Things to do from San Sebastián if you are just for a few days and need to choose the best tours, here’s a brief overview from our perspective of the tours you shouldn’t miss when visiting this part of the world. We’re in the Basque Country in northern Spain. The food and drink here are excellent, but we also have plenty of interesting places worth visiting. We have spectacular natural scenery, surrounded by mountains and facing the sea. We have history, we have nature, we have culture, and we also have a rich culinary tradition.
Since you’re in San Sebastián, which is considered one of the world’s culinary capitals, I have to recommend food tours—but also include visits to villages and places of historical and tourist interest.
Things to do from San Sebastian 1:
San Sebastian city tour + pintxos (basque tapas) in the old town.
For travelers who are only in town for 1 or 2 days and want to see the most beautiful and interesting sights, this tour comes highly recommended, as it kills two birds with one stone. We can explore the city by private vehicle and also on foot. Always tailored to the client’s needs. After touring the city, we’ll focus on the cuisine in the Old Town, where some of the city’s most iconic bars are located. We’ll sample the most special pintxos at each spot and also have the chance to taste some of Spain’s best-known wines, such as Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Of course, we’ll also enjoy our local white wine called Txakoli. We guarantee that you’ll be completely satisfied after this tour. If not, we’ll give you your money back.
Things to do from san sebastian 2:
Rioja wine tour from San Sebastian
On this tour, we explore the regions of La Rioja where some of the finest wines are produced. La Rioja is also rich in historical heritage, featuring UNESCO-listed sites such as monasteries and churches. It is also part of the Camino de Santiago, making it a unique destination well worth visiting. Plus, it boasts world-renowned wines and exceptional cuisine. The most typical grape variety in this region is Tempranillo, although Garnacha is also very popular. White wines of excellent quality are also produced here, which often surprises visitors. Varieties include Tempranillo Blanco, Viura, Malvasia, and Maturana. La Rioja is home to world-renowned large producers, but also to small producers who have wine in their blood, and on these tours we’ll have time to explore the different styles of wine. By the end of this tour, your body and mind will be so satisfied with the experience that you’ll surely celebrate with a nap on the way back to San Sebastián.
Things to do from san sebastian 3:
French Basque Coast- Biarritz
What can I say that hasn’t already been said about the French Basque Coast? Strolling along this stretch of coastline is like walking through a never-ending postcard. Not only because of its natural beauty, beaches, and mountains, but also because of its charming little villages and local cuisine. It’s a place for everyone, and it’s perfect for those seeking adventure! You can surf on its beaches, but if you prefer, you can also enjoy peaceful walks. All in all, it’s a place worth exploring—and why not spend a vacation there?
Things to do from san sebastian 4:
Outdoors and Cider house restaurant
This is one of my favorite things to do. I always say that if you come to San Sebastián, you absolutely must eat at a traditional cider house. These are the Basque farms in the countryside where cider has been produced for centuries. In these kind of restaurants, the atmosphere is very casual, and you can drink directly from the cider barrels if you like. It’s a place where you can always find a spot to sit and enjoy the local food. The traditional menu starts with a cider tasting straight from the tank. This is followed by a pintxo—in this case, a chistorrita. Once seated at the table, you’re served the special cod omelet, fried fish with green peppers and onions, followed by a grilled beef ribeye. For dessert, local cheese and quince paste with walnuts. It’s simply the perfect menu for drinking plenty of cider!
At San Sebastian Trips, we like to combine this tour with an outdoor activity. We usually go on a hike to a prominent mountain in the area where the views are excellent—it’s also a natural park. Other times, we combine it with a trout fishing trip on the river, which makes for a perfect day. As I always say, this is a must-do.
San Sebastian mountains and cider house restaurant
Things to do from san sebastian 5:
Txakoli wine tour and the costal towns
The small towns of Zumaia, Guetaria, and Zarauz stand out along this stretch of coastline. This part of the coast in the San Sebastián region is well known for its white wine, which we call Txakoli. It is made from the Hondarribi Zuri white grape variety.
It’s also world-renowned for the quality of its waterfront restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and fish prepared in the traditional style—grilled over charcoal. My favorite restaurant is Elkano in Guetaria, though all the restaurants in the area specialize in seafood and are excellent.
We can combine this tour with a visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao or simply focus on this part of the coast to explore it more thoroughly; we can even take a short hike along the cliffs of Zumaia. The cliffs of Zumaia are part of a geological park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their rocks contain strata from a deep sea that existed some 120 million years ago and hold geological information about the history of our planet that is extensively studied by scientists from around the world. In addition, the famous series *Game of Thrones* was filmed here.
Here are some ideas to help you decide which one interests you the most. We’d be happy to help you plan your trip to the Basque Country.
Agur!
