Why Getaria is the Perfect Day Trip from San Sebastian
One of the best day trips from San Sebastian is to the charming fishing village of Getaria Spain. Although small, this seaside fishing village is known for two things: fresh grilled fish and rolling vineyards that produce the unique Txakolí Basque wine.
There are plenty of things to do in Getaria, making it an ideal day trip from Donostia-San Sebastian. Eat at one of the top Getaria restaurants the freshest seafood that pairs perfectly with Txakoli wine, or take a hike up the hillside Aldamar Park. Explore the small but lovely Getaria Old Town, or visit a museum. Walk along the sandy beaches and if it’s nice take a dip in the ocean.
This Getaria travel guide includes: how to day trip from San Sebastian to Getaria, the best things to do in Getaria, and more tips for visiting.
Here’s why you should visit the port fishing village of Getaria, one of the best day trips from San Sebastian Spain.
Table of Contents
- How to Get to Getaria from San Sebastian
- Best Things to Do in Getaria
- Love it in this Basque Fishing Village? Why Not Sleep in Getaria
- How to Get from Getaria to San Sebastian
- Overview | How to Spend One Day in Getaria Spain
How to Visit Getaria as a Day Trip from San Sebastian
With frequent bus connections and an excellent road that hugs the breathtaking Bay of Biscay, Getaria is an easy day trip from San Sebastian.
There are tons of worthwhile things to see in San Sebastian alone. Plan on spending at least 2 days in San Sebastian and add more days depending on what day trips you wish to see.
By Car
Getaria is around a 30-minute drive from San Sebastian. Be mindful that if visiting during the summer months you will most likely need to pay for parking. Parking is limited and can be a hassle. Unless continuing from here to explore more of the Basque coastline, the bus to Getaria is the best option.
By Public Transportation
Frequent buses connect San Sebastian to Getaria. Most travelers will stay in San Sebastian. To get to Getaria from San Sebastian use the convenient bus stop at Askatas 34. This centrally located bus stop is only a few blocks away from La Concha Beach.
Lurralde Bus Company utilizes a few different bus routes that stop in Getaria. Always verify with the driver that the bus will stop in Getaria, as sometimes this village is skipped on certain routes.
Bus numbers UK09, UK10, and UK11 all make stops in Getaria. Pay the bus driver in cash to get a ticket.
🚌 Bus San Sebastian to Getaria | Departure Location: Askatas 34 | Bus Company: Lurralde | Average One-Way Bus Fare: €2 -€3 | Duration: +/- 1 hour | Verify the Bus Schedule with Lurralde bus here
By Foot
Getaria village is part of the famous Camino de Santiago – Camino Norte pilgrimage route. The typical Camino Norte stage is from San Sebastian to Zarautz and spans around 13 miles. Getaria is only 2.5 miles farther from Zarautz along a beautiful coastal route.
The Camino de Santiago is one of the most incredible walks to experience in Spain and there are tons of Camino routes to choose from. No matter which Camino route you choose, they all lead to the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela in the underrated region of Galicia Spain.
Pilgrims complete their journey at the iconic Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela or continue to the sea via the Camino Finisterre Muxia.
🥾 Interested in walking the Camino? Check out these 16 Game-Changing Camino de Santiago Tips for First-Time Pilgrims
Getaria Tours
If looking to visit this fishing village near San Sebastian there are a few different guided tour options. Most Getaria tours can be organized from San Sebastian.
➜ This half-day tour from San Sebastian stops at Zarautz, Getaria, and a beach near Zumaia for about an hour at each location
➜ 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, so is better to experience during the summer months.
How Much Time to Spend in Getaria
If visiting Getaria as a day trip from San Sebastian plan on spending at least 2 – 3 hours. However, there are plenty of things to do in Getaria from enjoying a lunch, visiting vineyards, or casually exploring the fishing village. Additionally, if it’s a sunny summer day, it could be easy to spend a few hours lounging around at one of the Getaria beaches.
Depending on what you are looking for, Getaria could be a few-hour day trip, or equally easy to spend the entire day here. It all depends on what you want to see or do!
Best Things to Do in Getaria
Now with the travel planning logistics out of the way, here are some of the best things to do in Getaria Spain.
1 | Monument to Juan Sebastián Elcano
If arriving at Getaria village via bus you’ll get dropped off right next to the Monument to Juan Sebastian Elcano. This giant monument pays tribute to Juan Sebastian Elcano, a sailor, and explorer who was born in the small fishing village of Getaria.
Elcano shares the title with Magellan as becoming one of the first persons to circumnavigate the globe by boat (well at least by more modern-day standards). He sailed alongside the famous Portuguese expeditionist Ferdinand Magellan. Magellan was killed in 1521 at a stop in the Philippines, so he did not get to complete the entire journey. Elcano continued on one of the boats of the fleet to fully complete the circumnavigation. He arrived back in Spain in 1522.
