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Planning your visit to San Sebastián and wondering where else to go beyond it? You're in luck. The Basque coast is packed with charming small towns, stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and incredibly good food. If you’re already in love with the city, wait until you hit the road. We’ve done this drive multiple times and every time it feels like we discover something new — a hidden cove, a quiet pintxo bar, a little bakery with the best almond tart. Whether you’re looking for a beach day, a seafood feast, or a touch of medieval charm, this guide has you covered. Here are some of the best day trips from San Sebastián you can embark on. Most of them are within an hour’s drive. Renting a car is the easiest way to reach these day trip spots.✅ Book your rental car in San Sebastián HERE! Map overviewWhy are day trips from San Sebastián so worth it?1. Hondarribia: A French Vibe with Medieval Charm2. Zarautz: Longest Beach in the Basque Country3. Getaria: Small but Full of Flavour4. Zumaia: Cliffs, Flysch, and Coastal Drama5. Orio – Underrated Fishing Village6. Aia – Green Hills & Hidden Gem Vibes7. Tolosa – Market Town with a Rich HistoryFinal ThoughtsFAQ — Day Trips from San Sebastián Map overview Why are day trips from San Sebastián so worth it? You’ve probably heard the saying, “The journey is more important than the destination.” And while the places we’re about to share are truly worth visiting, it’s the journey itself that often steals the show. Although a fast highway (AP-8) connects most of these spots, we strongly recommend taking the slower coastal road (N-634) for at least part of your trip — if time allows. The views along this route are absolutely stunning. You’ll pass through rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs that plunge into the sea, and charming towns that feel like they’ve been frozen in time. Honestly, this is one of the most scenic road trips we’ve done in Europe. Driving the coastal route gives you the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye — whether it’s a quiet beach for a swim, a lookout point perfect for photos, or a roadside bar for a quick pintxo. You might even come across locals grilling fresh sardines in their front yards, or surfers catching waves at hidden beaches you’d never see from the highway. This drive isn’t just a way to get from A to B — it’s a journey to be savored. Take your time, breathe it all in, and let the Basque Coast cast its spell. Coastal drive in Gipuzkoa Province, Basque Country 👉 Planning to go to San Sebastián? Check this out: The Ultimate One-Day Itinerary For San Sebastián 1. Hondarribia: A French Vibe with Medieval Charm 🕒 30 min from San Sebastián Hondarribia is one of the prettiest towns on the Basque coast — and technically home to San Sebastián Airport. It has a strong French influence thanks to its position right on the border and a charming, cobbled Old Town surrounded by a medieval wall. You can easily spend a few hours wandering through colourful buildings with wooden balconies, grabbing pintxos in the vibrant marina district, or taking a walk along the beach promenade. The old fortifications, narrow alleys, and local boutiques make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 👉 Lunch Tip: If you're up for it, take the small boat across to Hendaye in France — it’s just a few minutes and a fun way to hop borders for lunch. Hondarribia 2. Zarautz: Longest Beach in the Basque Country 🕒 25 min from San Sebastián Zarautz might not get as much attention as its neighbour Getaria, but it absolutely deserves a stop. It’s known for its long, golden beach — the biggest in the region — which makes it a hotspot for surfers. Even if you’re not into surfing, there’s a lively promenade, great seafood, and some really nice bars with ocean views. The town itself is compact and walkable, and it has a bit of everything: beach, culture, and good food. It also has a golf course right next to the sea if that's your thing. