start of the Flysch Route hike to Deba
Zumaia is one of the easiest day trips from San Sebastian

Zumaia is a lovely coastal town on the Spanish Basque coastline that is only 20 miles to the west of San Sebastian. Zumaia is a typical Basque fishing village that is one of the best places to access the Flysch Route.

The Flysch Route is a part of the official GR 121 Talaia Ibilbidea hiking trail that showcases these unique rock sediments.

The Ruta del Flysch between Zumaia and Deba is one of the best day trips from San Sebastian, especially for those who love nature. The Flysch Route is part of the protected and treasured Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark.

Those walking the scenic route will pass by hermitages and the impressive flysch cliffs. Not only do you get to savor those stunning sea views, but there are unforgettable countryside landscapes.

Both Zumaia and Deba are pilgrim villages on the Camino de Santiago Norte route. Maybe this walk will inspire you to plan your own Camino de Santiago journey to the stunning Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

Even without walking the entire trail to Deba, Zumaia offers other ways to visit the Geopark. The Algorri Center in Zumaia provides short walking tours, an Interpretation Center, and scenic boat tours along the coast. Boat tours take around 45 minutes and require reservations.

Zumaia is a spectacular day trip from San Sebastian that offers a natural retreat from the city. If looking to see something really different, don’t miss a visit to Zumaia.

How to Visit Zumaia | Easy San Sebastian Day Trip

Ruta del Flysch is a nice hiking day trip from San Sebastian
The Flysch Route from Zumaia to Deba is a fantastic day hike from San Sebastian

Zumaia is well connected to San Sebastian with frequent buses and trains. Since parking can be difficult in the Basque villages, it’s best to visit Zumaia as a day trip from San Sebastian via public transportation.

🚌  Bus San Sebastian to Zumaia | Departure Location: Askatas 34 | Bus Company: Lurralde | Average One-Way Bus Fare:  2 -3 Euros Duration: +/- 1 hour | Verify the Bus Schedule with Lurralde bus here

 🚆 Train San Sebastian to Zumaia | Departure Location: Amara Donostia Station | Company: Euskotren Trena (E1) Average Train Fare:  2.75 Duration: around 40 minuteswith trains departing almost every half hour | Verify the Train Schedule with Euskotren here

➜ If short on time, this half-day tour from San Sebastian stops at Zumaia, but won’t allow for enough time to walk the entire Flysch Route

2 | Getaria

one of the easiest day trips from San Sebastian is to the fishing village of Getaria
Views of Getaria from the Monument of Juan Sebastian Elcano

One of the best day trips from San Sebastian for foodies is to the charming fishing village of Getaria. Although small, Getaria is a seaside town that is most famous for its grilled fish restaurants and vineyards that produce the beloved Basque wine of Txakolí.

Numerous restaurants in Getaria cook up delicious grilled fish. The most famous may be Elkano, which boasts a Michelin Star and is showcased on Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. If you follow your nose past the San Salvador Church and along the historic cobblestone streets you will be rewarded by a handful of port-side restaurants grilling fresh fish.

In Getaria, visit the small and condensed pedestrian street. There are two beaches that are popular during the summer months. Some of the best views from the village come from the peninsula hilltop park of Aldamar Park.

Getaria is also the birthplace of fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga and the small town has honored him with the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum. Getaria was also the home of explorer Juan Sebastian Elcano. The lesser-known explorer is honored by a giant Monument Sebastian that welcomes visitors to the town.

How to Visit Getaria | Top Foodie San Sebastian Day Trip

views looking back over Getaria from the hilltop Aldamar Park
Hike up to Aldamar Park to get sweeping views of Getaria Spain

Getaria is on a peninsula but is well connected with frequent buses from San Sebastian. Note that trains do not run to Getaria and the nearest train stations are in Zarautz and Zumaia.

🚌 Bus San Sebastian to Getaria | Departure Location: Askatas 34 | Bus Company: Lurralde | Average One-Way Bus Fare: 2 -3 Euros Duration: +/- 1 hour | Verify the Bus Schedule with Lurralde bus here

To return to San Sebastian from Getaria, make sure to purchase your return ticket to San Sebastian online. Oftentimes the buses to San Sebastian are full, so you have a guaranteed seat ticket before entering the bus.

