Biarritz: Day Trips and Tours from Donostia - San Sebastián

The Spanish resort town of San Sebastián is located just 20 kilometers southeast of the French border, making it easy and convenient to visit France during your time there. Biarritz day trips from San Sebastián are very popular and there are plenty of options to choose from.

Spend the day in the elegant coastal town of Biarritz and experience an entirely new culture with a local guide leading the way. Admire the historic attractions, long sandy beaches and the rolling waves that attract surfers from around the world!

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

How to get to Biarritz from San Sebastián?

Biarritz is a seaside town located in France’s Basque Country, on the southwestern coast, roughly 50 kilometers northwest of San Sebastián.

From San Sebastián to Biarritz by car

Driving between San Sebastián and Biarritz is relatively straightforward, and the journey should take around 40 minutes. The best roads to take are the A63 and A8 as they offer the most direct route, but keep in mind that they are toll roads.

From San Sebastián to Biarritz by bus

While there are no direct buses from San Sebastián to Biarritz, taking just two buses offers an easy and affordable way to reach the French resort town. Simply take the ALSA bus from San Sebastián to Bayona, which takes around an hour, and from there, you’ll need to take one of the local buses to Biarritz.

Guided tour to Biarritz from San Sebastián

Guided tours from San Sebastián provide a convenient way to visit Biarritz with a local guide, who will organize your itinerary and travel arrangements on your behalf. You’ll travel across the French border in a comfortable private vehicle and see all the main sites. These tours are typically full-day excursions, lasting roughly 8 hours including travel time.

What is the typical itinerary?

While itineraries differ depending on which tour operator you choose, in most cases your excursion will begin with a hotel pickup in San Sebastián. After meeting your guide, you will make your way toward the French border in a comfortable private vehicle.

Once in Biarritz, your guide will show you the town’s most iconic landmarks and tell you more about the region’s history. Most tours also visit the nearby towns of Saint Jean de Luz and Hendaye to provide you with a more comprehensive overview of the Basque Country.

At around midday, you’ll stop for lunch at a local eatery and after your action-packed day of exploring, you’ll make your way back to San Sebastián, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Biarritz?

When looking for a day trip to Biarritz, you’ll find that there are a few different types of excursions, including shared group experiences, private trips and multi-day tours from San Sebastián.

Guided tours to Biarritz from San Sebastián

Guided tours to Biarritz from San Sebastián present an affordable yet enjoyable way to experience the Basque Countryside with a professional guide. You’ll make your way to Biarritz in a private vehicle, stopping to visit nearby towns along the way.

If you don’t enjoy large groups, you can always opt for a small-group tour, which will have limited tour participants. This is the perfect opportunity to make friends and enjoy the beauty of Biarritz.

Private tour to Biarritz from San Sebastián

Private Biarritz tours from San Sebastián cater solely to you and your travel companions. This means that you may enjoy a customized itinerary that focuses on the attractions that interest you the most!

You’ll enjoy hotel transfers, a sightseeing tour of Biarritz with a tour guide by your side to show you around and ready to answer any questions on your excursion.

Day trip to Biarritz plus Bayona from San Sebastián

While many day trips also visit the nearby towns of Saint Jean de Luz and Hendaye, not many visit the French city of Bayona. Bayona is a beautiful city that is steeped in rich history and filled with gorgeous architecture and historic attractions.

If you want to gain further insight into French history and culture, opt for a Biarritz day trip that includes Bayona on its itinerary.

4-Day tour to Biarratz plus Basque Country from San Sebastián

Make the most of your time in the Basque Country by choosing a 4-day tour that starts with a city tour of San Sebastián, followed by a visit to Biarritz on day two. On the third day, you will travel to Bilbao to explore its historic attractions Peggy Guggenheim Museum. On the final day, you will head to Rioja for an unforgetable wine-tasting experience.

A local guide will be with you every step of the way and will ensure that you don’t miss a thing as you create unforgettable memories in both France and Spain!

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

Basic day trips from San Sebastián to Biarritz, that also include Bayona, usually cost around €75 per person. These excursions accommodate up to 22 people and include roundtrip transfers via minibus.

Small-group tours, which offer a slightly more intimate experience as participant numbers are limited, typically cost around €220 per person and include lunch and hotel transfers.

Private Biarritz day trips, which cater solely to you and your travel companions, typically cost around €550 for a tour that can accommodate up to 8 travelers. Some private tours are charged per person, and you can expect to pay around €300 per person if there are only two or three of you.

4-Day Biarritz trips from San Sebastián, which visit several locations in the Basque Countryside, typically cost around €1,150 per person. Although all transportation is cover, accommodation is not included in these tours.

What will you see and do?

Biarritz is a glamorous resort town on the French coast that has been frequented by royalty since the 1800s. The seaside town is also home to world-famous surf spots and attracts professional surfers from around the world.

There is plenty to see and do in Biarritz, including Grande Plage, the Imperial Chapel and Biarritz Lighthouse. Many Biarritz excursions also visit the nearby towns of Saint Jean de Luz and Hendaye among others.

Grande Plage

La Grande Plage is Biarritz’s most recognizable beach and has been visited by many famous faces. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and surfing and offers some incredible views.

Imperial Chapel

The Imperial Chapel was built in 1864 by Empress Eugenie, and it features intricate Byzantine architecture. The chapel makes for beautiful photographs and is one of the town’s most important historic buildings.

Biarritz Lighthouse

Located on a rocky outcrop, the Biarritz Lighthouse was constructed in 1834 and is one of the region’s most emblematic sites. You can climb to the top of the 73-meter-high structure and enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Saint Jean de Luz

Located at the mouth of the Nivelle River, Saint Jean de Luz is a small fishing town that is filled with fascinating history. Visiting this colorful town provides insight into the traditional way of life in the Basque Country.

Hendaye

Hendaye is another popular surfing town that attracts beginner surfers thanks to its soft beach breaks. There are also plenty of historical attractions, which makes the town a great destination for anyone interested in the history of the Basque Country.

When is the best time to visit Biarritz?

The best time to visit Biarritz is during late spring to early fall, from May to October. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, ideal for enjoying the beaches, surfing, and exploring the town. July and August are peak tourist months, offering a vibrant atmosphere but also larger crowds. For a quieter experience, consider visiting in May, June, or September.

Are there any tours to Biarritz from other cities in Spain?

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

• Day trips to Biarritz from Bilbao

Travel tips

• To make the most of your day, leave San Sebastián early in the morning and return in the late evening.
• As you'll likely be exploring the city on foot, wear comfortable shoes.
• Don't forget to pack a swimsuit! Biarritz is known for its beautiful beaches, like the Grand Plage and Côte des Basques.
• The seaside town is a surfing haven. Even if you don't surf, watching surfers can be a relaxing pastime. Consider a quick surf lesson in Biarritz if you're adventurous.