After making San Sebastián our base for exploring the Basque Coast, I’m sharing the very best day trips to take. Overlooking the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastián city offers so much to do and is well-connected to much nearby. Just 30 minutes from the French border, it’s the ideal base for exploring the reaches of Basque Country, with plenty of day trips from San Sebastián offering a share of the lush countryside and charming villages.
After coming as a child, I was so excited to return to San Sebastián this summer to spend a week diving into the pintxo capital and day-tripping around the surrounding area with my family. The region has so much to see, do, and eat, and San Sebastián was a perfect base to see it all. And if you want a taste of France, you’re also only 30 or so minutes to the border.
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite day trips we took from San Sebastián and cover how to get there if you do or don’t have a car. Everything is within two hours of the city and covers everything from fishing towns to medieval villages in the rolling Basque Country hills. I also cover
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Day Trips from San Sebastián:
For a first visit, I recommend Centro for the best overall location, Parte Vieja for quick pintxos-focused trips, and Antiguo for longer stays and families.
- Centro (City Center), best overall location for first-timers
Nobu Hotel ($$$), Villa Favorita ($$$), Hotel Arbaso ($$), Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra ($$), Hotel Catalonia Donosti ($$), Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes ($), or a 1 Bedroom Modern Apartment - Parte Vieja (Old Town), best for historic feel and pintxos
Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel ($$$$), Hotel Lasala Plaza ($$), SANSEbay Boutique Hotel ($$), Hotel Atari ($$), Room Mate Collection Gorka ($$), or a 1 Bedroom Port Views Apartment - Antiguo, best for families and beach vacations
La Galeria ($$), Hotel NH Collection Aranzazu ($$), Letoh Letoh ($), Colectia Hotel Onderreta ($), or a 2 Bedroom Apartment with AC and Parking
Best Guided Day Trips
- La Rioja Region Small Group Tour (8.5 hours)
- France Basque Country Combination Tour (8 hours)
- Bilbao, Guggenheim, and Gaztelugatxe Tour (9 hours)
- Basque Farm House and Cider Tour (6 hours)
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip to San Sebastián, don’t miss my San Sebastián city guide and guides to where to stay in San Sebastián and the best day trips from San Sebastián.
If you’re visiting more of Spain, start with my 10-day Spain itinerary and guide to the most beautiful cities in Spain. I also have everything you need for Barcelona (city guide, itinerary, where to stay, things to do, coffee, and restaurants), Madrid (where to stay), Seville (city guide, where to stay), as well as guides to Costa Brava, Granada, Andaluciá, and Córdoba.
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Basque Country is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Spain is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The 16 Best San Sebastián Day Trips
Quick Guide to the Best San Sebastián Day Trips
Best Guided Day Trips
- La Rioja Region Small Group Tour (8.5 hours)
- France Basque Country Combination Tour (8 hours)
- Bilbao, Guggenheim, and Gaztelugatxe Tour (9 hours)
- Basque Farm House and Cider Tour (6 hours)
Best Day Trips by Train or Bus
- Zumaia (40 minutes by train), for beaches, a historic town, and famous rock formation cliffs
- Zarautz (30 minutes by train), for a resort town and surfing
- Hendaye (40 minutes by train), for a French port town and coastal area
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz (1hr 20 minutes by train, 1 change), for a charming French town and port
Best Day Trips by Car
- Hondarribia (30 minutes by car), for a fishing town with colorful Basque architecture and a medieval Old Town
- Bilbao (1hr 20 minutes by car), for modern art and an exceptional food scene
- Biarritz (50 minutes by car), for seaside luxury and world-class surfing
- Guéthary (40 minutes by car), for a relaxed coastal atmosphere and seafood
- French Basque Villages: Espellete and Ainhoa (1hr by car), for whitewashed villages and rolling green hills
Where to Visit From San Sebastián
San Sebastián Day Trips to Spain
Zumaia and the Flysch Route
One of my favorite day trips from San Sebastián is Zumaia and the spectacular cliffs of the Flysch Route. We spent a full afternoon here, and it was one of the best days of the trip. Dramatic layers of million-year-old rock formations are exposed, revealing a stretch of the UNESCO-listed Basque Coast Geopark. Below the towering cliffs, the wide shores of Itzurun beach are perfect for a stroll or relaxing. Zumaia also has a charming historic town center with several spots worth visiting, including the 13th-century San Pedro Parish Church, Foronda Palace, the quaint waterfront known as the Urola River Estuary, and some great restaurants, including Bodegon Joxe Mari (15 minutes away), where we enjoyed an incredible lunch.
