Romantic 5-Day Getaway to Donostia, Spain

Fall in love with the charm of San Sebastián on your romantic getaway to Donostia.

22 April 2023

Donostia, Spain is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. The city boasts beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water, as well as stunning views of the Basque Country. Couples can indulge in the local gastronomy, wander through picturesque streets, and take in the lively culture of this vibrant city.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival in Donostia

  • Check-in at Hotel Maria Cristina, a luxurious accommodation with a perfect location
  • Stroll along the beach promenade "La Concha" and enjoy the scenic views
  • Have a delicious seafood lunch at Bar Nestor, a small and quaint restaurant with limited seating
  • Visit "La Perla Spa" and indulge in a relaxing massage and thermal circuit
  • Grab a pintxo (Basque tapas) at "Gandarias" and wash it down with a glass of Txakoli, a local white wine
  • End the day with a romantic walk through the old town and a drink at "La Viña", famous for its mouth-watering cheesecake
Day 2

Cultural immersion

  • Take a morning visit to the San Telmo Museum, a contemporary art museum housed in a 16th-century convent
  • Visit the impressive Gothic-style Catedral del Buen Pastor in the city center
  • Discover the Basque culture at the Albaola Sea Factory, an interactive museum showcasing traditional boat-building techniques
  • Have a traditional Basque lunch at "Asador Etxebarri", famous for its perfectly grilled meat
  • Participate in a pintxo cooking class at "San Sebastian Food"
  • Cap off the evening with a glass of Basque cider at "Sidrería Astarbe"
Day 3

Active adventure

  • Head to Monte Urgull and hike to the top for panoramic views of the city
  • Take a surfing lesson at "Pukas Surf School" in Zurriola Beach
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, provided by "Lantoki"
  • Visit the Chillida-Leku museum, dedicated to the works of renowned Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida
  • Have a drink at "Museo del Whisky", a cozy bar with over 1,000 whiskey options
  • End the day with a romantic dinner at "Rekondo", a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its wine list
Day 4

Day trip to the Basque countryside

  • Take a scenic drive to Hondarribia, a charming fishing village with a medieval Old Town
  • Enjoy a lunch feast at "Txubillo", a tucked-away eatery serving traditional Basque cuisine
  • Visit the picturesque coastal town of Getaria, birthplace of legendary fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga
  • Take a stroll through the vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting at the Txomin Etxaniz winery
  • Return to Donostia for a stroll through the romantic "Jardines de Alderdi Eder"
  • Dine on classic Basque cuisine at "Bodegón Alejandro", a historic restaurant with a charming atmosphere
Day 5

Relaxation and goodbye

  • Take a morning yoga class at "Laia Yoga"
  • Have a lazy breakfast at "Alameda", a bright and airy cafe with great coffee
  • Spend some time shopping in the boutiques along Avenida de la Libertad
  • Head back to La Concha Beach for a lazy afternoon sunbathing
  • Say farewell to Donostia with a gourmet dinner at "Martín Berasategui", a 3 Michelin-starred restaurant with exquisite Basque-inspired cuisine.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Donostia by plane is to fly into San Sebastian Airport, which is located approximately 22 kilometers from the city center.

Car

Driving to Donostia is a good option if you're traveling from within Spain or France. The A-8 motorway connects San Sebastian with Bilbao, Santander, and Bordeaux. However, be aware that parking in the city center can be difficult and expensive.

Train

There is a train station in Donostia, called Estación de San Sebastián. The best way to get there is to take a train from any major Spanish city, such as Madrid or Barcelona.

Boat

There isn't a direct way to get to Donostia by boat, but you can take a ferry from the UK to Bilbao or Santander and then take a bus or train to Donostia.

Bus

A convenient way to get to Donostia is by bus. The best option is to take a bus from Bilbao, as there are several daily services that run between the two cities. The bus station in Donostia is called Estación de Autobuses de Donostia.

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Donostia, also known as San Sebastian, is a beautiful coastal city in Spain that is perfect for budget travelers. From exploring the beaches and historic sites to enjoying the local cuisine, there's so much to see and do without breaking the bank. You can also stay in affordable hostels, take public transportation, and enjoy free activities such as hiking in the surrounding hills.