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🌄 Day Trips

Around the Basque Region

If you have time to explore beyond Donostia, these scenic towns and countryside gems are just a short drive or bus ride away and well worth the journey.

  • Getting there: About 1 hour by car or 1h15 by PESA bus from San Sebastián Bus Station (Donostiako Autobus Geltokia).

  • Recommended highlights:
    ➔ Visit the Guggenheim Museum
    ➔ Stroll the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town)
    ➔ Walk along the Nervión River promenade

  • Check out some tour options here

🏙️ Bilbao

A dynamic city known for its modern art, lively atmosphere, and the stunning Guggenheim Museum.

  • Getting there: About 45 minutes by bus (Lurraldebus) or car/taxi from San Sebastián. Buses depart regularly from the San Sebastián Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses Donostia-San Sebastián) and arrive directly at the sanctuary.

  • Recommended highlights:
    ➔ Visit the birth house of Saint Ignatius and small museum
    ➔ Stroll through the peaceful gardens
    ➔ We highly recommend spending some time here outside of the wedding day to fully soak in the beauty and history of the sanctuary

Helpful link: Santuario de Loyola Info (Official Site)

⛪ Santuario de Loyola

A stunning baroque sanctuary nestled in green hills, and the birthplace of Saint Ignatius of Loyola—it’s also the very special church where we’ll be celebrating our wedding ceremony.

  • Getting there: About 30–45 min by car or Euskotren train to Hendaye, then transfer by bus or taxi.

  • Suggested itinerary:
    ➔ Start in Saint-Jean-de-Luz (beach town + harbor walks)
    ➔ Visit Biarritz (surf culture + oceanfront promenade)
    ➔ Stop in Bayonne if you have time (cathedral and Old Town)

  • Tour option: French Basque Coast Half-Day Tour

🇫🇷 French Basque Region

Charming seaside towns just across the border with colorful markets, beaches, and French-Basque flair.

  • Getting there: 30 minutes by car or local bus (Lurraldebus UK10 line).

  • Suggested itinerary:
    ➔ Lunch of grilled fish at Getaria's harbor
    ➔ Walk the waterfront promenade connecting Getaria to Zarautz
    ➔ Visit the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum in Getaria

🏖️ Getaria & Zarautz

Two picturesque coastal towns, perfect for seafood, wine, and ocean views.

  • Getting there: 30 minutes by car or bus (E21) from San Sebastián.

  • Recommended highlights:
    ➔ Stroll the Old Town (Casco Histórico)
    ➔ Explore the Marina neighborhood (seaside restaurants)
    ➔ Take a ferry across to Hendaye, France (5 min ride)

🏰  Hondarribia

A beautiful fortified town with colorful houses and a charming Old Quarter right on the French border

  • Getting there: About 1.5 hours by car; best visited along with Bilbao.

  • Recommended highlights:
    ➔ Hike the winding stairs to the hermitage at the top
    ➔ Enjoy breathtaking ocean views

  • Tour option: Gaztelugatxe and Gernika Tour

🏞️ San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

A dramatic islet connected to the mainland by a stone bridge—famous from Game of Thrones.

Travel Tips for Day Trips

  • Car rental makes many trips easier, but buses/trains are great for Bilbao and the French towns.

  • Wear comfortable shoes—many historic towns have cobblestone streets!

  • Reservations recommended for popular restaurants (especially in Getaria and Hondarribia).