Following my recent epic trip to the Basque Country, I’m excited to share my perfect 3-day San Sebastian itinerary. It’s definitely not going to be my last time in this amazing Basque city!
- This post contains affiliate links from which I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). For more info, please read my disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to enjoy 3 days in San Sebastian
Is San Sebastian worth visiting?
San Sebastian is one of the most beautiful places in Northern Spain and the entire Iberian Peninsula, and that’s a bold statement coming from someone who has visited every single Spanish province. Even though San Sebastian was love at first sight for me, I’ve returned multiple times over the years to explore the city in different seasons. Since my first visit in 2011, San Sebastian has become significantly more touristy, but that doesn’t surprise me.
Despite being a very rainy destination, La Concha Bay and the Old Town in San Sebastian are unapologetically stunning, and the local food is among the best you’ll find anywhere in the world. In Ernest Hemingway’s novel Fiesta, he even sends the main character on a solo trip to San Sebastian to unplug and recharge for a few days – which is how these 3 days in San Sebastian also felt in my case.
How many days to spend in San Sebastian
You need at least one full day to enjoy San Sebastian. At the same time, spending three days in San Sebastian felt like the perfect amount of time to experience the local tours and even take a day trip to explore the surrounding areas.
Where to stay in San Sebastian
Some of the coolest hotels in San Sebastian are Luxury Hotel Maria Cristina, the budget-friendly Hotel Zinema7, and Zenit Convento San Martin. During my three days in San Sebastian, I stayed at a charming and local place outside the city – Casa Rural Aristondo – mainly because I was traveling by car and combining this trip with a few other destinations in northern Spain. San Sebastian is known for having some of the most expensive parking in Spain, so staying outside the city is definitely a great option if you’re visiting as part of a longer Basque Country itinerary. Casa Rural Aristondo is a locally owned rural house, just 8 km from the city center. Despite its proximity, it was so quiet and peaceful that I could hardly believe I was so close to San Sebastian at times. The host served a homemade breakfast every morning, which I enjoyed on a terrace with views of the rain-soaked landscape of the Basque countryside.
The Perfect 3-Day San Sebastian Itinerary
San Sebastian Itinerary – Day 1
Breakfast at Botanika Cafe
I started my San Sebastian itinerary with breakfast at a cute local café, Botanika Cafe. It’s a lovely spot for anyone who enjoys plants and gardens in Spain. They focus on healthy breakfast options with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It felt like the perfect way to start the day in San Sebastian. You can spot on my IG stories how I literally had to fight a local sparrow for my croissant, but that’s okay – I survived, lol!
Cooking Class with Local Chef
San Sebastian is known as one of the best dining destinations in the world, and the Basque Country region boasts an impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants, renowned chefs, and unique foodie experiences. So, booking a cooking class seemed like a must-do during my visit. While there are many cooking class options in San Sebastian, this Cooking Experience I’ve chosen is one of the most famous and top-rated – and I must say, it truly lives up to its reviews. I learned so many unique tips from the local chef, and the entire class was incredibly fun. It all ended up with a mouthwatering meal paired with a glass of txakoli, the typical Basque rosé wine. It was a fun experience, especially since I rarely drink and might start loosing the habit! The staff offered a glass of wine as an aperitif before the class, and most people hesitated, saying “we don’t want to drink before eating.” I confidently accepted, thinking a small drink wouldn’t hurt, but I have to admit, I felt slightly tipsy! So, if you take this class, definitely accept the glass, but perhaps hold off on finishing it until the food arrives.
- My Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian (check availability)
- San Sebastian Basque Cuisine Cooking Class (check availability)
- Cook Traditional Basque-style Chicken stew (check availability)
La Concha Bay
After the cooking class and an amazing lunch, I went for a long walk along La Concha Bay, which felt magical since it was sunny (which isn’t the most common weather condition in San Sebastian in spring). At the end of La Concha Bay (if you start walking from the historic town), you’ll find the funicular to Monte Igeldo, the mountain known for its stunning panoramic views of the city. To be fair, I prefer the view from the opposite mountain, Mount Urgull, a bit more, but unfortunately, it doesn’t have a funicular, and you’ll need to walk uphill, which might not be for everyone. So generally, Monte Igeldo is more popular as it is accessible to all types of visitors.
Pintxos in San Sebastián
After visiting Monte Igueldo, I set out to explore new spots for their famous pintxos. For first-timers in San Sebastian, I highly recommend a pintxo-hopping tour. Since this was my fifth time in the city, my main goal was to try a few new places. I stopped by La Cervecería del Antiguo to check out their famous cod with pistachio sauce – it was epic! If you want to create your own pintxo itinerary, check out this post on San Sebastian, where I mention several unique pintxo spots to help you plan your own foodie route.
- The Ultimate Pintxos and Wine Tour (check availability)
- San Sebastian Pintxo, Wine & Market Foodie Tour / Small Group (check availability)
- San Sebastian Pintxos food tour (check availability)
- Pintxos route with a research chef (check availability)
San Sebastian Itinerary – Day 2
Breakfast at Simona Coffee
My second day in San Sebastian started with breakfast at Simona Coffee, known for its high-quality brews. Everything was delicious, and the modern, minimalist setting was great too.
Basque Cider House Tour
My main focus for a day was a Basque cider tour, as this drink has a deeply rooted tradition in the region. The minibus picked me up in the city center and took our small group to the cider house. It was fantastic to learn about the cider-making process while sampling local ciders, paired with a hearty Basque meal – which, by the way, was unexpectedly delicious. I had originally expected just cider tasting and a few snacks, but the meal itself turned out to be one of the best I’ve ever had in the Basque Country. This particular tour was with Eatwith, and you can read more about my experience in this post.
