San Sebastián: Day Trips and Tours from Bilbao

San Sebastián, or Donostia as it's known locally, is located on the coast of the Basque Country of northern Spain. Famous for its picturesque beaches, and panoramic mountain top views, San Sebastián is a favorite destination for sun-seekers and nature lovers.

A day trip to San Sebastián from Bilbao melds natural beauty, culinary delight, rich culture, and a deep sense of regional identity. The city boasts a high number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita, making it a gastronomic paradise. Beyond the high-end eateries, the essence of San Sebastián's food culture can be found in its pintxos bars.

San Sebastián also has a rich cultural heritage and the city's Parte Vieja (Old Town) is brimming with historic buildings, narrow alleys, and lively squares. The Basque culture, language, and traditions are celebrated and visible throughout the city.

Here's all you need to know about San Sebastián, one of the most exciting day trips from Bilbao.

How to get to San Sebastián from Bilbao?

San Sebastián is situated on the Iberian Peninsula, on the south-eastern coastline of Spain’s Bay of Biscay.

From Bilbao to San Sebastián by car

To travel to San Sebastián from Bilbao by road, you head in an easterly direction along the AP-8. This 100-kilometer journey usually takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes by car.

From Bilbao to San Sebastián by bus

It is possible to take a bus that travels directly between Bilbao and San Sebastián. Departing from Bilboko Autobus Geltokia and arriving at Donostiako Autobus Geltokia, the bus journey takes just under 1.5 hours.

Guided tour to San Sebastián from Bilbao

With plenty to see and do in the Basque Country, a guided day trip from Bilbao to San Sebastián is, at the minimum, a full day experience that often includes other sites along the way. Pickup points in Bilbao include specific meeting points and hotels, as well as the cruise terminal. Day trips typically last anywhere between 7 and 12 hours.

What is the typical itinerary?

Typically, a day trip departs Bilbao in the early morning. You will be collected from your hotel, or meet your group at a central point such as the tourist office or outside the Guggenheim Museum. Most tours travel at least some of the way along the Basque coastline, with several scenic attractions and other cultural or gastronomic locations being visited throughout the day.

The majority of your time will be spent exploring and appreciating San Sebastián’s captivating beaches, cultural heritage and culinary culture. Some tours are food focussed or include activities such as wine, cider or cheese tasting experiences.

What kinds of tours are available to go to San Sebastián?

Guided tours to San Sebastián from Bilbao

Depending on your budget, preferences and time available, you can choose between a coach tour, small group tour or private excursion to San Sebastián from Bilbao. Basic guided tours generally starts at a central location, and include your transport and a guide for your San Sebastián city tour. Any entrance fees, meals and activities being extra.

Small group and private tours typically include a hotel pickup and drop off, and transport in a minivan or smaller vehicle, depending on group size. Some of these tours include a tapas lunch or snacks, and may include entrance fees where applicable.

Guided gastronomic tours to San Sebastián from Bilbao

The Basque Country’s cuisine is internationally renowned, and San Sebastián has a reputation as a top gastronomic destination. Guided excursions with a gastronomic focus include food tours, cheese tastings, and visits to the original cider houses of Astigarraga or family run wineries to sample local wines.

These tour options are usually run on a small group or private basis only to ensure individual attention from your knowledgeable guide.

Private Basque Country and San Sebastián day trip from Bilbao

A private day trip from Bilbao to the Basque Countryside, with San Sebastián as a highlight, offers travelers the chance to explore numerous iconic landmarks en route. This curated journey ensures visitors get a comprehensive experience of the region's rich heritage.

Moreover, the itinerary of these private San Sebastián tours is designed to provide ample time for immersive sightseeing once in the picturesque city of San Sebastián.

How much does a day trip to San Sebastián from Bilbao cost?

A guided coach tour to San Sebastián from Bilbao starts from US$60 per adult. Children generally pay approximately €35 each, while infants under the age of two can travel for free.

For a small group guided tour and private tour to San Sebastián from Bilbao, prices start from €210 per person for groups of up to 8 people. Smaller private groups may require minimum numbers of people to confirm.

A guided tour to San Sebastián including gastronomic experiences from Bilbao costs from €100 per person for a food tour in San Sebastián, while tours with activities such as cheese, wine and cider tastings cost €180 to €250 per person.

A Basque Country private day trip including San Sebastián from Bilbao costs in the region of €1,170 per group of up to 4 people.

What will you see and do?

San Sebastían is not only a destination that offers spectacular scenery, it is also a center of Basque history and culture. These are just some of the attractions and landmarks you might encounter on your trip:

La Concha Beach

La Concha Beach is considered one of Europe’s finest beaches. Apart from being able to stroll along the shoreline, you can also view the beach and the San Sebastián Bay from Monte Igueldo. The imposing crenelated tower of El Torreón  can also be seen from here.

La Catedral del Buen Pastor

This neo-gothic cathedral is one of the Basque Country’s most significant religious structures and boasts an impressive organ with over 10,000 whistles. The façade also depicts the Cross of Peace by Eduardo Chillida, a Basque sculptor.

Palacio de Miramar

Originally the summer home for the Royal Family, Palacio de Miramar is just one of the many historical buildings to see in San Sebastián.

Santa Clara Island

Santa Clara Island is located in the middle of Concha Bay and can be accessed by ferry during the summer months.

San Telmo Museoa

The museum, located in the Old Town, was previously a Dominican convent and now serves as one of the primary museums containing artifacts that reflect Basque Country’s cultural and historic past.

Pintxos experiences

Pintxo Bars offer a range of Basque-style tapas and wines and are the ideal way to sample the outstanding local cuisine. Wandering from bar to bar, to taste a variety of these delights, is a cherished local tradition.

When is the best time to visit San Sebastián?

The best time to visit San Sebastián is between late spring and early fall (May to September), when the weather is pleasantly warm, and the city comes alive with festivals like the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the Jazzaldia Jazz Festival. The summer months offer sun-drenched beaches and bustling pintxo bars. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and a milder climate, consider the shoulder seasons of May and September.

Are there any tours to San Sebastián from other cities in Spain?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Spain:

• Day trips to San Sebastián from Puerto Vallarta

Travel tips

• San Sebastián is best explored on foot, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
• The Bay of Biscay's maritime climate can be unpredictable. Carrying a light rain jacket or an umbrella can be handy.
• For a panoramic view of the city, take the funicular up to Mount Igueldo.
• The streets around the Old Town, such as Calle Mayor and Calle 31 de Agosto, are lined with boutique stores, offering unique Basque items and souvenirs.