Getaria Tours

Getaria is one of the best foodie day trips from San Sebastian, so there are plenty of food-focused tours.

➜ This 6-hour tour from San Sebastian showcases the best of Getaria by land and sea. Explore the village and sample local food. This tour also includes a private boat ride along the coast.

➜ Explore Txacoli Wine on a Private Tour at a Family Winery and Basque Coast Route

➜ This half-day tour from San Sebastian stops at Zarautz, Getaria, and a beach near Zumaia for about an hour at each location

3 | Astigarraga & Basque Cider Houses

a couple catches cider from a large wooden barrel at one of the cider houses in Astigarraga Spain
Do visit Astigarraga to experience the authentic Basque Cider Houses

Head to the hillsides of San Sebastian to experience one of the many Basque Cider Houses.

One of the best places to see and experience the Basque Cider culture is in the small village of Astigarraga.

Astigarraga is home to the Museum of Basque Cider (Sagardoetxea). Take a stroll through the orchards and discover the rich history of apples and cider making in the Basque Country. A highlight is learning about the cider culture and tasting the cider from the wooden barrels, which is quite different than most standard ciders found in the U.S. and UK.

Cider is making a comeback in the Basque region and a completely different experience than other Spanish Cider regions, like Asturias and the mountains of the Picos de Europa.

Although small, Astigarraga is home to almost 20 cider houses! Don’t miss a typical meal from the Basque Cider Houses, which is a set menu with unlimited cider. Be mindful that the cider can sneak up on you, so make sure to pace yourself!

A visit to a Basque Cider House is a unique gastronomy experience and is extremely interactive.

How to Visit Astigarraga | The Easiest Day Trip from San Sebastian

two women smiling in front of a large wooden barrel at a typical Basque Cider House in Astigarraga
My mom and I experiencing the “txotx” at Alorrenea Cider House

Lurralde Bus Company runs two frequent bus routes from the heart of San Sebastian to Astigarraga. Both BU12 & BU13 buses are options making it one of the easiest and closest day trips from San Sebastian.

 🚌 Bus San Sebastian to Astigarraga | Departure Location: Okendo Kalea 18 | Bus Company: Lurralde | Average One-Way Bus Fare:  €1.35 -€1.85 Duration: +/- 20 minutes | Verify the Bus Schedule with Lurralde bus here

Basque Cider House Tours

If looking for a more structured way to visit the Basque Cider Houses, there are popular tour options to Astigarraga, although a tour is not necessary.

➜ “Basque Cider House” Guided Tour & Meal from San Sebastian is a highly rated four-hour tour that includes a visit to a cider house with a meal, and a guide, and includes all transportation logistics.

➜ “Basque Farm House & Cider House Tour” & Meal from San Sebastian is a way to visit a traditional farmhouse with all the logistics of transportation and the meal included.

4 | Bilbao

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum is one of the biggest draws to visit Bilbao

Bilbao is one of the most popular day trips from San Sebastian. It’s also one of the best places to visit in the Basque Country.

Most visitors come to see the impressive Guggenheim Museum. The modern building designed by Frank Gehry draws in around 1 million visitors a year and has driven tourists from across the globe to this Basque city.

The Guggenheim houses many modern art exhibits, both permanent and rotating. Visitors are welcomed to the museum by Puppy, a fun and flowery living statue created by Jeff Koons. Inside, find thought-provoking contemporary works of art.

While most visitors spend the day at the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao has plenty of things to see and do. In my humble opinion, Bilbao warrants more time than a day trip from San Sebastian, especially if looking to visit nearby coastal cities like Getxo.

Don’t miss Casco Viejo, the historic center of Bilbao. Find numerous bustling Pintxos bars, lively plazas, churches, and twisting cobblestone streets. Casco Viejo is a delight and the perfect place to spend a few hours nibbling on pinchos.

people enjoying pinchos at La Ribera Market Bilbao
The Food Hall at La Ribera Market is a must in Bilbao

Nearby, find the La Ribera Market sitting alongside the Nervion River. This market was built in 1929 and now is home to a thriving Pintxo bar hub. Grab a plate and glass of wine and head outside to savor the river views.

There are plenty of lovely streets that follow the river or head up to the hills to get a different view of Bilbao from the Artxanda Mirador by taking the Bilbao Funicular.

