BLOG
San Sebastian is a small, walkable city with an exceptional quality of life, outstanding food culture, and easy access to the Basque coast or countryside. One of the most common questions travelers ask before visiting is simple but important: how many days do you really need in San Sebastian to experience it properly?
San Sebastian Travel Guide 2026: What to Do, When to Visit & How to Experience the City Like a Local
San Sebastian is a walkable, human-sized city where almost everything is within easy reach. Pedestrian streets, open spaces, a strong family atmosphere and a relaxed pace define everyday life here. You can walk from the beach to the mountains, from the local markets to the Old Town, or from one neighborhood to another in just a few minutes. It’s a city designed for living, not just for visiting.
If you find yourself in the Basque Country between July 7 and 14, there’s one event you can’t afford to miss: San Fermin in Pamplona. This legendary festival, famous for the Running of the Bulls, is a wild mix of adrenaline, tradition, and non-stop celebration. And trust us, there’s a right way to experience it—without getting trampled in the streets.
The closest airport from San Sebastian is called Hondarribia (in Basque) or Fuenterrabia (in Spanish) Airport. It’s located on the border between Spain and France; where the Pyrenees meet the Gulf of Biscay.
The distance between Bilbao Airport and the city of San Sebastian, using the AP-8 toll highway, is less than 100 km (61 miles). Depending on the means of transport and road conditions, you will be able to arrive in San Sebastian in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
There are more Basques living “outside” than inside the Basque Country. From the colonial era to the big migratory waves of the XIX and XX centuries, Basque people have left their beloved homeland to start a new life. Out of all the places around the world, America has been the main destination of the Basque diaspora, and today it is also known as the “Eighth Basque Province.”
If you are planning to visit the French Basque Country, make sure to check which day of the week is set as a market day in the main towns of the French Basque Country. Traditional markets of the biggest cities like Baiona, Biarritz or Saint Jean de Luz are open from Monday to Saturday, but farmers, local producers and artisans from the whole region set up their stalls on market days, providing a lively atmosphere to the town.
If you are planning to travel to the Basque Country in 2024 and you think you’ll be on a tight schedule, we propose this four day itinerary that will allow you to get a great sense of the region without missing any of the highlights. The Basque Country is a wonderful destination that boasts itself on its unique culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes that never disappoint!
Are you on holiday in the Basque Country and looking to get Basque souvenirs and gifts for yourself or a loved one back home?
Probably one of the main reasons why you decided to visit San Sebastian or the Basque Country isbecause of the food. A pintxos night out or a dinner in one of its fabulous restaurants is a must while you are here, but why not take our market tour in San Sebastian to learn about Basque food while tasting local products in their purest form? Here are 5 great reasons for why you should do a market tour in San Sebastian.
Is located in the town of Haro (11,330 inhabitants), at the foot of the Obarenes Mountains and the Cantabrian Mountain Range.
At Go Basque we are lovers of gastronomy and we like to cook (and eat). That is why we want to take advantage of this space to share some of the traditional recipes of the Basque Country.