San Sebastian in 4 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

If you are planning a trip to San Sebastian in 4 days, you will have time to discover the best things to do in San Sebastian. Following the planning I propose, you will be able to see the must-see areas of the city, such as the Old Part or the Old Town.

In addition, you will also have the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful villages outside San Sebastian, such as Zarautz or Getaria.

The Old Town is the main tourist attraction of San Sebastian. It is the second oldest neighborhood in the city. It is located under the shadow of the famous Mount Urgull. During this day of sightseeing in San Sebastian, you can discover curious museums, take a boat ride on the beach of La Concha: or eat in one of the best pintxo bars in San Sebastian.

Climb Mount Urgull

The first day of your trip to San Sebastian in 4 days will be in total contact with nature. The itinerary starts at Mount Urgull, which is located at one end of the bay of La Concha, next to the Old Part of San Sebastian. The opening hours of Mount Urgull are from 08:00 to 21:00 in summer and in winter from 08:00 to 19:30.

If you go from the center of San Sebastian, you can walk to Mount Urgull in less than 10 minutes. You can also go by car, in which case it won't even take you 5 minutes. On Mount Urgull you will discover pieces of the wall that once protected the city from attacks. In addition, it offers beautiful views of the sea given its location.

In fact, you will find multiple viewpoints on the mountain, all surrounded by trees and nature. When you reach the top, you will come across the statue of the Sacred Heart and the Mota Castle, one of the best things to do in San Sebastian. Inside the Castillo de la Mota, there is a museum called the Casa de la Historia de Urgull where, through various models, you can understand what the city of San Sebastian was like centuries ago.

Discover the cemetery of the English

On the slope of Mount Urgull is one of the most magical places in San Sebastian: the cemetery of the English, which opened in 1924. There are many legends that circulate around this cemetery.

It is said that its name is due to the fact that this is where the remains of the Englishmen who died in the course of the First Carlist War lie. It is also said that the cemetery was built over a mass grave of French soldiers. The walk will seem like something out of a fantasy movie. You will see colorful tombstones appearing among the vegetation. You will see tombs emerging from the moss, stairs that seem to lead to another world and a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the sea.

If you go from the Castillo de la Mota, it will take less than 10 minutes walk to reach the cemetery of the English. Besides, the path is very pleasant and there is never a lack of beautiful views of the bay.

Go to the San Sebastian Aquarium

After starting the morning walking around Mount Urgull, I recommend you to pay a visit to the San Sebastian Aquarium. This aquarium is located next to the pier of San Sebastian, very close to the Old Part of the city. The aquarium is housed in a building dating from 1928, where you will find a museum with permanent and temporary exhibits.

There are more than 200 species that can be seen in the Aquarium of San Sebastian. It is also well known for its 360-degree tunnel, thanks to which you will feel like you are completely immersed in the marine universe.

The opening hours of the aquarium vary depending on the months of the year, but, in general, it opens around 11:00 in the morning and closes around 19:00. Ticket prices are around 14 euros for adults and around 7 euros for children from 4 to 12 years old. In addition, retirees and students pay a reduced price of about 10 euros approximately.

Visit the Basque Maritime Museum

If you want to soak up the seafaring culture of San Sebastian and learn about the lifestyle of the sailors of the Basque Country, it is highly recommended that you visit the Basque Maritime Museum. This is located right next to the San Sebastian Aquarium, in fact, just a minute away.

In the permanent exhibitions of the museum, you will be able to understand the importance that the estuary had and has for Bilbao, both culturally, economically and socially. In addition, there are also different temporary exhibitions, as well as children's workshops and interactive activities. For this last reason, I consider it one of the best things to do with children in San Sebastian.

Stroll along the Paseo de los Curas

After a busy morning, I recommend that you walk along the Paseo de los Curas, which is less than a five-minute walk from the Basque Maritime Museum. This place is little frequented by tourists and fulfills a wonderful role as a viewpoint, since it is built above the port.

It is so named because it is said that the priests of San Sebastian used to walk here preaching the word of God. The promenade has several benches where you can sit and watch the port and Mount Igueldo.

