Top 4 Itineraries in Donostia / San Sebastián

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Donostia / San Sebastián.

If you only have a few days, Donostia / San Sebastián weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Donostia / San Sebastián offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Donostia / San Sebastián are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Donostia / San Sebastián’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Donostia / San Sebastián offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Spain's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in Donostia / San Sebastián offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty. With plenty of time to relax and explore, a beach trip to Donostia / San Sebastián is the ideal way to recharge.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Donostia / San Sebastián truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Donostia / San Sebastián belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Donostia / San Sebastián are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Donostia / San Sebastián and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Donostia / San Sebastián itinerary with our handpicked list. Each of these 4 itineraries is crafted to match different travel styles. So whether you're in Donostia / San Sebastián just for a weekend, or you plan to see more on a longer city break or road trip, there's an itinerary for you!

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these itineraries will help you experience the best of Donostia / San Sebastián without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Donostia / San Sebastián!

A scenic 12-day road trip through Madrid, Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Segovia, and Valladolid is one of the best ways to experience Spain. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 12-day itinerary means that Donostia / San Sebastián can easily be combined with other top destinations in Spain without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Madrid, Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Segovia, and Valladolid by public transport, renting a car in Spain opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 12 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Donostia / San Sebastián

• Arrival city: Donostia / San Sebastián
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in San Sebastian, e.g., De Londres y de Inglaterra
• Sightseeing: Miramar Jauregia

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Donostia / San Sebastián. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Donostia / San Sebastián

• Destinations: Donostia / San Sebastián
• Driving distance: 107.79 km, approx. 2 hours and 7 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Valladolid, e.g., Gareus Boutique
• Sightseeing: Aquarium, Funicular Monte Igueldo, Alderdi Eder parkea, Comb of the Wind (Eduardo Chillida, 1976), and Beach of La Concha

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Aquarium, Funicular Monte Igueldo, Alderdi Eder parkea, Comb of the Wind (Eduardo Chillida, 1976), and Beach of La Concha. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Donostia / San Sebastián, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Valladolid.

Day 3: Discover Vitoria-Gasteiz and Burgos

• Destinations: Vitoria-Gasteiz and Burgos
• Driving distance: 309.31 km, approx. 3 hours and 35 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Plaza España, Iglesia Santa María la Real y Antigua de Gamonal, Plaza Virgen Blanca, and Florida Park
• Recommended tour: Full-Day Toledo Tour with Cathedral Visit from Madrid, Spain

Spend the day exploring Plaza España, Iglesia Santa María la Real y Antigua de Gamonal, Plaza Virgen Blanca, and Florida Park. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Madrid.

Day 4: Experience Segovia and Rascafría

• Destinations: Segovia and Rascafría
• Driving distance: 157.46 km, approx. 2 hours and 55 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Alcázar de Segovia, Bosque finlandes rascafria, Segovia Aqueduct, Plaza Mayor, and Catedral de Segovia
• Recommended tour: Day Trip from Madrid to Segovia and Avila in Spain

Continue your journey through Segovia and Rascafría, where you can explore Alcázar de Segovia, Bosque finlandes rascafria, Segovia Aqueduct, Plaza Mayor, and Catedral de Segovia. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Madrid.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Toledo

• Destinations: Toledo
• Driving distance: 154.11 km, approx. 2 hours and 34 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Valencia, e.g., Ramirez Flats & Bar
• Sightseeing: Alcázar de Toledo, Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo, Mirador del Valle, and San Martin's Bridge
• Recommended tour: Valencia: Art & Architecture Guided Tour with Monuments Tickets

Drive through Toledo, stopping to visit Alcázar de Toledo, Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo, Mirador del Valle, and San Martin's Bridge. Embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems off the beaten path.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Madrid

• Destinations: Madrid
• Driving distance: 32.02 km, approx. 1 hour and 44 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Valencia, e.g., Ramirez Flats & Bar
• Sightseeing: El Retiro Park, Zoo Aquarium de Madrid, Las Ventas Bullring, Great Pond of El Retiro, and Casa de Campo
• Recommended tour: Valencia Private Walking Tour with Official Valencian Guide

Spend time discovering El Retiro Park, Zoo Aquarium de Madrid, Las Ventas Bullring, Great Pond of El Retiro, and Casa de Campo, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Madrid

• Destinations: Madrid
• Driving distance: 12.35 km, approx. 48 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Barcelona, e.g., Ramirez Flats & Bar
• Sightseeing: Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena, Mercado de San Miguel, Palacio de Cristal, Royal Palace of Madrid, and Plaza Mayor
• Recommended tour: Park Guell Guided Tour with Skip the Line Ticket

Explore Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena, Mercado de San Miguel, Palacio de Cristal, Royal Palace of Madrid, and Plaza Mayor at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Madrid

• Destinations: Madrid
• Driving distance: 18.5 km, approx. 1 hour and 33 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Barcelona, e.g., Ramirez Flats & Bar
• Sightseeing: Museo Nacional del Prado, Plaza de España, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Temple of Debod, and National Archaeological Museum
• Recommended tour: Complete Gaudi Tour: Casa Batllo, Park Guell & Sagrada Familia

Continue your road trip through Madrid, enjoying the flexibility to explore Museo Nacional del Prado, Plaza de España, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Temple of Debod, and National Archaeological Museum and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Madrid

• Destinations: Madrid
• Driving distance: 216.68 km, approx. 2 hours and 47 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Barcelona, e.g., Ramirez Flats & Bar
• Sightseeing: Círculo de Bellas Artes, Parque del Oeste, Puerta de Alcalá, Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
• Recommended tour: Barcelona Tapas, Taverns, and Gothic Quarter History Walking Tour

Visit Círculo de Bellas Artes, Parque del Oeste, Puerta de Alcalá, Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Barcelona.

