San Sebastián is where beach life meets foodie heaven. It’s like Spain turned the charm dial to 11. Come for the pintxos, stay because your tastebuds now want to live here.
Getting There
You can fly into San Sebastián Airport (EAS), but it’s tiny. Most people fly into Bilbao (BIO) — it’s bigger and better for connections. From Bilbao, grab a comfy bus or transfer (about 1–1.5 hours) and boom, hello beach vibes.
Where To Stay
Great value deals, direct flights, and easy packages—TUI, easyJet or OnTheBeach sort it all!
San Sebastian Holidays, OnTheBeach
EasyJet Holidays to San Sebastian
Holidays to San Sebastian with TUI
Top Rated Hotels:
Catalonia Donosti, OnTheBeach – Modern luxury in a converted convent. Rooftop pool, stunning views and comfy beds that hug you.
Bancal Hotel & Spa, TUI – Chic and peaceful. Great for a recharge, with a sweet spa and fresh design.
NH Collection San Sebastian Aranzazu, EasyJet – A short stroll from the beach, with big beds and a banging breakfast buffet. Reliable and stylish.
What to See & Do in San Sebastián
La Concha Beach – Stunning crescent-shaped beach, perfect for lazy tanning or scenic walks.
Parte Vieja (Old Town) – Pintxos, cobbled streets, and more pintxos. Come hungry.
Monte Igueldo – Take the funicular for incredible views and a small fairground.
Monte Urgull – Hike up for history and some serious city views.
San Telmo Museoa – A cool museum inside a 16th-century convent. Culture + calm.
Buen Pastor Cathedral – A Neo-Gothic beauty in the heart of town.
Zurriola Beach – Surfers or trying to be surfers, this one’s for you!
Tours Worth Booking:
Check out Viator or GetYourGuide for the best trips & tours in San Sebastian.
San Sebastián Pintxos & Wine Guided Tour – Wander the Old Town, hop between bars, and taste the real Basque cuisine with a local. Pintxos + wine = bliss. Guided Food Tour with Pintxo Tasting & Wines, GetYourGuide
Day Trip to Biarritz & the French Basque Coast – Pop across the border to see posh Biarritz, chill Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and some dreamy coastal villages. Total postcard material. Biarritz, St. Jean de Luz & Hondarribia, GetYourGuide
Guided Bike Tour of San Sebastián – Cycle your way around the city with a local. Way more fun than a bus! San Sebastian E-bikeTour on Viator
San Sebastián Bay Catamaran Cruise – See the city from the water, a drink in hand, sun on your face. Yes, please. Catamaran Tour, GetYourGuide
Wine Tasting at a Basque Country Winery – Drive into the countryside, sip local wines, nibble pintxos, and try not to move in permanently. Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit on Viator
Bilbao, Guggenheim & Gaztelugatxe Tour – Day trip to the stunning Gaztelugatxe cliffs, Bilbao’s old town, and the Guggenheim. Game of Thrones vibes guaranteed. Bilbao, Guggenheim & Gaztelugatxe Tour on Viator
Basque Cooking Class & Market Visit – Visit a local market, then cook a 4-course Basque meal with wine. Fun, hands-on, and you keep the apron and recipes! Basque Cooking Class & Market Visit on Viator
Hondarribia, San Juan & San Pedro Tour – Charming seaside towns, a scenic boat ride, and colourful streets. A chilled-out half-day trip with plenty of lovely photo spots. Hondarribia, San Juan & San Pedro Tour on Viator
Lourdes Day Trip from San Sebastián – Cross into France to explore Lourdes’ beautiful basilicas and sacred grotto. Full of miracles, peaceful vibes, and fascinating stories. Sanctuary of Lourdes, GetYourGuide
Practical Travel Tips:
Currency: Euros. Cards accepted nearly everywhere, but carry a bit of cash for small bars.
Tipping: Not expected, but rounding up or leaving €1-2 is appreciated.
Plug Adapters: Two-pin European plugs (Type C/F). Bring an adapter if you’re from the UK.
Language: Spanish and Basque. English is common in tourist spots. Learn “Kaixo” (hello) to impress locals.
Getting Around: Walk! Or rent a bike. Public buses are easy if your legs give up.
Weather: Pack layers. It’s coastal — sunny one minute, cloudy the next.
Dining Times: Locals eat late. Lunch around 2–3pm, dinner from 8:30pm. Don’t show up early like a rookie.
San Sebastián? 10/10! Sun, snacks, and views so pretty you’ll never forget them. If you’re not already packing your bag… then what are you doing?
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