- Basque cider house & lunch with transport (check availability)
San Telmo Museum
As the tour returned me to the city center, I had time to explore the San Telmo Museum, which is filled with unique Basque art, archaeology, and ethnographic exhibits housed in a beautiful former convent. After the museum, I stopped to try one of the most famous cheesecakes in San Sebastian at Bar La Viña – it tasted like heaven.
Sunset Cruise in San Sebastian
I ended my day in San Sebastian with a sunset cruise, offering a different perspective of La Concha Bay, which I was eager to experience. Despite my numerous visits to San Sebastian, I had never seen the city from the water before. Northern Spain is famous for its spectacular cliffs, and all the boat tours in the region are great – except for the fact that the ocean is rarely calm, so tours often get canceled at the last minute. Fortunately, in my case, the weather was good, and the boat ride was not too shaky. On my next visit to San Sebastian, I’d love to take a longer boat tour along the Basque coast.
- San Sebastian 2 Bays Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Cava (check availability)
San Sebastian Itinerary – Day 3
Mount La Rhune
On my last day in San Sebastian, I was excited to explore a few nearby landmarks. My initial plan was to take the historic cogwheel train to the summit of Mount La Rhune, a must-see attraction known for offering some of the most iconic views in the French Basque Country. It’s recommended to visit right after opening since it can get crowded. Unfortunately, it started to rain, so I decided to skip that and head directly to my second stop of the day – the Zugarramurdi Caves.
If the weather is rainy during your visit as well, I’d suggest considering some other options as well, such as Le Musée de Gâteau Basque to learn more about the traditional Basque cake, or Château d’Abbadie. You could also visit the charming villages of Hendaye or Hondarribia, one of the most colorful places in Spain. However, it might be wiser to visit Zugarramurdi Caves first, as it’s a popular destination with limited parking. I initially planned to go there after Mount La Rhune, expecting it to be less touristy, but due to the rain and fog, I ended up at the caves. Still, by the time I left the Zugarramurdi Caves in the afternoon, the local parking was completely full.
The Zugarramurdi Caves
The Zugarramurdi Caves are one of the most unique cave systems in Spain, often featured on lists of mysterious or haunted places across the country. While technically located in the Navarra region, they’re actually closer to San Sebastian than to the region’s capital, Pamplona. So, these three days in San Sebastian felt like the perfect excuse to finally visit these mysterious caves.
Located near the small village of Zugarramurdi, these natural wonders are steeped in history and legends. The caves are famously associated with witchcraft – once used by witches for ceremonies – and the Witch Trials of Zugarramurdi in the 17th century, some of the most severe in Spain’s history during the Spanish Inquisition. Surrounded by lush forests, the caves offer a serene and mystical atmosphere. You can take a small circular trail through the woods, which eventually leads you inside the main cave. I absolutely loved this natural setting. After visiting the caves, I headed to the small Museo de las Brujas (Witches’ Museum) to learn more about the historical events behind the caves, the region’s witchcraft trials, and local folklore. I thoroughly enjoyed both the cave visit and the museum, so I highly recommend it as a lesser-known day trip from San Sebastian.
More ideas for your third day in San Sebastián
If you’re looking for more charming small towns to visit along with the Zugarramurdi caves, here are a few ideas.
On the way from San Sebastián to Zugarramurdi, you can stop at several picturesque towns. First, there’s Hondarribia, a beautiful coastal town just before the French border, known for its historic old town and lively pintxos bars. Next is Hendaye, located on the French side of the border, where you can enjoy its long sandy beaches and scenic views of the Basque coast.
Continuing into France, you can visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a picturesque fishing village famous for its historic harbor and beaches. Further inland, Espelette is known for its iconic red peppers, which adorn the town’s traditional Basque houses. Lastly, Ainhoa is one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its charming streets and traditional Basque architecture.
A wonderful alternative to experiencing the small-town charm of the Basque Country is exploring the region’s fascinating caves, such as the Cueva de Urdax or the Grottes de Sare. These caves offer a unique glimpse into the area’s rich geological history. The Cueva de Urdax, known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, while the Grottes de Sare offers not only impressive rock formations but also insights into prehistoric human life and Basque mythology. Visiting these caves adds an adventurous twist to any exploration of the Basque Country.
Pin it:
For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.
- Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda, Booking, and Hotellook
- Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
- Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
- Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
- For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
- Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
- Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner, WayAway, and Kiwi
- Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
- Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Trainline, Busbud, and Omio
- Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Rental Cars and Discover Cars
- Top E-Sim: GigSky helps me to avoid roaming fees and provides connectivity everywhere (even on a cruise ship)
- Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
- Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
- Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
- Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
- Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
- Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
- Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
- For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22
We ended up having to cancel plans that took us to San Sebastián. But it remains on our list of places to visit in Spain. I would like to take 3 days and really enjoy this lovely spot. And would give us time to try lots of pintxos! Love the idea of finishing a day with a sunset boat trip.
A cooking class and a wine tour? That’s a perfect trip in my book. Thanks for showing me a part of the world I’ve never experienced!
This was a great read, Anna as I plan for our summer trip to Spain. San Sebastian is on the list. I got intrigued by Zugarramurdi caves in your blog. Did you drive? My internet search didn’t reveal much of a public transit option to visit the caves. If that’s the case, we are thinking rent a car for a day to drive around and see some close by towns as well as the caves. Thoughts are welcome?
Hi, Sarah! The only option to visit the caves is by driving, but for me, it was so worth it. The drive through that area was beautiful, as it’s full of greenery and charming villages. On the way from San Sebastian, you can stop in Hondarribia, Hendaye (on the French border), or Sant Jean de Luz, Espelette, and Ainhoa (which are already in France).