Explore these 12 day tours from San Sebastian – a stunning visit to nearby attractions
San Sebastian in Basque Country makes a fantastic base to explore the beautiful coastline, small towns and unique landscapes in the area just outside of the city. I really love how amazing the countryside is and how easy it is to explore and find unique vantage points and attractions to explore. I’m sharing some easy to get to places either by public transportation, car or my preference is group tours which makes it so much easier to explore and enjoy your time visiting landmarks and sites without dealing with logistics and learning about key aspects of each place in advance.
1. Easy day trip to visit Bilbao
Bilbao is one of the easiest and most popular day trips from San Sebastian. It’s also one of the best places to visit in the Basque Country and enjoy a more urban city environment that is totally different than San Sebastian.
The most popular place to visit here in Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum. This modern structure dominates the river area and was designed by reknowned architect Frank Gehry. The modern art museum has over 1 million visitors a year and has driven tourists from across the globe to this Basque city.
While the Guggenheim is impressive you can also walk along the scenic Nervion riverbank area with many sculptures to enjoy like the Puppy and so many other contemporary works of art to see along the banks.
Other impressive places to explore in Bilbao includes:
The historic center of Bilbao or Caso Viejo
The iconic food market and call called La Ribera Market
Taking the funicular to the Artxanda Mirador with breathtaking views of Bilbao
Visit the commercial center and shopping districts of Bilbao
Cathedral of Santiago (St. James)
Bilbao Opera House
Check out my additional posts to visiting Bilbao below for inspiration
Guided Tours Visiting Bilbao
If you want to leave the logistics, timing and education to an expert, I would recommend these guided tours to show you the best of the city experiences below:
Bilbao: Basque Food Tour with Guide
Bilbao: Guggenheim Museum Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
How to Visit Bilbao
1. Bus (Best for Convenience and Affordability)
- Operator: ALSA or Lurraldebus (PESA)
- Duration: About 1 hour 10 minutes
- Frequency: Buses run frequently throughout the day (every 30 minutes or less).
- Cost: Around €7–€12 one way.
- Departure: San Sebastián’s main bus station (Donostia Geltokia) near the train station.
- Arrival: Bilbao Intermodal Bus Station.
2. Train (Scenic but Slower)
- Operator: RENFE (regional train)
- Duration: About 2 hours 30 minutes
- Frequency: Limited service per day.
- Cost: Around €6–€10 one way.
- Departure: San Sebastián’s Estación del Norte.
- Arrival: Bilbao-Abando train station.
3. Car (Most Flexible)
- Distance: About 100 km (62 miles).
- Driving Time: 1 hour 10 minutes via AP-8 toll road (toll cost is about €11).
- Best for: Those who want to stop at coastal towns like Getaria, Zumaia, or Gernika.
4. Rideshare (Budget-Friendly Alternative)
- Service: BlaBlaCar often has rides between San Sebastián and Bilbao.
- Cost: Usually €5–€10, depending on availability.
For most travelers, the bus is the best option due to its affordability, frequency, and speed.
2. Bermeo
Just a short drive from the famous site at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is the harbor and city of Bermeo, a beautiful town founded in 1235 and was considered one of the most important fishing port in Basque Country. With striking coastal scenery that leads to this strategic port and harbor town, Bermeo is definitely a hidden gem here in the region.
With a population of only around 16,800 people, Bermeo is quiet and simple, but that simple life and casual lifestyle around the port is attractive with many local restaurants, lively squares, churches and all the typical shopping and entertainment venues you would expect to find here.
There is an old part of town located behind the old port and you can also visit the Museum dedicated to Basque fishermen or the Arrantzales and is located in the Ercilla Tower.
Other points of interest visiting Bermeo includes:
The Casino Building
Lamila Park
Main square town hall
Santa Maria Church
Ercilla Tower
Marina area
Guided Tours to Bermeo
There are group tours to the coastal areas of Basque country that also stop in Bermeo check them out below
From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika Day Trip
From Bilbao: Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo & Gernika
How to get to Bermeo from San Sebastian
To get to Bermeo from San Sebastián, you have several options:
By Car (Fastest & Most Convenient)
- Distance: Around 110 km (68 miles)
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Route: Take the AP-8 highway towards Bilbao, then switch to the BI-631 and BI-2235 to reach Bermeo.