Day 10: Uncover Valladolid and Villaescusa

• Destinations: Valladolid and Villaescusa
• Driving distance: 266.34 km, approx. 3 hours and 18 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Zaragoza, e.g., Hotel Diagonal Plaza
• Sightseeing: Plaza de Zorrilla, Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno, Museo Nacional de Escultura, Parque Campo Grande, and Plaza Mayor de Valladolid
• Recommended tour: Private custom tour with a local guide Zaragoza

Continue your exploration of Plaza de Zorrilla, Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno, Museo Nacional de Escultura, Parque Campo Grande, and Plaza Mayor de Valladolid, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Zaragoza.

Day 11: Journey Through Bilbao and Portugalete

• Destinations: Bilbao and Portugalete
• Driving distance: 225.43 km, approx. 3 hours and 22 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in San Sebastian, e.g., De Londres y de Inglaterra
• Sightseeing: Federico Moyúa enparantza, Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar, Vizcaya Bridge, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and Puppy
• Recommended tour: San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Evening Tour in Donostia, Spain

Take in the highlights of Federico Moyúa enparantza, Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar, Vizcaya Bridge, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and Puppy, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of San Sebastian.

Day 12: Travel Through Donostia / San Sebastián

• Destinations: Donostia / San Sebastián
• Driving distance: 2.62 km, approx. 39 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Monte Urgull
• Recommended tour: Tapas, Taverns & History Tour Madrid

Take the opportunity to explore Monte Urgull, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature. After a day of adventures, check into another conveniently located hotel in Madrid.

Day 12: Bid Farewell to Donostia / San Sebastián

• Departure city: Donostia / San Sebastián
• Driving distance: 2.62 km, approx. 39 minutes
• Sightseeing: Monte Urgull

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Donostia / San Sebastián. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along the route is around 1376 EUR for two people, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Donostia / San Sebastián. So, if you’re ready to explore iconic landmarks, scenic routes, and charming towns at your own pace, this 12-day road trip itinerary through Madrid, Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Segovia, and Valladolid is an excellent choice.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Donostia / San Sebastián for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 4-day city break in Donostia / San Sebastián with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 4-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Donostia / San Sebastián without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Donostia / San Sebastián

Arrive in Donostia / San Sebastián and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Miramar Jauregia.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at Polka San Sebastián, a top local restaurant—the ideal way to kick off your getaway!

Day 2: Discover Nearby Attractions and Iconic Landmarks

Enjoy your first full day in Donostia / San Sebastián by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Aquarium, Alderdi Eder parkea, Beach of La Concha, Gipuzkoa Plaza, and Aiete parkea.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Donostia / San Sebastián. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Donostia / San Sebastián in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Cristina Enea parkea are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Donostia / San Sebastián.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Donostia / San Sebastián. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Spain!

A 4-day beach vacation in Donostia / San Sebastián offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in Donostia / San Sebastián:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Playa de Zurriola, Playa la Concha, and Ondarreta beach.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like De Londres y de Inglaterra for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Beach activities: Dive into beachside fun with options like kayaking, and more.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at Mano lenta jatetxea, Golfo Norte, and La Viña del Ensanche, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Rock Island Bar, Liverpool Pub, and Speakeasy “The Pharmacy”, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Alderdi Eder parkea, Comb of the Wind (Eduardo Chillida, 1976), Aquarium, Funicular Monte Igueldo, Gipuzkoa Plaza, Miramar Jauregia, Cathedral of the Good Shepherd of San Sebastian, and Cristina Enea parkea, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 4-day beach vacation itinerary in Donostia / San Sebastián, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in Donostia / San Sebastián

Arrive in Bilbao, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 4 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Playa de Zurriola or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in Donostia / San Sebastián.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Playa la Concha, a top beach in Donostia / San Sebastián. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Aquarium, Alderdi Eder parkea, and Gipuzkoa Plaza for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 4: Dive into Water Sports

Enjoy a fun-filled day of water sports at Playa de Zurriola. Alternatively, try out popular activities in Donostia / San Sebastián to add some adventure to your day. End the evening with a meal at a local restaurant and soak up the unique atmosphere.

Day 4: Say Farewell to Donostia / San Sebastián

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in Donostia / San Sebastián. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye. Then, take a convenient transferto make your departure easier.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in Donostia / San Sebastián. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of Donostia / San Sebastián's coastline.

A 4-day weekend getaway in Donostia / San Sebastián offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Donostia / San Sebastián itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 4 days to spend, this is the perfect Donostia / San Sebastián weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Donostia / San Sebastián

Arrive in Donostia / San Sebastián around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Miramar Jauregia, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Donostia / San Sebastián’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Donostia / San Sebastián with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Aquarium early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Beach of La Concha, stopping by Alderdi Eder parkea for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Donostia / San Sebastián and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Donostia / San Sebastián

No itinerary in Donostia / San Sebastián is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Cathedral of the Good Shepherd of San Sebastian.
• Afternoon: Explore Funicular Monte Igueldo and Igeldo mendiko behatokia, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Donostia / San Sebastián and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Spain.

Day 4 - Depart from Donostia / San Sebastián

Make the most of your last few hours in Donostia / San Sebastián before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Donostia / San Sebastián. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Donostia / San Sebastián itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Donostia / San Sebastián, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Donostia / San Sebastián for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Donostia / San Sebastián in a way that feels truly unforgettable!