This impressive monument offers one of the best scenic viewpoints of Getaria.
2 | Stroll Through the Compact Old Town
Getaria boasts a very condensed historic center that is a delight to stroll. Follow your nose along the narrow cobblestone streets. The old town boasts a pedestrian street lined with pintxos bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Pintxos, or pinchos in Spanish, are smaller portions of food that can be ordered in Pintxos bars. Pintxos are oftentimes compared to an aperitif. This culinary phenomenon is found predominately throughout Northern Spain and the Basque Country.
The main focal point in the center of Getari’s Old Town is the San Salvador Church. It’s free to enter the church.
Make sure to stop in at at least one of the few Pintxos bars to sample fresh seafood. Of course, pair it with the unique fizzy Txakoli wine.
3 | Eat Really Fresh Fish
While pintxos in Getaria are a must, it’s impossible to not mention the many high-end restaurants here. In fact, one of the best reasons to visit Getaria is to eat at one of the famous grilled fish restaurants.
Many of these seaside Getaria restaurants have impressive outdoor grilling areas, where the freshest fish is grilled to order straight from the port.
Two of the most popular local fish to eat are turbot, a flatfish, and hake, a North Atlantic fish that is part of the cod family.
For these reasons, Getaria tops my list as one of the best San Sebastian Food Experiences. Do eat fish in at least one of the handful of delicious Getaira restaurants.
Where to Eat Fish in Getaria (Popular Getaria Restaurants)
✔ Elkano is a popular seafood restaurant in Getaria that proudly boasts a Michelin Star. If this place sounds familiar, this is where Anthony Bourdain visited on his popular travel show Parts Unknown. This modern restaurant is located right along the main road in Getaria, and the dining room has stellar ocean views.
✔ Kaia Kaipe is a port-side restaurant that has been serving fresh grilled seafood since 1962. There is a nice outdoor patio that is covered during the fall and winter months. What’s equally impressive here is the extensive 40,000-bottle wine list.
✔ Asador -Mayflower- Erretegia is another popular grilled fish restaurant located right next to the port. There are outdoor tables that sit right along the port.
These are only a few of the more popular grilled fish restaurants in Getaria. One of the best ways to find a restaurant is to follow your nose and keep an eye out for which restaurants are full and busy. Since a majority of the seafood is coming directly from the port, it’s hard to have a bad meal here.
4 | Sip on the Unique Txakoli Wine
Txakoli, pronounced chah-koh-lee, is a wine you must try while visiting the Spanish Basque Country. Txakoli is most commonly a white wine, but as it grows in popularity, some rose varietals are becoming available.
This refreshing Basque wine pairs best with seafood. You may notice something different about this wine. It has subtle bubbles, almost like fizz. The wine generally has a moderate alcohol content, however, it’s so smooth that it can sneak up on you!
Txakoli is especially fun to order at pintxos bars as it’s poured high above the glass. The ordering process is dramatic and fun. Bartenders typically pour the drink into the glass in this manner to help “awaken” the tiny bubbles and amplify the taste and essence of the grape.
Don’t miss visiting the tasting room by Txomin Etxaniz, or more simply TX. This lively tasting room is found right across from the church in Getaria. Here, it’s possible to sample a handful of their white and unique Rose Txakoli wines. These wines are harvested right on the nearby hillsides.
If you love it, purchase a few bottles for later. The TX tasting room is cozy, offers pintxos, has an outdoor patio, and a super friendly staff!
5 | Take a Txakoli Vineyard Tour
In Getaria, it’s possible to sample Txakoli wine straight from the source and visit one of the wineries. If planning on visiting a Txakoli vineyard, it is essential to book a tasting tour in advance.
Txomin Etxaniz offers tours Monday through Saturday at 11:00. The 90-minute tour is only €20. Contact them via their website to book a tasting at the vineyard
➜ This 4 hour half-day tour from San Sebastian visits Getaria and the Txakoli vineyards
6 | Hike Through Aldamar Park | Aldamar Parkea
Getaria is incredibly scenic and one of the best ways to experience the beauty is by hiking up to Aldamar Park. Located on the peninsula and surrounded by the sea, Aldamar Park is one of the best things to do in Getaria.
Walk past the fishing port and head up the hillside. The trails are well-marked with signboards. A majority of the trails follow along paved and stone footpaths. The uphill climb from the trailhead takes around 10 minutes.
San Anton Mendiko is a popular lookout point. Here you can hike past a few lovely observation desks that provide stellar views of the Getaria Lighthouse, or Faro de Getaria. Watch the waves crash into the cliffs.
While it’s possible to hike next to the lighthouse it is not possible to enter it.
The hike is short, but the views and tranquility can make you want to stay and breathe in the salty air. With ocean views and twisty trails, Aldamar Park is a nice place to journal, read, or simply relax.