How to Visit Bilbao | Most Popular San Sebastian Day Trip

Bilbao to San Sebastian is extremely well connected. These are two of the most popular cities in the Spanish Basque region so it’s a breeze to move between both.

While the train does run between San Sebastian and Bilbao, the journey is quite slow and long.

 🚆 Train San Sebastian to Bilbao | Departure Location: Amara Donostia Station | Bilbao Arrival Station: Casco Viejo Zazpikaleak |Company: Euskotren Trena (E1) Average Train Fare:  6.50 Duration: around 2.5 hourswith trains departing every hour | Verify the Train Schedule with Euskotren here

Multiple buses depart throughout the day from the main bus station in San Sebastian to Bilbao.

🚌 Bus San Sebastian to Bilbao | Departure LocationBus Companies include: Lurralde, Alsa, FlixBus | Average One-Way Bus Fare: 6 -15 Euros Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Bilbao from the Ribera Market
Bilbao has plenty of things to see and do in a day

5 | San Juan De Gaztelugatxe

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a beautiful protected area that is found between the villages of Bermeo and Bakio, not too far from Bilbao. On top of a rocky cliff find the Chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This hermitage is connected to land via an iconic staircase with 241 steps.

The chapel was built in honor of John the Baptist around the 9th century, but the original church no longer exists. After the pilgrimage up to the church, it is said you must ring the bell three times for good luck and to chase evil spirits away.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe has gained recent popularity as the filming location for Dragonstone Castle in the HBO series Game of Thrones. Free access tickets are required to visit and must be booked in advance. Reserve tickets to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe here.

How to Visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe | Top Tour from San Sebastian

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is one of the longer day trips from San Sebastian and with required access tickets, it’s best to book a guided tour.

Public transportation can be tricky from San Sebastian, so if utilizing public transit, it may be better to sleep in Bilbao and secure a free access ticket.

It is possible to drive to the parking lot of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, just make sure you have a free entry ticket.

6 & 7 | Biarritz and Bayonne France

typical buidlings in Bayonne France
Bayonne has beautiful buildings along the river

Biarritz and Bayonne are two cities located in the French Basque Country. Both cities are unique and have different feelings, but are located almost next to each other. Biarritz and Bayonne could easily be explored as a full-day trip from San Sebastian.

Biarritz is known as one of the premiere surfing spots in the Basque region and a modern-day resort town. There are numerous beaches that attract surfers, beach strollers, and sunbathers. Don’t miss the chance to wander through Port Vieux, an old fishing village now filled with cafes, places to stay, and a beach.

Biarritz has a fantastic market, Halles de Biarritz which showcases the freshest seafood. Savor the Bay of Biscay from the lighthouse, or walk out to Rocher de la Vierge, a rock with a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Bayonne France and outdoor terraces
The Bayonne riverside is filled with restaurants and outdoor terraces

Bayonne is not located on the Bay of Biscay, but rather along the two rivers of Nive and Adour. Bayonne is known as being the more gritty of the two cities but has a really lively energy.

One of the best things to do in Bayonne is to simply wander through the narrow cobblestone streets. The whole area is filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops. The buildings here are both French and Basque and the buildings are decorated with colorful wooden shutters.

The Cathedral Sainte-Marie de Bayonne is must see site and is an important place for pilgrims who started the Camino de Santiago in France. Bayonne is a popular access point for pilgrims to reach Saint Jean Pied de Port, the official starting point of the Camino Frances.

How to Visit Biarritz and Bayonne in the French Basque Country

the sandy beach of La Grande Plage in Biarritz on a quiet morning with a few beach strollers on a cloudy morning
Grande Plage is a highlight of visiting Biarritz France

The easiest and fastest way to visit Biarritz and Bayonne is by bus.

Both Alsa and FlixBus offer numerous daily departures to Biarritz and Bayonne. The bus from San Sebastian to Biarritz takes around 1 hour and should not be more than €10. FlixBus tickets are generally cheaper than the Alsa Bus tickets.

Once in your destination, Biarritz and Bayonne can be visited via the local bus company Txik Txax via buses or a faster tram option.