How to Get to Zumaia
- By Car: Head west along the AP-8 towards Bilbao, the journey takes around 35 minutes, and there are tolls on the route.
- By Train: It’s possible to reach Zumaia from San Sebastián by a 40-minute train ride west of the city, and there are no changes required. Trains run every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends.
Travel Tip: If you’re self-driving, parking is a little confusing when you arrive in Zumaia. You must park on the outer edge and walk in. If you can, I’d try to find paid street parking here. Otherwise, the main parking lot is free but requires a quick ferry ride across.
Zarautz
Popular for its long golden beach and surf culture, Zarautz is a relaxed coastal town easily accessed by car or train from San Sebastián. Like a more laid-back cousin, Zarautz also has a great food scene and offers a taste of a traditional Basque town and rugged Atlantic coastal scenery. Whether you visit to surf (or take lessons) or explore the town, there is enough to do here to fill a day. Wander the Old Town, visit the 15th-century Gothic Santa María la Real church, explore the beachside Narros Palace, snap a few photos from the clifftop lookouts, and finish with a walk along the promenade.
How to Get to Zarautz
- By Car: Take the GI-20 and AP-8 westbound from San Sebastián towards Bilbao. The drive takes around 25 minutes, and there are two underground parking lots in town at Parking Indigo – Zarauz Fueros and Parking Indigo – Zarautz Munoa.
- By Train: Trains run every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends between Donostia Station in San Sebastián and Zumaia, stopping at Zarautz. There is no need to change trains and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
- By Bus: Buses run frequently throughout the day between San Sebastián and Zarautz, with the journey taking around 20 minutes. Several routes are available, including the Do02, Do04 and Do07.
Getaria
The charming coastal town of Getaria was a pleasant surprise, and I ended up spending more time exploring here than I had anticipated. Home to the famous Michelin-star restaurant ELKANO, beloved by Anthony Bourdain (bookings required far in advance), it’s also the perfect stop for seafood lovers and the birthplace of Txakoli wine. Surrounded by vineyards, there is a certain maritime charm with colorful fishing boats still returning to port daily with fresh catches. If you’re interested in the history of Balenciaga, I highly recommend spending time at the Balenciaga Museum, as this was the designer’s birthplace. We spent a couple of hours at the museum, and our 4-year-old daughter was mesmerized by the dresses.
How to Get to Getaria
- By Car: Follow the GI-20 and AP-8 west, then exit onto the N-634 along the coast. Park in this paid lot or this smaller lot.
Bilbao
The largest city in the Basque Country, Bilbao is a complementary blend of modern art and architecture paired with a well-preserved medieval Old Town (Casco Viejo) that has been transformed from an industrial city to a modern center of culture. I spent a few days here before coming to San Sebastián and two more before we flew home, but I would make a case for just taking a day trip to the Guggenheim Museum and stopping at a few restaurants in the Old Town.
Considered one of the top destinations for food-focused travelers, we ate our way through the city, sampling plenty of Basque cuisine and Pintxos. We loved visiting the Guggenheim Museum as a family, which since 1997 has made the city a destination in its own right. If you aren’t renting a car, I would suggest you join this Bilbao, Guggenheim, and Gaztelugatxe Tour for a full-day trip from San Sebastián, as unfortunately Bilbao is not convenient to reach by train. Spend time at the Mercado de la Ribera, wander the Old Town (make sure to visit the Siete Calles), and pop into the Santiago Cathedral, which is also a significant point along the Camino de Santiago.