7 | Stroll or Swim at the Getaria Beaches
If visiting during the summer peak months, Getaria has two very popular beaches. The largest beach is Markobe Hondartza. This sandy beach is popular for families since it is protected from larger waves and is more like a cove. At this beach, find simple bathrooms available and a restaurant that is only a few steps away from the beach.
On the other side of the peninsula, is the beach of Gaztetape. Gaztetape Beach is also a sandy beach but is a little more wild and rugged. As the waves can be larger, it’s a popular surfing beach. This beach is highly affected by tides and can be almost nonexistent during high tide.
8 | Visit the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum
Getaria is also famous for being the birthplace of fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga. Balenciaga is known for his numerous contributions to haute couture, or high fashion, throughout the mid-twentieth century.
Cristobal Balenciaga has been credited with pioneering women’s fashion trends from the baby doll dress, to the tunic, and even the sack dress. Many of his dresses were worn by powerful and influential women, including the ranks of Jaqueline Kennedy.
The small museum offers a glimpse at his unique gowns and offers private guided tours. Be mindful that the museum can close temporarily for switching out exhibits.
Cristobal Balenciaga Museoa | Find it Here: Getaria Spain | General Admission: €12 with the option to purchase a guided tour | Hours: Change with the Season / Nov – March: Tues – Sun: 11:00 – 15:00 / April – Oct: Tues- Sun: 11:00 – 19:00 / July & Aug: Mon-Sun 11:00 – 20:00 | Official Museum Website
Sleep in Getaria Spain
Getaria is a super charming fishing village near San Sebastian, so you may decide to sleep here. The village is popular with day trippers, so sleeping in the town is a chance to have the magic of this place almost to yourself.
Be mindful that Getaria does not offer a lot of budget-friendly accommodations. A majority of the sleeping options in Getaria are hotels and apartments.
➜ Hostel Txalupa Getaria is open seasonally and is a popular option for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago Norte. This is one of the more budget-friendly options to sleep at in Getaria. Super clean with a friendly owner
➜ Hotel Itxas Gain Getaria has nice private rooms with inviting hosts, a spectacular breakfast, and breathtaking terrace views
➜ Katrapona is located right in the heart of Getaria and is a lovely 2-star hotel known for its extremely friendly staff
➜ Nuevo Katu Kale Apartamentuak Centro Historico offers modern and comfortable apartments
➜ Loa Getaria is a fantastic two-bedroom apartment found in the heart of the village
➜ Browse the Best Places to Stay in Getaria Spain
How to Get from Getaria to San Sebastian
Here are a few options on how to return to San Sebastian from Getaria.
By Car
If visiting by car, you can visit a few more of the nearby basque villages like Zarautz, or nearby Zumaia.
Zumaia is definitely worth a visit, especially to see the unique Flysch rock sediments. There is an incredible hiking route, the Flysch Route, that showcases this unique geology. The Flysch route runs between Zumaia and Deba and also makes a fantastic day trip from San Sebastian.
By Public Transportation
If returning to San Sebastian from Getaria by bus you will need to purchase a bus ticket in advance and online. The bus station is located right in front of the Getaria Tourist Office. Many of the buses are full, so it is essential to pre-book a ticket.
Alternatively, it’s easy to hop on a local bus right where you got dropped off and head in the opposite direction of San Sebastian to Zumaia. There is an electronic signboard with up-to-date bus departures.
The buses to Zumaia are a quick and easy 10-minute ride.
Once in Zumaia, hop on the roomy train to return to San Sebastian. Make sure to choose the main station in San Sebastian: Donostia-San Sebastian (Amara Donostia). The trains move at a casual pace but are extremely comfortable and spacious.
🚆 Train Zumaia to San Sebastian | Departure Location: Zumaia Train Station | Company: Euskotren Trena (E1) | Average Train Fare: €2.75 | Duration: around 40 minutes, with trains departing almost every half hour | Verify the Train Schedule with Euskotren here
Overview | How to Spend One Day in Getaria Spain
In short, this is a quick overview of the worthwhile Basque fishing village Getaria. The delightful fishing village is near one of Spain’s top food destinations, San Sebastian. This makes Getaria one of the best day trips from San Sebastian.
Although small, Getaria packs in plenty of awesome things to see and do. Eat fresh fish, sip on bubbly Basque wine, and eat little bites of delicious goodness at the many pintxos bars.
This quick guide includes how to get to Getaria from San Sebastian, the best things to do in Getaria, where to sleep, and how to return to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Whether walking the Camino de Santiago Norte or road-tripping through the Basque country, do not miss a stop in the fishing village of Getaria.
Have you visited Getaria Spain? What did you think of this little hidden foodie haven in the Basque region? Let me know in the comments below!
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