Another way to visit the French Basque Country is to take the Euskotren from San Sebastian to the border town of Hendaye in France (Hendaia). This is a budget-friendly option as San Sebastian to Hendaye is only a 35-minute ride and costs €2.75.

Take the Euskotren to Hendaia Station where you can walk next door to the Gare de Hendaye (train station) and hop on a French SNCF train. If traveling via train from San Sebastian, Bayonne is the more desirable station due to its more central location.

Additionally, there are some guided tours that highlight the French Basque area and include stops in Biarritz, Bayonne, and St-Jean-de-Luz.

8 | Vitoria-Gasteiz

the green signboard of Vitoria-Gasteiz is made from greenery and sits in the lively Plaza de la Virgen Blanca
Vitoria-Gasteiz is truly an under-the-radar city to visit in the Basque County

One of the most overlooked cities in the Basque Region has to be Vitoria-Gasteiz. This gem of a city is actually the Capital City of the Spanish Basque Country. With multiple connections and routes, Vitoria-Gasteiz is one of the best day trips from San Sebastian.

There are plenty of things to do in Vitoria-Gasteiz. A highlight of visiting is the Casco Viejo, the Old Medieval Quarter that is one of the most preserved in all of Spain. Dating back to the 12th century, the hilltop Old Town boasts the Santa Maria Cathedral, plenty of museums, delicious restaurants, and pintxos bars.

The city is a hub for art, so find the contemporary Art Museum Artium and the equally as impressive Museo de Bellas Artes. Vitoria-Gasteiz’s love for art can also be seen in the large and colorful murals found throughout the Old and New Town.

Do spend time in one of the lovely plazas, like the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca or the nearby Plaza de España.

While many of the Old and New Town highlights of Vitoria-Gasteiz can be explored in one day, you’ll miss out on the many urban parks and green spaces. As a leading Global Green City, the city has plenty of urban hikes, parks with wildlife and birdwatching, and the Green Belt bike route that circles the entire city and visits all the city’s major parks.

How to Visit Vitoria-Gasteiz | Overlooked San Sebastian Day Trip

the medieval building of El Portalon looks like it hasn't changed in years in the quiet night
One of the oldest buildings in Vitoria-Gasteiz, El Portalon at night

Again, if short on time, Vitoria-Gasteiz can be visited as a day trip from San Sebastian, but I think it’s more of a standalone destination to spend at least one night. This city surprised me so much, I wish we had budgeted at least two days in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Make sure to take the early bus to Vitoria-Gasteiz from San Sebastian to make the most of your time.

🚌 Bus San Sebastian to Vitoria-Gasteiz | Departure LocationBus Company: Alsa | Average One-Way Bus Fare: 7 – 14 Euros Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes depending on stops | Check Timetables & Fares here

There are frequent trains that connect San Sebastian and Vitoria-Gasteiz. Oftentimes, the train can take longer than the direct buses. The train station in Vitoria-Gasteiz is more centrally located than the bus station.

🚆 Train San Sebastian to Vitoria-Gasteiz | Departure LocationTrain Company: Renfe | Average One-Way Fare: 10 -15 Euros Duration: Just under 2 hoursCheck Timetables & Fares here

9 | Pamplona

Church of San Lorenzo in Pamplona
Pamplona is a lovely day trip from San Sebastian

Pamplona is another excellent day trip from San Sebastian that is steeped in history. The city is most famous for its annual San Fermin festival, more commonly known as the running of the bulls. This festival takes place every year from July 6th to July 14th.

When visiting Pamplona, you’re actually leaving the Basque country and entering the Navarre region of Spain. The city has deep connections with the pilgrimage route of the Camino de Santiago and has beautifully preserved city walls. All of the various Camino de Santiago routes end in the city of Santiago de Compostela, a fantastic city in Galicia Spain.

Ernest Hemingway was also drawn to the city and there are many statues of him found around town. He can be spotted outside the Plaza de Torros (bull ring) and at his favorite cafe, Cafe Iruña. Cafe Iruña is located in the bustling living room of the city, the Plaza del Castillo.

Pamplona has museums, churches, and plenty of places to eat in the old town. The city center is lined with beautiful parks, one of them being the inviting Ciudadela de Pamplona.

A visit to Pamplona is one of the more unique day trips from San Sebastian as you’ll be leaving the Basque region.

