{"id":463,"date":"2025-06-21T09:16:18","date_gmt":"2025-06-21T09:16:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentalscollection.com\/news\/most-beautiful-villages-to-visit-from-san-sebastian\/"},"modified":"2025-06-21T09:33:08","modified_gmt":"2025-06-21T09:33:08","slug":"most-beautiful-villages-to-visit-from-san-sebastian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentalscollection.com\/news\/most-beautiful-villages-to-visit-from-san-sebastian\/","title":{"rendered":"Most Beautiful Villages to Visit from San Sebasti\u00e1n"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Fancy leaving San Sebasti\u00e1n behind to discover some charming spots? You\u2019re in the right place.<\/p>\n\n
Just a short distance from the city, you’ll find villages that look like they’re straight out of a postcard.<\/p>\n\n
And to make sure you don\u2019t miss any of them, here\u2019s a guide designed to help you make the most of every getaway.<\/p>\n\n
Hondarribia<\/h2>\n\n<\/figure>\n
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About 20 minutes by car from San Sebasti\u00e1n, Hondarribia is well known for its old town, which is surrounded by walls.<\/p>\n\n
Strolling through the Plaza de Armas and visiting the Castle of Charles V is a must when you’re in Hondarribia. It\u2019s also worth wandering through the La Marina district, with its colourful houses and lively pintxo bars.<\/p>\n\n
It boasts a fantastic beach and a seafront promenade that\u2019s perfect for a walk or simply watching the sunset. We also recommend heading to the Puerta de Santa Mar\u00eda, the main entrance to the old town, and to the Church of Santa Mar\u00eda de la Asunci\u00f3n y del Manzano. And if you love good food, you\u2019ll find some great restaurants here.<\/p>\n\n
What\u2019s special about Hondarribia is how close it is to France \u2013 there\u2019s definitely a unique vibe in the air. Plus, it’s very easy to get to, whether by car or public transport, so there\u2019s no excuse not to go.<\/p>\n\n
Getaria<\/h2>\n\n<\/figure>\n
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Getaria is another top village near San Sebasti\u00e1n.<\/p>\n\n
This beautiful coastal town is known for its fishing port, old town and for being the birthplace of Juan Sebasti\u00e1n Elcano, the first navigator to circumnavigate the globe.<\/p>\n\n
One of Getaria\u2019s main attractions is Mount San Ant\u00f3n, known as the \u201cMouse of Getaria\u201d due to its unique shape.<\/p>\n\n
Getaria is also famous for its txakoli wine, made in the vineyards surrounding the village. We recommend popping into a tavern and trying it with some grilled fish \u2013 a true delight.<\/p>\n\n
The Balenciaga Museum, dedicated to the famous designer born here, is another interesting stop for those who enjoy fashion and culture.<\/p>\n\n
And if all that isn\u2019t enough to tempt you, you should know Getaria is just 25 kilometres from San Sebasti\u00e1n and is very easy to reach by car or bus \u2013 making it a perfect excursion any time of year.<\/p>\n\n
Zumaia<\/h2>\n\n<\/figure>\n
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Zumaia has gained fame in recent years for its cliffs and as a filming location for series like \u201cGame of Thrones.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
But there\u2019s more: the Church of San Pedro Ap\u00f3stol and the Plaza de San Juan Iturri make this town a beautiful place to visit and photograph.<\/p>\n\n
One of the most iconic spots in Zumaia is the Hermitage of San Telmo, perched above the flysch cliffs \u2013 ancient rock formations with millions of years of geological history.<\/p>\n\n
Itzurun Beach, just below the hermitage, is another lovely place to walk or sunbathe.<\/p>\n\n
Zumaia is also a great spot to sample Basque cuisine in bars and restaurants, many of which offer river or sea views.<\/p>\n\n
If you enjoy nature, there are hiking trails connecting Zumaia to nearby villages, passing through stunning landscapes.<\/p>\n\n
Pasaia<\/h2>\n\n
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Just a few kilometres from San Sebasti\u00e1n, Pasaia is a small village that enchants with its location, nestled between the sea and the mountains.<\/p>\n\n
Writer Victor Hugo once lived here, and his house (now a museum) can be visited.<\/p>\n\n
But in Pasaia, the sea is the star of the show.<\/p>\n\n
Visit the Albaola Museum, where there\u2019s a replica of a 16th-century whaling ship, or head up to the Faro de la Plata lighthouse for breathtaking views of the port and coastline.<\/p>\n\n
The port is still bustling, and it\u2019s common to see fishermen at work or locals enjoying a drink on waterside terraces.<\/p>\n\n
Pasaia is also the starting point for coastal hiking trails that connect to other nearby villages.<\/p>\n\n
Zarautz<\/h2>\n\n<\/figure>\n
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Zarautz is one of the best-known coastal towns in the Basque Country and a classic destination for those looking for beach and lively atmosphere. It\u2019s just 20 kilometres from San Sebasti\u00e1n and easy to reach by car or train.<\/p>\n\n
The seafront promenade is full of life, with terraces, bars and sculptures.<\/p>\n\n
But Zarautz isn\u2019t just about the beach.<\/p>\n\n
In the old town, you\u2019ll find charming spots like the Church of Santa Mar\u00eda la Real and the Market Square. Also worth visiting is the Narros Palace, where Queen Isabel II used to spend her summers on the Basque coast.<\/p>\n\n
For nature lovers, the Protected Biotope of I\u00f1urritza is a natural space at the end of the beach where you can see dunes and marshes.<\/p>\n\n
Mutriku<\/h2>\n\n<\/figure>\n
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Mutriku is known for its shell-shaped harbour, one of the most photographed spots, surrounded by old houses and with a very special atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n
In Mutriku, you can visit the Nautilus Museum, dedicated to the area\u2019s geological history and marine fossils \u2013 and if you fancy a dip, the natural swimming pools are perfect for enjoying the sea in a safe environment.<\/p>\n\n
The fishing tradition is still alive in the village, and there\u2019s no shortage of bars serving pintxos or fresh fish.<\/p>\n\n
It\u2019s a bit further out than other villages on this list, but it\u2019s well worth a trip from San Sebasti\u00e1n.<\/p>\n\n
Plan Your Perfect Getaway from San Sebasti\u00e1n<\/h2>\n\n
Exploring these villages is a perfect way to discover the most authentic Basque Country, enjoy its culture, history and people.<\/p>\n\n
Each little village has its own charm and unique features that give it a special character.<\/p>\n\n
Without a doubt, a beautiful route that will become a highlight of your travel memories.<\/p>\n\n
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