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great beach spot for the day. Surf schools, wide sands, and nearby green hills offer a great mix of activity and relaxation. Zarautz beach, photo by Einaz80, CC BY-SA 4.0 3. Getaria: Small but Full of Flavour 🕒 30 min from San Sebastián Tiny but packed with character, Getaria stole our hearts. It has not one but two beaches, a small old center, and some of the best seafood we’ve ever had. In season (May to August), you’ll find grilled sardines on every menu — and trust us, they’re worth the hype. Even though it’s small, we spent hours here just walking around, relaxing on the beach, and hopping between pintxo bars. If you love seafood and a slow-paced vibe, Getaria is a must. Also worth noting: Getaria is the birthplace of designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, and there's a museum dedicated to his work here. A nice detour if you’re into fashion. Playa de Gaztetape, Getaria 4. Zumaia: Cliffs, Flysch, and Coastal Drama 🕒 35 min from San Sebastián Zumaia is all about nature. It’s a small town, yes, but it’s surrounded by some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Spain. The flysch cliffs — layers of rock that look like they were drawn with a ruler — are part of a UNESCO Geopark and are absolutely stunning. You can walk along the cliffs from Itzurun Beach and really feel the power of the Atlantic. This beach is also famous for being one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones (Dragonstone!), so fans will definitely want to check it out. Zumaia also has a second beach, Santiago, which is more family-friendly and calm. Between hikes, beaches, and views, it’s a great choice if you’re looking to combine nature and relaxation. Flysch cliffs, photo by Jörg Braukmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 5. Orio – Underrated Fishing Village 🕒 20 min from San Sebastián Orio often gets skipped, but it's a nice, less touristy option if you want something quick and close. It’s a small town with a strong rowing tradition, a peaceful beach, and a quaint old town. It also makes a nice stop if you're doing the coastal drive between San Sebastián and Getaria. Great for lunch or a coffee with a sea view. 6. Aia – Green Hills & Hidden Gem Vibes 🕒 35 min from San Sebastián Set slightly inland, Aia offers a completely different feel — think rolling green hills, tiny hamlets, and total quiet. It’s ideal for hikers or anyone wanting to escape the coastline for a few hours. You can combine a visit to Aia with the nearby Pagoeta Natural Park, where there are easy trails, forests, and old watermills. It’s especially beautiful in spring or early autumn. 7. Tolosa – Market Town with a Rich History 🕒 30 min from San Sebastián by car or train Tolosa might be inland, but it’s one of the best day trips from San Sebastián for anyone interested in Basque culture, food, and local life. The town is famous for its Saturday market — one of the biggest in the region — where you’ll find fresh produce, cheeses, peppers, pastries, and more. It’s also the home of the beloved Tolosa black beans (alubias de Tolosa), and if you're into hearty traditional dishes, this is the place to try them. There are plenty of good restaurants, old stone buildings, and cute streets to wander through. If you're traveling with kids or love quirky museums, don’t miss TOPIC — the international puppet museum. Sounds random, but it's really well done! Sea food in the Basque Country Final Thoughts If you have a few extra days around San Sebastián, exploring the coastal towns of the Basque Country is a must. Each place has its own personality: from Getaria’s smoky seafood grills to Hondarribia’s medieval quiet to Zumaia’s wild cliffs. Time really slows down here. You’ll eat better, breathe deeper, and remember the salty air long after you’ve gone home. So grab a map, rent a car, and just drive. Let the coast guide you — it won’t disappoint. FAQ — Day Trips from San Sebastián Do I need a car to explore the Basque Country?While public transport is available, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stop in small villages, and access less touristy areas more easily.Is parking easy to find in these towns?Yes, most destinations have public parking lots near the center or beach. Parking is usually paid, but affordable and convenient.What’s the best time to visit the Basque Coast?The best months to explore are from spring to early autumn. Summer brings more crowds, but the region stays pleasantly cooler than inland Spain due to the Atlantic breeze.What should I pack for the weather?The weather along the Basque Coast can change quickly. Pack layers, sunscreen, and always check the forecast. Rain is common—even in summer—so having a light rain jacket or umbrella is a smart move.Can I do a day trip to France from San Sebastián?Absolutely! Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz are both popular French Basque destinations just 30–45 minutes away.Is English widely spoken in the Basque Country?English is not widely spoken in the Basque Country, neither by younger nor older generations. Very few people, even in the tourist sector, are proficient in English.

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