How to Get to Bilbao
- By Car: Take the AP-8 route from San Sebastián westbound towards Bilbao. The journey takes about 1hr 20 minutes and includes toll roads. There are numerous parking garages throughout Bilbao, depending on what you plan on visiting and doing for your day trip.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
An islet in the Bay of Biscay, San Juan De Gaztelugatxe is an incredibly scenic day trip from San Sebastián. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the scenery feels untamed, which is why it was the perfect filming location for the Game of Thrones series, as Dragonstone. If you’re a fan, you can visit the 241-step stone staircase connecting the mainland up to the hermitage and across the bridge. If you’re a photographer, you will love the postcard-worthy scenes here as it’s located in the Urdaibai Biosferaren Erreserba biosphere, so the landscapes are rugged and moody.
How to Get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- By Car: Located around 2 hours from San Sebastián, follow the AP-8 route west, and either take the BI-302 or BI-635 towards the coast until you reach San Juan De Gaztelugatxe. This route includes tolls, and there are three small parking lots, but they often fill quickly after 10 am, so make sure you arrive early.
Astigarraga
Another side of the region that offers a comparison to the fishing villages and surf towns is Astigarraga, the cider capital of the Basque Country. Here, your visit is centered around food, cider, and Basque hospitality, making it ideal for foodies. The town is surrounded by apple orchards, and visiting a Basque Farm House and Cider Tour is a must-do experience to get a true sense of the region. With many producers harvesting their town apples to create a slightly dry, tart style cider, the best time to get hands-on is from January to April when visitors can participate in the Txotx tradition of gathering around fresh barrels of cider as it’s released from the cask.
How to Get to Astigarraga
- By Car: Just a 15-minute drive from San Sebastián, take the GI-20 and GI-41 south.
- By Bus: Take the Bu13 bus from downtown San Sebastián to Astigarraga, which takes around 20 minutes.
Hondarribia
40 minutes from San Sebastián, next to the French border, Hondarribia sits along the Bidasoa River. Just across the river is Hendaye, which is across the border in France on the opposite bank, so you can easily visit both towns in a day. The collection of traditional Basque homes with stone facades and colorful balconies in the Casco Histórico is the most popular draw. There are two sides to the town, the laid-back fishing quarter and the historic walled town on the hill. The Pyrenees peak through in the distance and it’s lovely to just wander with the flower boxes flowing from balconies. There are dozens of pintxos bars and cafes, so it’s a great spot for lunch. Just across the river is Hendaye, which is across the border in France on the opposite bank, so you can easily visit both towns in a day.
How to Get to Hondarribia
- By Car: Head 40 minutes east towards the French border via the GI-20. The route includes tolls, and the best place to park is at this paid parking lot close to the center of town.
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Vitoria-Gasteiz might be the capital of the Basque Country, but as it is a quieter town, it’s often overlooked by visitors who are focused on Bilbao and San Sebastián. This makes it a great authentic spot for a day trip. The appeal lies in its medieval Old Town and its excellent food. The town is inland, so it has a different atmosphere than the coastal Basque villages. A wander around the town’s cobbled streets is best done on a walking tour. As the gateway to the La Rioja wine region, it’s also an excellent spot for wine tasting, as well as sampling local Álava dishes, such as caracoles con salsa (snails in a tomato sauce) or alubias pintas de Alava (pinto bean stew with sacraments).
How to Get to Vitoria-Gasteiz
- By Car: Follow the AP-8 toll road west towards Bilbao, then the AP-1 inland, southwest towards Vitoria-Gasteiz. There are several paid parking lots around the Old Town.