By Public Transport (Train & Bus)
There is no direct train or bus, but you can travel via Bilbao:
- San Sebastián to Bilbao
- Take an ALSA bus from San Sebastián (Donostia) to Bilbao’s Termibus station. Buses run frequently, and the journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Alternatively, take the Euskotren (train) from Amara Station to Bilbao’s Zazpikaleak/Casco Viejo station (2 hours 30 minutes).
- Bilbao to Bermeo
- From Bilbao’s Atxuri Station, take the Euskotren (E4 line) to Bermeo. The train takes around 1 hour and runs every 30 minutes.
Taking the car is the quickest option, but public transport via Bilbao is a good alternative if you don’t want to drive.
3. Visit to Getaria
Getaria was also the home of explorer Juan Sebastian Elcano who was honored with a giant Monument Sebastian that welcomes visitors to the town.
How to Visit Getaria
1. Bus (Best for Convenience and Budget-Friendly Travel)
- Operator: Lurraldebus (Lines UK10 or UK11)
- Duration: 35–45 minutes
- Frequency: Buses run every 30–60 minutes throughout the day.
- Cost: Around €3–€5 one way.
- Departure: San Sebastián’s Donostia Geltokia (bus station) near the train station.
- Arrival: Getaria’s town center, within walking distance of the beach, harbor, and restaurants.
- Best for: Most travelers, as it’s affordable and direct.
2. Car (Best for Flexibility and Scenic Route)
- Distance: About 25 km (15.5 miles).
- Driving Time: 30 minutes via the N-634 coastal road (a scenic route passing through Orio and Zarautz).
- Parking: Limited in Getaria, but paid parking lots are available.
- Best for: Those who want to stop at Zarautz, Txakoli vineyards, or scenic viewpoints along the way.
3. Train + Bus (Alternative Option)
- Train: Take the Euskotren (E2) from San Sebastián to Zarautz (30 minutes, ~€3).
- Bus: From Zarautz, take the Lurraldebus UK10 or UK11 to Getaria (5-10 minutes, ~€1.50).
- Best for: Those wanting to explore Zarautz before heading to Getaria.
For most travelers, the bus is the easiest and most cost-effective option, but driving allows for extra flexibility and scenic stops along the way.
4 Basque Cider Houses at Astigarraga
Head to the hillsides of San Sebastian to experience one of the many Basque Cider Houses. Cider houses are celebrated here in Basque Country with these cider houses and culture that is a very popular beverage here in the region
One of the most popular places Basque Cider culture is Astigarraga, a small village where you’ll find the the Museum of Basque Cider and easily take a stroll through apple orchards and then visit to a cider tasting house and tasting directly from the cider wooden barrels, offering a unique tasting experience in the area.
The village of Astigarraga is the home to around 20 cider houses and you can also order from a set menu to try ciders along with typical foods served in the area. If you are looking to try the unique touring and tasting experience at a cider house, go take a tour or visit to this village and enjoy some time to experience this popular local beverage. When you visit the village, you’ll have plenty of choices to trying out any of these cider houses and local dishes.
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.
5. Biarritz – French Basque country
The upscale beach resort town of Biarritz on the French Basque region is only about 59 Kilometers from San Sebastian, making it an easy day trip to explore. Biarritz is well-known as the top surfing spots to the Basque region and is a very popular modern day resort town.
You can easily walk along the coastal route and find numerous beahes that attract surfers, sunbathers, strollers and in the quieter cove areas swimming or snorkeling fun. The old fishing village has gone more upscale with boutique stores, shopping and beautiful cafes and bars to hang out in. Strolling the main promenade or the beach ara allows you to enjoy the lighthouse, a walk to various beaches and coves and the Rocher de la Vierge – a rock with a statue of the Virgin Mary.
There’s even a wonderful public market called Halle de Biarritz which sell the freshest seafood from the area.
