10 Day Trips From San Sebastian
1. Zarautz and Zumaia
- Coastal towns in the Basque Country with amazing beaches and top-notch restaurants.
- Notable for surfing spots along Spain’s northern coast.
- Home to Karlos Arguiñano’s restaurant and cooking school in Zarautz.
- Zumaia is famous for its fresh octopus dishes.
- Distances: Zarautz – 21 km (13 miles) / Zumaia – 34 km (21 miles) from San Sebastian.
2. Bilbao
- Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque region with a bustling city vibe.
- Famous for the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural masterpiece with modern art collections.
- Explore the Casco Viejo and Plaza Nueva for authentic pintxo bars and Txakoli wine.
- Mount Artxanda offers stunning views of Bilbao.
- Distance: About 102 km (63 miles) from San Sebastian.
3. Pamplona
- Famous for the San Fermín festival, also known as the Running of the Bulls.
- Visit Ernest Hemingway’s favorite spots, including Café Iruña.
- Located in Navarra, south of País Vasco.
- Distance: About 82 km (51 miles) from San Sebastian.
4. Bayonne and Biarritz
- French Basque cities offering a unique cultural blend.
- Biarritz known for its glitz and glamour; Bayonne has a more industrial, laid-back vibe.
- Distance: About 50 km (31 miles) from San Sebastian.
5. Northern Basque Country Road Trip
- Includes Bakio, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Bosque de Oma, and Guernica.
- Experience diverse coastal towns, historical sites, and artistic forests.
- Guernica is famous for its history and Picasso’s painting.
- Total Distance: About 240 km (150 miles) round trip from San Sebastian.
6. Vitoria-Gasteiz
- Capital city of the Basque Country, known for its pintxos and historical sites.
- Avoids the typical tourist crowds.
- Distance: About 100 km from San Sebastian.
7. Logroño
- Heart of La Rioja region, famous for its world-renowned wines.
- Explore the famous Calle Laurel for affordable pintxos and drinks.
- Distance: About 150 km (93 miles) from San Sebastian.
8. Aiako Harria Natural Park
- Offers extensive hiking trails and stunning views of the Basque coast.
- Close proximity to San Sebastian.
- Distance: About 24 km (15 miles) from San Sebastian.
9. Zegama and Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park
- Zegama is a quaint mountain town, gateway to Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park.
- Hosts the famous Zegama-Aizkorri trail race.
- Distance: About 54 km (34 miles) from San Sebastian.
10. Hondarribia
- A picturesque Basque fishing village near the Spanish-French border.
- Famous for its Marine District and beautiful beaches.
- Distance: About 23 km (14 miles) from San Sebastian.