How to Visit Pamplona as a day trip from San Sebastian

Cafe Iruña was a favorite spot of Ernest Hemingway
Follow in the footsteps of Hemingway and stop in at the ornate Cafe Iruña

With a car, Pamplona is less than an hour’s drive from San Sebastian.

Alsa bus company runs daily buses between San Sebastian and Pamplona. Be mindful of the ticket you purchase as some bus routes take 1 hour and 15 minutes, while others can take up to two hours.

🚌 Bus San Sebastian to Pamplona | Departure LocationBus Company: Alsa | Average One-Way Bus Fare: €9.20 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes | Book Tickets on Alsa

10 | Logroño & The La Rioja Wine Region

The Puente de Piedra bridge welcomes pilgrims to Logrono spain
Puente de Piedra in Logroño Spain is the bridge that welcomes pilgrims to the city

Logroño is the beautiful capital city of the La Rioja region. This is one of Spain’s most impressive wine regions with around 600 wineries. Many of the wineries can be a challenge to visit because a reservation is required. Don’t worry, a visit to Logroño can include some fantastic food and wine experiences.

The Old Town in Logroño is charming and home to churches, markets, restaurants, pintxos bars, and more. The most famous street in Logroño is Calle Laurel with around 60 pinchos bars that pair so perfectly with the Rioja wine. Locals have nicknamed this street the “Trail of the Elephant,” since many people can be seen staggering on all fours from eating and drinking too much.

Just across the Ebro River, it’s possible to visit a winery, Bodegas Franco Españolas. If don’t want a guided tour, there are tons of wine bars to visit in the city.

Although Logroño can be done as one of the longest day trips from San Sebastian, there is so much to see in the surrounding area, especially if visiting a few different wineries. There is also the notable and nearby UNESCO-listed Yuso and Suso Monastery in San Millan de la Cogolla and other notable towns found along the Camino Frances.

The UNESCO listed Yuso Monastery is an awesome Camino Frances detour
The Yuso Monastery is a spectacular place to visit in the La Rioja region

The Rioja Wine region is divided into three sub-climates, and Rioja Alavesa is included in the Basque Country. The Alavesa wine region is home to beautiful hilltop villages like Laguardia with picturesque streets lined with family bodegas. Additionally, Eltziego is found in the Basque Rioja Alavesa region and boasts the famous Winery and Hotel Marques de Riscal designed by Frank Gehry.

We spent quite a bit of time exploring the La Rioja Wine region, and I highly recommend this area as a stand-alone road trip over a few days.

How to Visit Logroño & Alavesa Wine Region as a San Sebastian Day Trip

Logroño is less than 2 hours from San Sebastian via car making it one of the longest day trips from San Sebastian. If planning on indulging in the food and wine scene in Logroño, it’s recommended to sleep in Logroño for a night or two due to strict alcohol driving regulations.

Additionally, Rioja Alavesa is a popular tour option. I recommend using a tour service to visit La Rioja as a day trip from San Sebastian so you don’t have to worry about driving and transportation logistics.

➜ This highly rated Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian includes a stop in picturesque Laguardia

➜ This private tour from San Sebastian includes highlights of the La Rioja region by touring a few wineries and includes a lunch

Conclusion | 10 Best Day Trips from San Sebastian Spain

La Concha Playa at sunset in San Sebastian
Make it back in time to catch a sunset from Concha Beach in San Sebastian

In short, these are just a few of the best day trips from San Sebastian.

The city of San Sebastian offers a ton of things to see and do and is a foodie haven. While San Sebastian has urban mountains with incredible city and beach views, some of the biggest treasures waiting to be discovered are along the beautiful Bay of Biscay and deeper into the Basque countryside.

To reach these worthwhile treasures, you must take at least one day trip from San Sebastian.

While a majority of these day trips from San Sebastian are found in the Basque Country, some are scattered throughout the diverse autonomous communities in Spain from the La Rioja and Navarre regions. Two of these day trips from San Sebastian are found in France in the Northern Basque Country.

There are day trips from San Sebastian are for every type of traveler. The diversity of these excursions includes stunning hikes, charming fishing villages, historical cities, and world-famous museums.

Have you done any of these day trips from San Sebastian or is there one you loved that I’m missing? Let me know in the comments below!

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