Biarritz Tours
For an easier visit, I would recommend a guided tour to the French side of Basque Country to visit some attractions along with a tour of Biarritz. Consider the following tours:
From San Sebastian: Bayonne, Biarritz & St. Jean de Luz Trip
From San Sebastian: Biarritz and Bayonne Minibus Tour
Biarritz: Express Walk with a Local in 60 minutes
How to Visit Biarritz
Getting from San Sebastián to Biarritz is fairly easy, with several transportation options:
By Bus (Most Affordable)
- Company: ALSA or FlixBus
- Duration: About 1 hour
- Cost: €7-€15
- Frequency: Several departures daily
- Where to Catch It: San Sebastián’s main bus station (Donostia-San Sebastián Bus Station)
- Arrival: Biarritz Gare Routière (bus station)
By Train (Less Direct)
- Route: Take a Euskotren commuter train from San Sebastián to Hendaye, then switch to an SNCF train from Hendaye to Biarritz
- Duration: About 1.5 to 2 hours (including transfer time)
- Cost: Around €10-€20 total
- Where to Catch It: Euskotren station in Amara, San Sebastián
- Arrival: Biarritz Train Station (Gare de Biarritz)
By Car or Taxi (Fastest & Most Flexible)
- Duration: 45 minutes via the AP-8 and A63 highways
- Tolls: Yes, around €5
- Car Rental: Available in San Sebastián
- Taxi/Uber: Can cost €100+
The bus is the easiest and cheapest option, while driving is the fastest. The train is scenic but requires a transfer.
6. San Juan De Gaztelugatxe
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a beautiful protected area that is found between the villages of Bermeo and Bakio, and a short drive from Bilbao. Located on a scenic rocky cliff you will find the Chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This hermitage is connected to land via an iconic staircase with 241 steps to the top of the outcropping.
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, custom says that you should ring the bell three times for good luck and to chase evil spirits away, which is normal for local fishermen in the area.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe has gained recent popularity as the filming location for Dragonstone Castle in the HBO series Game of Thrones.
You can book a free reservation and ticket to visit the site, check this link to reserve a spot in advance. Reserve tickets to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe here.
Check out these posts to visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Check out these group tours to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
How to get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Getting to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe from Bilbao involves a mix of public transport or driving. Here are your options:
1. By Bus + Taxi (Best for Public Transport)
Since there is no direct bus to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, you need to take a bus and then a taxi.
- Step 1: Take Bizkaibus Line A3518 from Bilbao’s Termibus to Bakio (approx. 50 min).
- Step 2: From Bakio, take a taxi (about 10 minutes, ~€10-€15) to Gaztelugatxe’s parking lot.
- Step 3: Walk down the trail to the islet (about 30 minutes).
Cost: Around €5 for the bus + taxi fare
Total travel time: ~1.5 to 2 hours
2. By Car (Fastest & Most Convenient)
- Route: Drive from Bilbao to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe via BI-631 and BI-2101
- Distance: 35 km
- Duration: 40-45 minutes
- Parking: Available near the trailhead (but fills up fast in peak season)
3. By Guided Tour (Easiest Option)
Several tour companies in Bilbao offer half-day trips to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, often combined with Bermeo and other coastal towns. This is a hassle-free way to visit. Check out these options below:
7 Explore French Basque country at St. Jean de Luz
Just across the border from San Sebastian is the picturesque city of St. Jean de Luz, a beautiful coastal town that oozes so much character and French charm. This such a scenic area and beautiful city to visit from the bay, harbor to the old downtown district. I enjoyed visiting many different French pastry shops, coffee venues, the beautiful public marketplace to the beautiful coastline and harbor area.
St. Jean de Luz is a charming coastal town in southwestern France, near the Spanish border in the Basque Country. Known for its picturesque harbor, sandy beaches, and rich maritime history, it has long been a favorite seaside retreat. The town boasts colorful Basque-style houses, a vibrant fishing port, and a lively market offering local specialties like seafood and Basque pastries. Its most famous landmark, the Church of St. John the Baptist, was the site of the 1660 wedding of King Louis XIV to Maria Theresa of Spain. With a relaxed atmosphere, excellent cuisine, and a scenic coastal setting, St. Jean de Luz is a great destination for both history and beach lovers.
Take a tour of French Basque country and St. Jean de Luz
To enjoy visiting the area with a professional guide that also manages the details, parking and visiting French Basque country to St. Jean de Luz, consider any of these fantastic tours to visit the area.
