St. JAMES WAY and BASQUE WHALERS - Private Outdoor Adventure
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
An excursion to walk, among forests and cliffs, to a lighthouse done up like a medieval castle. What else? Some crazy people who build a 16th century ship with traditional techniques, a fjord that must be crossed by boat, a Venetian town that the writer of Les Miserables fell in love with, and a reasonably high mountain by the sea. More? A half-fishing and half-medieval town that whetted the appetite of the New York Times itself.
Available options
St. JAMES WAY and BASQUE WHALERS - Private Outdoor Adventure
Pickup included
What's included
Hotel drop-off
Private tour
Albaola Museum visit
Pintxo and a glass of Basque cider
Private experienced guide
Detailed itinerary
1
We will meet in the Center of San Sebastian and walk to Gros district. From Sagües you’ll start the hike of Mount Ulia that forms a part of the coastal version of pilgrimage called by Spaniards ‘camino de Santiago’ or St. James Way in English.
2
This path is locally known as ‘Ruta del Faro de la Plata’ because it pases next to the bulit in 1855 lighthouse (sp. faro) located at the entrance to the port of Pasajes. You will walk along rocky coast passing spectacular coves, rugged cliffs and artistically shaped sandstone rock formations. Mount Ulia was an important migratory whales lookout in 16th and 17th century and it’s a perfect place to learn about the significant role of ocean in the life of Basques.
3
The coastal path will finally take us to the village of San Pedro. It’s time to visit Albaola - the sea factory of the Basques. Museum and a shipyard where the local engineers and carpenters are building from scratch a replica of 16th century whaling ship using exclusively traditional techniques! This is optional but we think its mind blowing!
4
From San Pedro we will embark on a tiny boat which will take us to the twin village - San Juan located on the other side of the channel. You will immerse yourself in a sleepy atmosphere of this medieval fishing village which streets still remember colorful stories of Basque sailors, pirates and whalers. There is no way we are leaving before trying a local speciality. You will blend in with the locals in one of the bars and try a delicious seafood pintxo and Basque apple cider. We pour it from high. Give it a go, don’t be shy! Topa (cheers)!
What's not included
Food, drinks and tickets, unless specified
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Important notes
Please wear adequate for hiking shoes and clothing
About San Sebastian
San Sebastian is a picturesque coastal city in the Basque Country known for its stunning beaches, world-renowned gastronomy, and rich cultural heritage. Nestled between the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Sea, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern sophistication.
Top Attractions
La Concha Beach
La Concha Beach is one of the most famous beaches in San Sebastian, known for its beautiful shell-shaped bay and calm waters. It's a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Beach
2-3 hours
Free
Parte Vieja (Old Town)
The Parte Vieja is the historic heart of San Sebastian, filled with narrow streets, charming plazas, and traditional pintxo bars. It's a great place to soak up the city's atmosphere and enjoy local cuisine.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free to explore
Monte Igueldo
Monte Igueldo offers panoramic views of San Sebastian and the surrounding coastline. The hill is accessible by a historic funicular and is a great spot for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Nature
2-3 hours
€3.50 for the funicular ride
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pintxos
Small, savory bites typically served on bread, featuring a variety of ingredients like seafood, meats, and cheeses.
Snack
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Bacalao al Pil Pil
Codfish cooked in olive oil with garlic and parsley, a classic Basque dish.
Main Course
Contains fish
Popular Activities
Surfing
Hiking in the surrounding hills
Sunbathing on the beaches
Strolling along the promenade
Visiting museums and galleries
Exploring the historic old town
Swimming
Kayaking
Best Time to Visit
June to September
This is the best time to visit San Sebastian for its warm weather and vibrant atmosphere. The beaches are at their most inviting, and the city hosts numerous festivals and events.
18°C to 25°C
64°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Basque, Spanish
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
San Sebastian is generally a safe city for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps to avoid overcharging
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- San Sebastian Airport • 20 km from city center
- Bilbao Airport • 100 km from city center
By train
San Sebastian Station
By bus
San Sebastian Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system in San Sebastian is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Cabify, MyTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Gros
Antiguo
Day trips
Hondarribia
25 km • Half day
A charming coastal town with a historic old quarter, beautiful views, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to explore Basque culture and history.
Biarritz
50 km • Full day
A glamorous coastal town in France known for its beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and upscale atmosphere. It's a great destination for a day trip from San Sebastian.
Festivals
San Sebastian International Film Festival • Mid-September
Semana Grande • Mid-August
Pro tips
- Visit the local markets for fresh produce and unique souvenirs
- Try a cooking class to learn about Basque cuisine
- Explore the surrounding hills for stunning views of the city and coastline
- Attend a local festival or event to experience the city's vibrant culture
- Take a day trip to nearby towns like Hondarribia or Biarritz
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
