Travelling to Basque country this fall and looking at visits to Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Saint Jean de Luz. Looking at staying in Bilbao or San Sebastian and making day trips to the other cities. Would appreciate any recommendations on using Bilbao or San Sebastian as a base and day tripping from there, or staying in Bilbao then moving to SS. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
4811 posts
Transport?
Just looking at drive times, SS to SJdL is less than 45 minutes, but Bilbao to SJdL is an hour and a half, so SS would be a better base. If considering more than one base, how many days do you have?
It's a gorgeous area--enjoy!
Posted by
8084 posts
We visited San Sebastian and Bilbao on a tour and stayed two nights in Bilbao.
I suggest staying in Bilbao.
Posted by
Denver, CO USA
470 posts
4 nights in each
Love both
Different
Posted by
Citizen of the World
1810 posts
By public transit, staying in San Sebastián/Donostia makes the most sense as it’s centrally located in relation to the other two cities. And both Bilbao (1:15 by bus ) and St. Jean de Luz ( 40 minutes by bus) make for great daytrips and have plenty to justify staying overnight. Beautiful San Sebastian is great for its Restaurants, Pinxtos ( tapas) bars and beaches— four nights is not too many.
With a car, you have the flexibility to spontaneously stop off at more points of interest—- which are infinite in the Basque Country.
Posted by
Bilbao
717 posts
As a Bilbao local: first of all, take into account this is a rainy area, so if weather is not that good, Donostia-San Sebastian has less to offer than Bilbao, the biggest city in the Basque Country and the economic hub. If it´s nice and sunny (but not beach weather in the fall, it´d be very unusual), Donostia-San Sebastian is a beautiful place to stay and enjoy the promenades. Food is very similar in both cities, as well as the very lively atmosphere in their old quarters. Bilbao is also less touristy. In terms of public transport, Bilbao and D-SS are very well linked by frequent buses. From Bilbao you can reach Rioja wine region in one hour. From D-SS the French Basque Country is quite closer than from Bilbao. Both are safe, walkable and with excellent food and public transport. From Bilbao you have easier access to towns like Bermeo, Mundaka and Gernika; from D-SS you have easier access to Getaria, Zumaia, Pasai Donibane and Hondarribia. Lodging will be normally much cheaper in Bilbao than in D-SS. And do not ignore Bayonne-Baiona in the French Basque Country (as a visit, not to stay).