Lunch at Atari

The reality is that the previous point was just a way to get to the climax of your first day in San Sebastian: the Atari bar. This is one of the most famous establishments in San Sebastian. It has a great menu of pintxos, both hot and cold. It is located 5 minutes walk from the Paseo de los Curas, in the Calle Mayor.

The star pintxo of the Atari bar is the crumbled cod au gratin with onion and garlic confit. Also spectacular are the ham croquettes and the tomato tapenade, goat cheese, Iberian ham and caramelized onion. In addition, the Atari also serves drinks, being very famous its Gin Tonics.

If you want to know the Basque gastronomy, I recommend you to make a gastronomic tour of pinchos in the old town.

Surprise yourself with the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Coro

The Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Coro is located in the Old Part of San Sebastian. Baroque in style, this basilica dates back to 1174 and is one of the main tourist attractions of the city.

The current construction was built on the remains of an ancient Romanesque church, which makes the Basilica of Our Lady of the Choir the oldest in Donosti.

Although the Baroque style predominates, you will also find traces of Gothic and neoclassical styles. If you go in August, you should know that on the 14th of this month is celebrated the act of the Salve, in which the Orfeón Donostiarra sings for the parishioners.

The entrance to the church is free and the visit will take you very little time. The opening hours in winter are from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 18:00 to 20:00. In summer, only the evening opening hours change, from 19:00 to 21:00.

Walk around the Plaza de la Constitución

Another of the most important spots in the Old Part of San Sebastian is the Plaza de la Constitución, one of the most famous squares in San Sebastian. Many local festivals are celebrated in this place.

In addition, it is the nerve center, bringing together the residents of the city. The Plaza de la Constitución is just 2 minutes walk from the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Coro.

Enjoy a sunset at La Concha Beach

One of the best things to do in San Sebastian is to visit the beautiful La Concha beach, preferably in summer. However, even if you go in winter or your trip has coincided with rainy days in San Sebastian, you must visit this wonderful beach.

If the tide is low, I recommend that you take off your shoes and take a walk along the shore. If the tide is high, walk along the promenade. La Concha beach is among the best urban beaches in the world and is located in La Concha bay, next to Mount Urgull, making it the most central beach in Donosti.

If you can, I recommend that you stay to watch the sunset, as it is one of the best places in San Sebastian to see the sunset. To get there from the Plaza de la Constitucion, you will have to walk for about 10 minutes.

You can also try one of the most fun things to do at La Concha beach, which consists of a sailboat ride around the bay.

The second day of your trip to San Sebastian is the Antiguo, the neighborhood where the city of Donosti originated. You can see the summer palace of Queen Maria Christina of Austria, enjoy the beach and ride a funicular to see the best views of San Sebastian.

Visit the Miramar Palace

The Miramar Palace dates back to 1893 and was built at the request of Queen Maria Christina of Austria, whose summer city was San Sebastian.

The architect behind this construction was the Englishman Selden Womun. For a long time, the Miramar Palace was the summer residence of Spanish royalty. Today, it is owned by the San Sebastian City Hall and is used for different events.

I recommend you to lie down and take the air in its beautiful and extensive gardens. You can also visit the sculpture of 'El Abrazo' by the artist Eduardo Chillida. Once you've stopped to look at it, it's time to walk down to the beach.

Walk along Ondarreta Beach

The Miramar Palace is located in the middle of La Concha and Ondarreta beaches. If the tide is low, you can cross from one beach to the other along the shore via the famous Pico del Loro (Parrot's Beak). However, on days when the tide is high, you will have to make use of MiramArt, an interactive tunnel that recreates the marine universe.

Now, stroll along Ondarreta beach, a real natural paradise overlooking the bay. During the walk, you will come across the Peine del Viento sculpture, which is, again, by Eduardo Chillida.

Have lunch at one of the best restaurants in San Sebastian

It's time to take a break from sightseeing and stop for lunch. One of the best restaurants in the area and in the whole of San Sebastian is the Tenis Ondarreta restaurant, an elegant place whose cuisine has modern touches based on very elaborate dishes.

It is located at Paseo Eduardo Chillida number 9, just 7 minutes walk from Ondarreta beach. The restaurant, which faces the beach, offers spectacular views of the sea and the island of Santa Clara.

