The Most Beautiful Spots In Rural San Sebastian

Ilana Herzig

Picturesque San Sebastian is nuzzled in the north of Spain and is often referred to as ‘The Green Spain’ or ‘Secret Spain,’ as it is complete with the crescent-shaped bay of the Concha. The city has it all – culture, some of the best beaches in Europe, amazing hikes and great food (be sure to try all the incredible pintxo bars). But that’s not all; rural San Sebastian has a hidden world waiting to be discovered of beautiful nature, incredible rock formations, crystal clear oceans… and it’s all just a day trip away.

Light House

Monte Igueldo

Hotel

Monte Igueldo

Hike up to the top of Monte Igueldo for the best views of San Sebastian at 184 meters above the sea, or, if you’re not in the physical exertion mood, hitch a ride up in the cable car, which takes you directly into the Igueldo amusement park complete with charming carousels and thrill-inducing roller coasters. Incredible San Sebastian scenery awaits you just beyond Playa de Ondarreta. There’s also an observatory with an outlook towers for more incredible panoramic views of the lovely town, Concha Bay, and Basque countryside. If you’re in the mood for a meal, grab a bite at the Hotel Mercure Monte Igueldo to enjoy the view from its outdoor terrace.

HSS00345, Itsasargi Pasealekua, 134, 20008 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain

Hike in Navarra

Other than the ‘Running of the Bulls’ at San Fermín in July, Navarra is known for its anonymity, beauty, and diversity. This beautiful crossroads, between France, the Basque Country and the rest of Spain, will have every other person saying ‘hello’ to you in a different language. Make sure to bring a picnic to the fairy-tale Urederra park, famous among locals but slightly hidden from outsiders. It contains enchanting pools, turquoise creeks, and stunning waterfalls folded into the wooded mountain sides.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Light House

El Peinte del Viento

El Peinte del Viento

Famous metal sculptures by Eduardo Chillida lay embedded in rock just beyond the Ondarreta Beach in an area deemed ‘the wind comb’. Watch the waves crash over these incredible masterpieces and up through rock holes, as man-made art and nature collide in an incredible performance. For more history and info, look here.

Eduardo Chillida Pasealekua, 200008 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain

Isla de Santa ClaraIsla de Santa Clara | © TpHolland / Flickr

Isla de Santa Clara

Isla de Santa Clara

Just off the coast of San Sebastian sits a small 30-meter wide island perfect for a quick getaway. It’s got a great balance of beautiful scenery and all the civilized creature comforts of the island’s many cafes, restaurants, picnic areas, post office, and lighthouse. Catch the ferry that runs every 30 minutes from June until September and bask on the lifeguard-supervised beach or explore the coast for clandestine natural pools.

Santa Clara Island, San Sebastian, Spain

Fishing TownCourtesy of Ilana Herzig

Hondarribia

Hondarribia

23 kilometers from San Sebastian (a quick drive or healthy four- to five-hour hike if you’re feeling ambitious), this charming fishing village can be reached through the 15th-century Puerta de Santa Maria, with winding picturesque streets dotted with historical landmarks. These landmarks include 10th-century Palacio del Rey Carlos V, the gothic church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, houses with coat of arms facades, or Plaza de Armas, which overlooks the river and the lighthouse located north on Cabo Higuero. Also an incredible spot for food, the village has two Michelin-starred restaurants: Restaurante Alameda and Maison Eguiazabal ideal after a rewarding hike.

Hondarribia, Gipuzkoa, Spain

Monte Urgull Photo Courtesy of Ilana Herzig

Monte Urgull

Monte Urgull, located just past the old part of the city, is crowned by daunting 12th-century fortress – Castillo de la Mota – and dons a ‘Sacred Heart’ statue. Walk along the promenade of Paseo Nuevo to enjoy views of the shoreline that extends to Urumea River past the Puento Zurriola bridge. If you continue beyond Zurriola Beach you will come across the large Parque Ulna, an idyllic park perfect for a hike and or picnic.

Urgull, 20003 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain

Isla de Santa Clara

Monasterio de San Ignacio de Loyola

Monasterio de San Ignacio de Loyola

Tucked into the Urola valley, the Monastery of San Ignacio de Loyola (now a Jesuit college) is only a 40-kilometer ride away from San Sebastian. Built between 1689 and 1888 and based on the design of Carlo Fontana, the Baroque church at the monastery boasts one of the most incredible and lavish domes in Spain at 65 meters and created by Joaquín de Churriguera, replete with spacious rooms, ornamental marble inlays, Baroque art, looming alters, and a statue of Saint Ignatius.

Lugar Barrio Loiola – Núcleo, 16, 20730 Loiola, Gipuzkoa, Spain, + 34 943 02 50 00

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article