La Rioja Region
Tucked at the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains, La Rioja is a famous wine region in northern Spain full of rolling green vineyards and peppered with medieval villages. This is the perfect day trip from San Sebastián by car, as you can visit a collection of historic towns, with some of the top picks being Laguardia with centuries-old wine cellars and cobbled lanes, and Elciego, which is home to the Marques de Riscal winery and hotel, which was designed by the same architect as the Guggenheim Museum, Frank Gehry. Popular for its Tempranillo variety, cuisine is also excellent in the region, with some must-try dishes including patatas a la reiojana or chuletillas al armiento (lamb chops grilled over vine cuttings). If you plan on making the most of the region’s outstanding wineries, then this La Rioja Region Small Group Tour covers a visit to Laguardia and vineyards for tastings.
How to Get to La Rioja Region
- By Car: It’s a 1.5 to 2 hour drive to the La Rioja region, either via Pamplona or Vitoria-Gasteiz. If traveling via Pamplona, follow the A-15, then the A-12, or the A-8 and A-1 via Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Pamplona
Famous for the ‘Running of the Bulls’, you’ve likely heard of Pamplona. Sat between the Pyrenees and the Basque Country, the elegant Old Town is ideal for history enthusiasts and foodies. The city has an interesting blend of Basque and Spanish character, with sights including the Portal de Francia, the historic gateway where pilgrims enter the city from the Camino de Santiago, and the Gothic cloisters of Pamplona Cathedral. For foodies, traditional Navarrese cuisine meets Basque pintxos culture for a blended culinary experience.
How to Get to Pamplona
- By Car: It’s just over one hour to reach Pamplona from San Sebastián. Follow the A-15 toll road south. Be mindful that the city center has traffic restrictions, so park at one of the parking garages or park and ride locations, and use public transport into the city center.
San Sebastián Day Trips to France
Hendaye
Opposite Hondarribia on the French banks of the Bidasoa River, Hendaye is a relaxed seaside town with plenty of local appeal. Its beachfront is popular with locals and visitors during the summer, especially as it’s protected by headlands, making it a top choice for families. Don’t miss a visit to Château d’Abbadia, a Gothic Revival mansion with sweeping ocean views and ornately decorated mural interiors.
How to Get to Hendaye
- By Car: Head 30 minutes east via the AP-8 and then take the N-121 to Hendaye. The route includes tolls, and there are numerous paid and free parking lots around town in both the beach area and the downtown and train station areas.
- By Train: You can reach Hendaye by train from Amara Station in San Sebastián in around 40 minutes, with trains running every 20-30 minutes throughout the day.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
One of my favorite towns in the French Basque Country is Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Just a 30-minute drive from San Sebastián, its roots lie in its fishing history before it was transformed into a popular seaside resort. The wide golden shore of the beachfront is coupled with traditional Basque-style houses in vibrant shades of red and stone. I loved lunch at ALCADE (reservations required), and don’t miss trying the deliciously soft almond macaroons at Maison Adam in Place Louis XIV. You can easily couple Saint-Jean-de-Luz with Biarritz and Bayonne on the full-day France Basque Country Combination Tour, which is the perfect way to explore several of the best French Basque spots from San Sebastián without a car.
How to Get to Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- By Car: Follow the AP-8 east, across the French border, and connect with the A63. The route uses toll roads, and the journey takes around 40 minutes. There are a few paid parking lots, including Indigo near Parking Indigo Saint-Jean-de-Luz Halles or Parking Indigo Saint-Jean-de-Luz Grande Plage.
- By Train: It takes around 1 hr 20 minutes from San Sebastián to Saint-Jean-de-Luz by train, with a change required at Hendaye.
- By Bus: Flixbus runs several daily services between San Sebastián and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, with the trip taking just 40 minutes.