Climb Mount Igueldo

Mount Igueldo and Mount Urgull mark the ends of La Concha Bay. Mount Igueldo is one of the main tourist attractions of San Sebastian. From its summit, you can enjoy unique views of the city.

To climb to the top of the mountain, there is a funicular rack railway that has been in operation for over a century. With wooden carriages and incredible views, you'll feel like you've been transported to another era.

The funicular ends at the Monte Igueldo amusement park, where you will find a Swiss Mountain and trampolines. This is a very typical plan in San Sebastian that the youngest members of the family will love. Since it will take you all afternoon, I end here the itinerary for day 2.

After strolling around the main areas of San Sebastian, I propose one of the best plans: a visit to the island of Santa Clara. This plan will take you the whole day and is a must for anyone who travels to Donosti.

Get to know the island of Santa Clara

In the center of the bay of La Concha stands a small island called Santa Clara Island. It is one of the most beautiful islands of the Basque Country and, since 1968, it is of public domain. This island, which is a Historic Center of National Interest, was formerly linked to the city of San Sebastian itself.

There are many plans that can be made on the island of Santa Clara, the most common is to swim in its natural pool and take the route that leads to the lighthouse of the island of Santa Clara. In addition, boat rides are also available. As if that were not enough, the island's beach has all the services, from a restaurant to lifeguards, showers and bathrooms.

To get to the island of Santa Clara, the most common option is to use the motorboats, which have been providing this service since 1942. You can choose between two options: to be taken directly to the island or to take a walk along the Concha beforehand. If it is the first time you go to San Sebastian, choose the second option.

Once you have arrived at the island and have done the lighthouse route, I recommend that you stop for lunch on the island. You can bring your own food and make use of the picnic areas or have lunch at the beach bar, although you will have to arrive early to get a spot. Afterwards, spend the afternoon on the island's beach and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Take advantage of your stay in San Sebastian to get to know the surroundings of the city. On the outskirts of Donosti, you will find beautiful villages, although the most beautiful are Zarautz and Getaria. On this last day in San Sebastian, you will visit both towns.

Discover the town of Zarautz

Zarautz is less than half an hour's drive from San Sebastian. In case you do not have your own vehicle, you can also use public transportation. There is a train with different schedules that will take you less than 10 minutes to get to the town. Check the official San Sebastian public transport website for timetables.

One of the great attractions of Zarautz is the Narros Palace. Next to the monument, there is a subway parking lot where you can leave your car. If you have gone by bus to the town, you will have to walk to the palace.

This palace was once the summer residence of Queen Isabella II of Spain. Its construction dates back to the 16th century and it is located next to the beach, with large English-style gardens around it.

After visiting the palace, I recommend that you go to the beach next to it, known as 'the queen of beaches'. Its name does it justice, as it is one of the best beaches in the Basque Country. Next, head to the viewpoint of Zarautz, located on Mount Talaimendi. If you walk, it will take you about 25 minutes.

Lunch in the old town of Zarautz

After a morning of sightseeing in Zarautz, I recommend a stroll through the old town. Along the way, you will discover gems such as the Church of Santa María la Real, the Museum of Art and History or the Town Hall, whose building has been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument.

Right in the center, two minutes walk from the Town Hall, is the Kirkilla Jatetxea restaurant, one of the most recommended in the town. It specializes in traditional Basque cuisine with modern touches. It has a very economical menu of the day that is around 20 euros and includes dessert.

Take a route to Getaria

When you have digested and rested your lunch, it's time to start the walk that will take you to Getaria. Although you can go to the neighboring town by car, the route I propose has some great views and is not much, only about 4 kilometers.

The walk begins at the Ermita de Santa Barbara, which is known to be one of the best viewpoints of Zarautz. Afterwards, you will walk along the coast, passing by the Flysch of Zumaia, until you reach the Getaria lighthouse, located in the upper part of the municipality.

In Getaria I recommend you to visit the port, once known for its whale fishing. Once you have walked around here, go to Malkorbe beach, one of the best beaches in the Basque Country. Then walk to the top of Portu street to enjoy a movie sunset.

As you can see, following this itinerary of travel to San Sebastian in 4 days, you can see the main sights of the city without too much haste. As if that were not enough, you will also have the opportunity and the time to see the towns near the city.