48 hours to explore the coast
Donostia/San Sebastián + Zarautz
Taking in beaches and fishing villages, this two-day itinerary invites you to explore the coast of Gipuzkoa care of two complementary destinations. On the one hand, the urban elegance of Donostia/San Sebastián, which charms visitors with its balance of tradition, gastronomy and seaside cityscape; and, on the other hand, the lively atmosphere of Zarautz, a coastal town with a rhythm all of its own that invites you to relax and enjoy yourself.
Without a shadow of a doubt, two versions of the Cantabrian region linked by the sea, local culture and gastronomy.
DAY 1: DONOSTIA/SAN SEBASTIÁN, sea and city in a single destination
The first day is spent in Donostia/San Sebastián, where the sea provides the backdrop to an experience focused on heritage, scenery and culinary tradition.
The morning begins with a walk along the promenade at Zurriola beach – the city’s surfers’ beach – stopping at some of its viewpoints, before heading into the Old Town, the city’s historic and social centre.
This is where the San Telmo Museum is located, the main cultural centre dedicated to explaining the history of Basque society. Housed in a former 16th-century Dominican convent, a visit here offers an insight into the culture of the Basque Country.
At midday, the visit continues in the bars and taverns of the Gros neighbourhood, discovering the Basque pintxo culture and specialities such as the gilda, accompanied by txakoli, a young white wine typical of this area.
In the afternoon, you can round off your day with a relaxing stroll in the fresh air along one of Donostia’s three city beaches: Ondarreta and, whilst you’re there, take the opportunity to discover the Peine del Viento, one of the city’s most famous sculptural installations.
DAY 2: ZARAUTZ, horizon and coastal tradition
On the second day, we head to Zarautz, a coastal town that opens directly onto the Cantabrian Sea and all its vitality.
A walk along its long beach is an unbeatable way to start the day. Its seafront promenade, one of the town’s most iconic symbols, sets the pace from first thing in the morning. All year round, this characterful destination, a meeting place for families, surfers, walkers and those who love the sea is the epitome of life in the open air.
Our tour continues towards the historic centre, leading us to the Plaza del Mercado, the perfect place to experience local life and the most authentic flavour of Zarautz. With its market stalls and small shops, locally sourced produce and culinary traditions form the link between the town, the sea and the land.
There’s nothing better than going walkabout through the txakoli vineyards that look out over the sea, offering a different perspective of the coast. The hillsides surrounding Zarautz form the distinctive landscape of the Basque coast, where the grapes of this young wine, typical of the Basque Country, and the sea lie side by side.
You can round off the day by exploring the trails of the Green-Blue Ring, a route that takes in the sea, parks and wetlands with unique views – the perfect way to bid farewell to Zarautz whilst enjoying the natural beauty of this lovely stretch of the Basque coastline.