Guéthary
Set on the coastline between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, this former fishing village of Guéthary is now a surf town with a bohemian vibe and laid-back atmosphere. Great for those who want a quieter spot, it is known for its incredible views, and you can even see the Pyrenees on a clear day. We spent the morning wandering around town, taking in the views, and grabbing coffee and cake at Providence Moments and Goods. Sadly, the popular Paz & Arroz food truck wasn’t open on our visit, but worth a stop if you’re in town. You’ll only need an hour or two to enjoy the whitewashed houses with their colorful shutters, take a wander around the Harbor, admire the sea views, and pay a visit to Eglise Saint-Nicolas.
How to Get to Guéthary
- By Car: Take the AP-8 eastbound, over the French border and then along the A63 until you reach the town. There are a few small parking lots with free parking around the town, but I’d first try to find street parking along Avenue du Général de Gaulle.
Espelette and Ainhoa
Head inland to Espelette and Ainhoa to explore another side of the Basque Country with some of the prettiest villages in the French part of the region. Surrounded by lush rolling hills, they are some of the most picturesque spots dressed with traditional Basque farmhouses of whitewashed walls and colorful shutters. In Espelette, you’ll find the famous red chili pepper, Piment d’Espelette, strung from the facades to dry. Both towns are worth a wander, with charming stores selling local products and a different side of the Basque region than the coastal towns.
How to Get to Espelette and Ainhoa
- By Car: Around an hour from San Sebastián, head east via the AP-8 over the French border and take either the D918 or D932 inland. The towns are located just 10 minutes from each other and have small parking lots with free parking close to the town center.
Biarritz
A world-renowned surfing hotspot isn’t commonly found paired with Art Deco and Belle Époque villas, but Biarritz couples surf culture with glam effortlessly to create one of Europe’s most popular surf regions. At the heart of the city is the golden shoreline of Plage de la Côte des Basques and the city’s lively waterfront promenade, which is backed by Atlantic scenery. Having visited Biarritz since I was a kid, I’ve got a soft spot for its laid-back atmosphere that reminds me of Southern California and family holidays with cousins. Like much of the Basque region, food is also central to the appeal of Biarritz, with seafood, chocolate, and gateau all must-tries when in town.
How to Get to Biarritz
- By Car: Just under an hour east of San Sebastián, take the AP-8 toll road, cross the border into France, and follow the A63 until you reach Biarritz. There are several paid parking garages near the town center, including Parking Indigo Biarritz Sainte Eugénie, Indigo Biarritz Bellevue, or beachside parking at Parking Indigo Biarritz Grande Plage.
- By Train: The train operates between Amara-Donostia Station in San Sebastián and Biarritz, with a change needed at Hendaye. The typical journey time is around 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, with services running every half hour during the day.
Bayonne
If you head a little inland from Biarritz, you’ll find yourself in Bayonne. Bayonne’s appeal lies in its medieval streets, colorful Basque houses, the impressive Cathédrale Sainte-Marie and 13th-century Cloître de la Cathédrale, and the timber-framed buildings along the Nive River. The town is often considered the historic chocolate capital of France, and there are countless chocolate stores throughout the town, though my favorite is Chocolaterie Puyodebat. Head to the oyster cafes outside the Carreau des Halles market hall and pay a visit to the Musée Basque, which sheds light on Basque culture, history, and local customs.
How to Get to Bayonne
- By Car: Take the AP-8 toll road east from San Sebastián and cross the border into France, following the A63 until you reach Bayonne. Park at Parking Porte d’Espagne or Parking Place Charles de Gaulle.
- By Train: Trains run between Amara-Donostia station in San Sebastiánand Bayonne every half hour, with a change required at Hendaye. The journey time is usually between 1 hour and 20 minutes and 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling in San Sebastián
Where can you go by train from San Sebastián?
The best places to get to by train from San Sebastián are towns like Zarautz and Zumaia, and further to places like Pamplona.
Do I need a rental car when in San Sebastián?
While renting a car isn’t a must when in San Sebastián, it will give you more flexibility and make it easier to reach destinations that are less accessible by public transport. A rental car means you can cover more than one destination in a day, and stop in to visit towns and villages that are less convenient or don’t have a train station.
Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Spain is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
