San Sebastián, Hondarribia and Hendaye Day Trip Bilbao
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Overview
This full-day coach trip from Bilbao follows the Basque coast across the border and back, linking four very different places: the French beach town of Hendaye, the walled streets of Hondarribia, the elegant bay of San Sebastián and the fishing harbour of Getaria. A bilingual guide in English and Spanish leads the visits in Hendaye, San Sebastián and Getaria, and you have free time in Hondarribia and in San Sebastián for lunch. It is a relaxed way to see the best of the coast in a single day without driving.
Highlights
- Cross into France for a guided visit of the seaside town of Hendaye
- Free time in the medieval old town and colourful harbour of Hondarribia
- Sightseeing in San Sebastián with views of La Concha Bay and Miramar Palace
- About three hours in San Sebastián, with time for lunch and the old town
- Guided visit of the fishing harbour of Getaria
- Comfortable air-conditioned coach and bilingual guide in English and Spanish
Full Description
Hendaye, the French beach town on the border
Hendaye lies on the French side of the Bidasoa river, which forms the border with Spain, and is known for a long, wide sandy beach facing the Atlantic. Your guide introduces the town's history as a frontier and seaside resort, with its seafront promenade and its views back to the Spanish hills.
This is the first stop on the day trip from Bilbao to Hendaye, and about 45 minutes is spent here on a guided visit and some free time. Because the route enters France, every traveller must carry a valid passport or, for EU and EEA citizens, a national identity card. A foreigner residence number is not accepted as a travel document.
Hondarribia, the walled town above the estuary
Hondarribia is one of the most attractive towns on the Basque coast. Its medieval old town is enclosed by walls, with cobbled streets, a castle that looks over the estuary and houses with wooden balconies painted in bright colours. Below it, the fishermen's quarter of La Marina keeps its seafaring character.
You have around 75 minutes of free time to wander the old town, take photographs of the balconies and walk down to the harbour. Many people searching for a Hondarribia day trip from Bilbao want exactly this mix of history and a working port. Walking is easy but the streets are cobbled, so comfortable shoes help.
San Sebastián and the Bay of La Concha
San Sebastián, called Donostia in Basque, is the elegant centrepiece of the day. A sightseeing tour with a local guide brings you along the curve of La Concha Bay, one of the most admired city beaches in Europe, and past Miramar Palace and its gardens. Then you have free time, about three hours in total, for the old town and for lunch at a restaurant of your choice.
Travellers asking whether San Sebastián is worth visiting for a day usually find the answer on the seafront: the promenade, the old town lanes and the views of the island of Santa Clara. The best time to visit San Sebastián is between late spring and early autumn, while the bay is lovely in any season.
Getaria, a fishing harbour on the Basque coast
Getaria is a small fishing town on a headland shaped like a sleeping mouse, with a harbour of boats, a medieval church and narrow lanes. It is the birthplace of Juan Sebastián Elcano, who completed the first voyage around the world, and of the fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, who has a museum here.
Your guide leads a visit of about 40 minutes through the old streets and the harbour. Admission to the Balenciaga Museum is not included, so you can decide on the spot whether to go inside. On the road back to Bilbao you pass panoramic views over Zumaia and Zarautz.
Itinerary
- Departure from BilbaoWe meet at 08:30 on Calle Mazarredo in the Abando district and set off by air-conditioned coach along the Basque coast.
- Hendaye, FranceGuided visit of the beach town after crossing the border; about 45 minutes.
- HondarribiaFree time in the old town and harbour; about 75 minutes.
- San SebastiánSightseeing tour with views of La Concha Bay and Miramar Palace, then free time for lunch and the old town; about 3 hours.
- GetariaGuided visit of the fishing harbour and old streets; about 40 minutes.
- Return to BilbaoDrive back with panoramic views of Zumaia and Zarautz; arrival at the starting point.
What's included
- Official bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
- Air-conditioned coach transport
- Guided tour of Hendaye with a local guide
- Free time in Hondarribia
- Sightseeing tour of San Sebastián with a local guide
- Free time in San Sebastián for lunch
- Guided walking tour of Getaria
Not included
- Lunch
- Food and drinks
- Admission to the Balenciaga Museum in Getaria
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.6/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 10 hours
- You need hotel pickup — you meet at the meeting point
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- Travellers without a valid passport or national identity card for the border crossing
Meeting point
We meet at the point on Calle Mazarredo in the Abando district of Bilbao, shown on your voucher after booking. The trip starts at 08:30 and returns to the same place. Hotel pick-up is not included, but the meeting point is easy to reach from the city centre.
Important information
- Carry a valid passport. EU and EEA citizens may carry their national identity card instead.
- A foreigner residence number (NIE) is not accepted as a travel document at the border.
- Failure to show the correct documents may result in entry being refused by the border authorities.
- Lunch is not included; you have free time in San Sebastián for a meal.
- Admission to the Balenciaga Museum in Getaria is not included.
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets, and bring a light jacket and sun protection.
- Weapons, sharp objects and mobility scooters are not allowed on the coach.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the San Sebastián, Hondarribia and Hendaye day trip cost?
The price depends on the ticket category. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and for children on your date.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The trip starts from a meeting point on Calle Mazarredo in the Abando district of Bilbao, shown on your voucher.
How long is the day trip?
It lasts about ten hours, starting at 08:30, including coach travel and the stops in Hendaye, Hondarribia, San Sebastián and Getaria.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. The route crosses into France, so carry a valid passport, or a national identity card if you are an EU or EEA citizen. A foreigner residence number is not valid.
Is lunch included?
No. You have free time in San Sebastián for lunch at a place of your choice.
What languages is the tour in?
The guide speaks English and Spanish.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes, children can join and there is a child category in the booking panel. The day is long, so bring snacks and water for younger travellers.
Is the Balenciaga Museum included?
No, admission is not included, but you can visit during your time in Getaria if you wish.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Check the booking panel: if the date appears as available, you can book it. Booking earlier is safer in the high season.
Is San Sebastián worth a day trip from Bilbao?
Yes. It is only a short drive from Bilbao and combines a famous bay, a lively old town and sea views, and this trip adds three more coastal stops.
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