I need advice/recommendations on an 8 day itinerary for two middle aged active couples.
We will be flying to Bilboa from Greece on 9/18 or 19. We would like to spend 8 days in this region before heading back to Chicago. We traveled throughout most of Spain a few years ago but did not go to San Sebastián. We need advice on how to spend our days in San Sebastián.
Here are my initial questions:
Where should we stay in San Sebastián? Which hotels for 3-4 star budget?
We like to be near beaches, walking distance to town and restaurants..
We are considering day trips or overnight in South France Region..
Is it drive able or can we take train? Recommendations are welcome on which areas to visit..
Thanks in advance for your help,
Gina
Posted by
11500 posts
There are beautiful Basque French villages not too far away. Saré, Ainhoa, Ascain, Espellette, also seaside St-Jean de Luz. Rent a car to visit the villages, perhaps you can go by train to St-Jean de Luz. We had a car. Also visit Hondarribia twenty minutes from San Sebastian on river/border with France.
A guide book should tell what to do and see- and eat in SS.
Posted by
Chicago
8124 posts
Stay at the Mercure San Sebastian. https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-1987-mercure-san-sebastian-monte-igueldo/index.shtml
Posted by
Washington DC
27616 posts
Since you mentioned being near beaches, if you actually plan to swim, check historical weather data carefully. Even in midsummer it's often not warm in the Basque Country. I didn't see very many people actually going into the water in June, and some of those daring to get wet were in wetsuits.
Other places to visit include the three small towns of Zumaia/Getaria/Zarautz (on the coast west of San Sebastian), Bilbao and the inland capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz. Bilbao is much faster by bus than by train. It has a large medieval district as well as good museums, and it's less touristy than San Sebastian. I think you'll enjoy taking a break in Bilbao.
The Basque countryside is beautiful, so I think you'll be able to make good use of a car if you choose to rent one. I did all my traveling by bus and train but didn't cross the border into France.
Posted by
Michigan
481 posts
Is it even possible to travel by train from San Sebastian to Saint-Jean-de-Luz? I would like to do that, but haven't seen a way to do so yet.
I'll be interested in seeing what others suggest for your questions, as we are traveling there as well!
Thanks,
Laurie
Posted by
Washington DC
27616 posts
I believe you can get the local train (formerly FEVE, now called FCC??) from the Amara Station in San Sebastian to Hendaye, then change to a French train. The station is called "St-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure", and those compound names sometimes mean the station is farther from town than you'd like. I have never been to the French Basque Country, so I have no personal experience with this route.
Some of the usual sources of train schedules will not find the FCC trains. Here's the Renfe webpage for those schedules. For San Sebastian, use "Donostia-San Sebastian". For Hendaye, use "Irun". It's Line C1. I'm not sure whether you'll end up with a shortish walk between the Irun station and the Hendaye station or there's a direct connection. I believe the rail gauges are different in Spain and France.
For the onward train to St.-Jean-de-Luz, you can go to the Deutsche Bahn or SNCF websites.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thanks to all for your feedback. I think we will rent a car to explore. I just found out the SS film festival will be occurring for part of our stay...we arrive on 9/19 and it begins on 9/21..
Apart from higher hotel prices and possibly difficulty getting into restaurants...what other negatives should we anticipate?