From San Sebastian: Biarritz, St. Jean de Luz & Hondarribia
From Bilbao: Biarritz, Saint Jean de Luz, San Sebastian Tour
How to Visit St. Jean de Luz in the French Basque Country
Getting from San Sebastián to St. Jean de Luz is straightforward, with several transport options:
Visiting St. Jean de Luz from San Sebastián is easy and can be done by train, bus, or car. The most convenient option is taking a train from San Sebastián’s Amara or Donostia station to Hendaye, the French border town, then transferring to a regional TER train to St. Jean de Luz. The total journey takes about 45 minutes. Alternatively, buses like ALSA or BlaBlaCar Bus run directly between the two cities, taking around 45–60 minutes. If you prefer to drive, the trip via the AP-8 motorway takes about 35 minutes, and parking is available near the town center. Once there, you can explore the historic harbor, enjoy local seafood, and relax on the sandy beaches.
8. Vitoria-Gasteiz
Truly a gem city in Basque Country is the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz and also the capital of the region. This makes the city an easy day trip from San Sebastian.
Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of Spain’s Basque Country, is known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, vibrant cultural scene, and green spaces. A visit to the Cathedral of Santa María offers a glimpse into Gothic architecture and history, while Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, the city’s central square, is perfect for soaking in the local atmosphere. The city is home to several excellent museums, including the Fine Arts Museum and the Artium Museum of Contemporary Art. Nature lovers can explore the Green Belt, a network of parks and trails surrounding the city, ideal for walking and cycling. Food enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the chance to try pintxos in the traditional bars of the Old Town, experiencing Basque cuisine at its finest.
Also, with many urban parks and hikes to enjoy, you’ll have lots of outdoor recreation and activities to enjoy in the surrounding area.
Visit Vitoria-Gasteiz by tour
You can visit Vitoria-Gasteiz and many other attractions around Basque country on these guided tours
How to Visit Vitoria-Gasteiz from San Sebastian
Visiting Vitoria-Gasteiz from San Sebastián is easy, with several transportation options available. The most convenient way is by bus, with direct services operated by companies like Alsa, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day from the San Sebastián bus station. Alternatively, you can take a train from San Sebastián’s main station, but this option usually takes longer, around 2 hours, with fewer departures. If you prefer to drive, the journey via the AP-1 and AP-8 highways takes approximately 1 hour and offers scenic views of the Basque countryside. Renting a car gives you flexibility to explore nearby towns and the surrounding Rioja Alavesa wine region.
9. Day tour to Pamplona
How to Visit Pamplona as a day trip from San Sebastian
Traveling from San Sebastián to Pamplona is simple, with several transportation options available. The most convenient choice is taking a direct bus, operated by companies like Alsa or La Burundesa, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day, departing from San Sebastián’s main bus station. If you prefer the train, there are limited direct services, and most routes require a transfer in Vitoria-Gasteiz, making the journey longer (around 2.5 to 3 hours). Driving is another good option, with the A-15 highway providing a quick and scenic route between the two cities in just about an hour. Renting a car gives you flexibility, especially if you plan to explore Navarra’s countryside along the way.
10 Visit Hondarribia
Hondarribia, a charming coastal town in Spain’s Basque Country, sits near the French border and is known for its colorful historic buildings, rich maritime history, and excellent gastronomy. The Old Town (Casco Viejo), enclosed by medieval walls, features narrow cobbled streets, beautifully preserved Basque houses with wooden balconies, and landmarks like the Santa María Gate and the Church of Santa María de la Asunción y del Manzano. The Plaza de Armas, home to the impressive Carlos V Castle (now a Parador hotel), offers stunning views of the Bidasoa River and France. The Marina neighborhood, once a fishing district, is now a lively area filled with pintxos bars and seafood restaurants. For outdoor enthusiasts, Hondarribia Beach is great for relaxing or water sports, while nearby Mount Jaizkibel provides scenic hiking trails with panoramic coastal views. A short ferry ride across the river takes you to Hendaye in France, making Hondarribia a perfect spot for cross-border exploration.
Photo by David Vives
Take a guided tour of Hondarribia
A short drive from San Sebastian takes you to the small harbor and town of Hondarribia, a very scenic town with colorful buildings, homes and structures that are distinctive and harkens to the architecture of its times. You can choose any of these tours to give you a sampling of what the city and attractions are like.
