San Sebastián & Biarritz
A sophisticated blend of world-class Basque gastronomy, dramatic Atlantic coastlines, and a seamless mix of Spanish zest and French elegance.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Introduction to La Concha Bay
Morning — Arrive in San Sebastian and check into your hotel. Start with a stroll through the Alderdi Eder gardens and a visit to the San Sebastian City Hall, a former casino.
Afternoon — Walk along the La Concha promenade to the Peine del Viento sculptures at the end of the bay. Take the old funicular up Monte Igueldo for the iconic panoramic view of the city.
Evening — Dive into the Old Town (Parte Vieja) for your first Pintxos crawl. Visit Ganbara for mushrooms and Txepetx for anchovies, paired with local Txakoli wine.
💡 In Pintxos bars, it is common to throw napkins on the floor in traditional spots, but look for a bin first!
Day 2 · Basque Flavors and Culture
Morning — Join a hands-on Basque cooking class at a local culinary school like Mimo. Learn the secrets of preparing traditional dishes like Salt Cod or Burnt Cheesecake.
Afternoon — Explore the San Telmo Museum to learn about Basque culture and history. Later, head to Zurriola Beach, the city's surf hub, for a relaxed walk on the sand.
Evening — Indulge in a fine dining experience at a Michelin-starred spot like Arzak or Akelarre (book months in advance), or enjoy a modern seafood dinner at Rekondo.
💡 Ask your cooking instructor for their personal list of 'secret' bars in the Gros neighborhood.
Day 3 · Coastal Road Trip to Getaria
Morning — Rent a car for a mini road trip along the coast. Drive to the village of Getaria, stopping at the Zarautz viewpoint for photos of the long sandy beach.
Afternoon — Visit the Getaria Fishing Port and the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum, dedicated to the legendary fashion designer born in this village.
Evening — Eat grilled turbot at Elkano or Kaia Kaipe, world-renowned for their open-air charcoal grills. Return to San Sebastian late evening.
💡 The road between Zarautz and Getaria is incredibly scenic but narrow; take your time.
Day 4 · Crossing Borders to Biarritz
Morning — Cross the border into France. Stop in Hondarribia to see the colorful Basque houses and the medieval fortress before crossing the Bidassoa river.
Afternoon — Explore the picturesque fishing village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Visit the church where Louis XIV was married and enjoy a Macaron from Maison Adam.
Evening — Check into your Biarritz hotel. Take a sunset walk to the Rocher de la Vierge, a rock formation reachable via a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel.
💡 Have your passport handy, though border checks are rare between Spain and France.
Day 5 · Market Days and Surf Vibes
Morning — Visit the Halles de Biarritz (covered market). Taste local French-Basque cheeses, Bayonne ham, and fresh oysters at the market stalls.
Afternoon — Visit the Musee de la Mer (Aquarium) or take a surf lesson at Cote des Basques, the birthplace of surfing in Europe.
Evening — Dine at a beachfront bistro overlooking Grande Plage. Try the local Gateau Basque for dessert. Explore the vibrant nightlife around Port Vieux.
💡 Go to the market before 1:00 PM as most vendors close for the afternoon.
Day 6 · Idyllic Inland French Villages
Morning — Drive inland to the 'Plus Beaux Villages de France' (Most Beautiful Villages). Start with Espelette, famous for its red peppers hanging from houses, then Ainhoa.
Afternoon — Visit the Musee Basque in Bayonne to dive deeper into the shared heritage of the region. Walk the narrow streets lined with 17th-century buildings.
Evening — Enjoy a quiet dinner in one of the mountain villages or head back to Biarritz for a final celebratory French meal at L'Impertinent.
💡 Buy a jar of Piment d'Espelette to bring home as a culinary souvenir.
Day 7 · Farewell to the Basque Coast
Morning — Enjoy a slow breakfast at a cafe overlooking the ocean. Spend your final morning shopping for linen and boutique finds in the Rue Gambetta.
Afternoon — Take one last walk along the Phare de Biarritz (Lighthouse) for views of the entire Silver Coast before heading to the airport or train station.
Evening — Departure from Biarritz Pays Basque Airport or Biarritz La Negresse station.
💡 If flying out of San Sebastian, allow extra time for the cross-border drive.
Plan the rest of your San Sebastián & Biarritz trip
Free tools, pre-filled for this destination.