San Sebastian & Rioja 5-day Itinerary
Spain
Where to go and what to see in San Sebastian & the Rioja Wine Region – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Website >
Overview >Bucket list experience:
Getaria Wine Region
Getaria, Basque Country, Spain
Last updated: 10 November, 2022
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.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
San Sebastian 3-day Itinerary
Spain
Where to go and what to see in San Sebastian to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Website >
Overview >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.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
The Sanctuary of Loyola, Getaria, Zarauz and San Sebastian from Bilbao
Bilbao
Follow the highway towards the east, into the province of Gipuzkoa. On the way to the Sanctuary of Loyola, you will be able to admire the ar...
€75 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [38 ratings]
Website >
Tour supplied by:
Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian
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 sur...
€135 | Rating 4.88 / 5 [26 ratings]
Website >
Tour supplied by:
San Sebastian Private Tour with Pintxo Lunch and Winery Visit (From Bilbao)
Bilbao
If you want an exclusive experience to taste and feel the Basque Country this is your dream tour. We will leave Bilbao and head east in an e...
€300 | Rating 5 / 5 [8 ratings]
Website >
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Hotel Iturregi
Getaria, Basque Country, Spain[1.1 miles]
A romantic, peaceful country retreat hidden away among the vines of this idyllic wine region, close to the beautiful Basque coast.
Official star rating:
Hotel Niza
San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain[18.2 miles]
One of Spain’s best three-star hotels, and an excellent bargain right on San Sebastian’s fashionable La Concha beach.
Official star rating:
Hotel Lasala Plaza
San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain[18.4 miles]
A stylish and romantic boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, in a fantastic setting overlooking San Sebastian’s bay.
Official star rating:
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain[18.5 miles]
A Belle Epoque beauty right on San Sebastian’s La Concha beach, a short walk from the lively bar-filled old town.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Basque Country
Basque Country, Spain
Fascinating ancient traditions, world-famous gourmet treats, Spain’s finest wine region and a gorgeous golden coastline.
Website >
Overview >
San Sebastian
Basque Country, Spain
A grand but charming beach resort in northern Spain famous for its glut of Michelin-recognised restaurants and superb pintxos.
Website >
Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
San Sebastian International Film Festival
San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain[19.2 miles]
Enjoy the pictures and pintxos at this accessible, A-list film festival in Spain’s culinary capital.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5 | One week
San Sebastian’s best food & drink
San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain
Our summary of the typical foods, ingredients and flavours, cooking styles, dining scene and best foodie experiences in San Sebastian.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | Any
Website >
Overview >
Rioja Wine Region
La Rioja, Spain[99.8 miles]
World-class wine region offering a heady mix of great bodegas, gorgeous scenery and avant-garde architecture.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Website >
Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Cristobal Balenciaga Museum
Getaria, Basque Country, Spain[0.6 miles]
This small museum tucked away in the small village of Balenciaga’s birth (1895), displays of 20th-century haute couture outfits by the famous designer. There are guided tours and even an onsite fashion school for teaching the tips of the trade.
Best for ages: 10+ | £8
Website >
Overview >
Experience
Monte Igueldo Theme Park [& cable car]
San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain[16.8 miles]
Ride the cable car up San Sebastian’s Monte Igueldo for superb panoramic views of the bay from the summit (head to Bar Danontzat). At the top, you’ll also find the historic Monte Igueldo amusement park, a charming, old-fashioned funfair with some inevitably enjoyable rides.
Best for ages: 6+ | £3
Website >
Overview >
Experience
San Sebastian Aquarium
San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain[18 miles]
Dedicated to fascinating underwater life in the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian’s aquarium boasts a walk through 360-degree tunnel.
Best for ages: Any | £11
Website >
Overview >
San Telmo Museum
San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain[18.6 miles]
San Sebastian’s delightful museum offers insights into the unique Basque culture, plus extraordinary murals by Jose Maria Sert.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5