Getting to Hondarribia from San Sebastián
Getting to Hondarribia from San Sebastián is quick and easy, with several transportation options available. The most convenient way is by bus, with Lurraldebus (E21 or E25) offering frequent departures from San Sebastián’s bus station. The journey takes about 30–40 minutes, making it an affordable and efficient option. If you prefer to drive, the GI-636 highway provides a direct route, and the trip takes approximately 25 minutes by car. Another scenic option is taking a train to Irún (about 20 minutes) and then a short local bus or taxi to Hondarribia. Additionally, for a unique experience, you can travel by bus to Hendaye in France and take a ferry across the Bidasoa River to Hondarribia, enjoying beautiful coastal views along the way.
11 La Rioja Wine Region
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 with over 60 pinchos bars to enjoy along with local Rioja wine.
Having a guided tour of La Rioja wine region from San Sebastian will give you the freedom to visit without having to worry about logistics, the capital at Longrono and knowledgeable guides to tour some of the best wineries in the area. The wine region is broken into three sub-climates with picturesque vineyards and wineries to explore.
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How to get from San Sebastian to Logrono
Traveling from San Sebastián to Logroño is simple, with several transportation options available. The most convenient and direct way is by bus, with Alsa operating frequent services that take about 2 hours. Buses depart from San Sebastián’s main bus station and arrive at Logroño’s central station, making it an easy and affordable choice.
If you prefer the train, RENFE offers routes, but they typically require a transfer in Miranda de Ebro, making the journey longer (around 3 hours) and less convenient than the bus.
For more flexibility, driving is a great option. The journey via the AP-8 and AP-68 highways takes about 2 hours, allowing you to explore the Rioja Alavesa wine region along the way. Renting a car is the best choice if you plan to visit wineries or smaller villages near Logroño.
12 Gernika in Basque Country
Visiting Gernika in the Basque Country offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for the tragic bombing during the Spanish Civil War in 1937, which inspired Picasso’s famous painting Guernica, the town is a powerful symbol of Basque identity. A visit to the Gernika Peace Museum provides insight into this history, while the Casa de Juntas (Basque Parliament) and the Tree of Gernika, a historic oak symbolizing Basque liberties, are must-see landmarks. Art lovers can also view a large mosaic replica of Guernica in town. Beyond its historical significance, Gernika is surrounded by stunning nature, with the nearby Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve offering great hiking, birdwatching, and coastal views. The town also has a lively Monday market, where visitors can sample local Basque products like cheese, cider, and fresh produce.
While visiting Gernika, check out the tile painting of Gernika from Picasso’s painting representing the city in a large scale interpretation.
Tours of Gernika and attractions in Basque country
You can take a tour of Gernika and other locatl attractions that make it easy so you don’t have to worry about driving, parking and a knowledgeable guide to help you tour and understand the area and sites better. Here are some of our recommendations.
From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika Day Trip
From Bilbao: Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo & Gernika
Gernika Walking Tour: War and Peace
How to get from San Sebastian to Gernika
Getting from San Sebastián to Gernika is relatively easy, with several options for transportation. The most convenient choice is by bus, with direct services operated by Lurraldebus. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, and buses run regularly throughout the day, departing from San Sebastián’s main bus station.
If you prefer driving, you can take the AP-8 highway, which takes about 1 hour. Driving allows you to explore the surrounding countryside and scenic areas at your own pace. Another option is to take a train to Amorebieta (about 1 hour), and then switch to a bus or taxi for the short ride to Gernika. The car and train options offer more flexibility if you’re planning to explore nearby regions as well.
Check out these other posts to visiting San Sebastian
If you are planning using San Sebastian as your hub to visiting the area, check out these other posts to visiting the top places to explore in town.
: Is San Sebastian worth visiting?
Conclusion on 12 day tours from San Sebastian
I love visiting San Sebastian, there’s so much to see and do around the city and amazing attractions outside of San Sebastian. We hope that this post on 12 day tours from San Sebastian has been worthwhile and you’ll consider doing any of these fun places, landscapes and foodie places to plan and visit eventually.
Thanks for checking out Visit Spain and Mediterranean and this post. We hope you check out all the other posts to explore all around the country for inspiration.
