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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

If San Sebastian gets too intense, escape to this lovely village, just 18km west along the coast. Getaria is a real fishing port with a proud heritage. As well as an attractive medieval town centre, it has charming seafood restaurants and broad, clean beaches – and it’s still largely undiscovered by foreigners.

Getaria also has a burgeoning wine scene, as the light, sparkling txakoli wine is produced around here. Txakoli, a very dry, slightly sparkling white that goes perfectly with pintxos, is one of the new stars of Spain’s wine scene. Once just a drink that farmers made for themselves, it’s now ubiquitous in Basque bars and restaurants.

The original txakoli comes from the delightful hill country outside the picturesque village of Getaria, and it’s a great excuse to lose yourself in the area’s countryside and sample a glass or two.

While you're there

The world-famous Spanish fashion designer was born and grew up in Getaria. There’s an interesting museum dedicated to his life and haute couture in the village.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: +
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The village of Getaria is a 30-minute drive from San Sebastian, and an hour’s drive from Bilbao – once there, it’s pretty easy to navigate on foot.

As for exploring the wineries outside it, there are a number of tour operators in San Sebastian that operate day-long wine tours, but if you know a little Spanish you can manage just as well on your own. Note though that here, as in Rioja, you will need to contact the vineyards in advance to organise tours or tastings.

It’s a pleasant day or half-day out from Bilbao or San Sebastian, but if you are sufficiently charmed to stay longer, stay at the charismatic Hotel Itureggi.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

The Sanctuary of Loyola, Getaria, Zarauz and San Sebastian from Bilbao

Bilbao

The Sanctuary of Loyola, Getaria, Zarauz and San Sebastian from Bilbao
From Bilbao we will head towards the province of Gipuzkoa, passing through towns such as Eibar, Elgoibar and Azkoitia. We will reach the sanctuary of Loyola, where we will visit the birthplace of Ignatius of Loyola, the most famous figure in the area. We will continue our journey along the coast of Zumaia, arriving at the fishing village of Getaria, where we will visit its historic center. We will continue through Zarauz and finally arrive in San Sebastian where you will have free time to have lunch and enjoy one of the best gastronomies in the world. After lunch we will visit Mount Igeldo from where we will be able to se the amazing view of La Concha Bay.

Price: €75

Min age: 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [53 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian

San Sebastian

Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian
Txakoli is a white wine made from local green grapes that has been produced in the Basque Country long before the 16th century. The land surrounding the coastal town of Getaria provides its name to the apellation “Txakoli from Getaria”, the best and most exclusive. Meet fishing towns of Getaria and Zarautz with Donostyle, and discover every secret of this characteristic wine in a txakolindegi (txakoli house, in Basque language) along with  local food that comprises typical products from the Cantabrian sea. Live a unique experience with us!

Price: €135

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [44 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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San Sebastian Private Tour, Pintxos & Winery Visit from Bilbao

Bilbao

San Sebastian Private Tour, Pintxos & Winery Visit from Bilbao
If you want an exclusive experience to taste and feel the Basque Country this is your dream tour. We will leave Bilbao early in the morning and head east in an exciting adventure of food & wine combined with the exciting history of the Basques and the stunning landscape of the Basque coast. In this tour from Bilbao to San Sebastian you will taste the slightly carbonated white wine "txakoli DO" in a family winery (the traditional white wine of Basque Country) and after we will head into the gastronomical capital of Basque Country San Sebastian. In here we will take you to taste 3 pintxos (Basque tapas) and a drink and you will visit this wonderful and beautiful city loved by queens, kings and aristocrats.

Price: €325

Min age: 5

Rating 5 / 5 [13 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

San Sebastian

Basque Country, Spain

Concha beach with beachfront hotels

A grand but charming beach resort in northern Spain famous for its glut of Michelin-recognised restaurants and superb pintxos. Thie foodie destination is also a short hop from the world-class wines of La Rioja.

Basque Country

Basque Country, Spain

External view looking to the entrance. The curvy building has mountains behind

Fascinating ancient traditions, world-famous gourmet treats, Spain’s finest wine region and a gorgeous golden coastline.