Day trip to Espelette, Ainhoa and Sare from San Sebastian

San Sebastian , Spain

Day trip to Espelette, Ainhoa and Sare from San Sebastian

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Discover the French Basque Country from San Sebastian on this guided day trip to Espelette, Ainhoa, and Sare.

Departing early from the tourism office, visit picturesque villages in the French Basque Pyrenees.

Explore Espelette’s historic center and famous red peppers, Ainhoa’s church, streets, and town hall with insights from a local guide, and enjoy free time in Sare, known for its smuggler legends and scenic surroundings.

This bilingual tour in English and Spanish includes transportation, offering a comfortable, cultural, and immersive experience in the heart of the French Basque Country.

Available options

Day trip to Espelette, Ainhoa and Sare from San Sebastian

What's included

Bilingual tour (English and Spanish)

Transport

Expert guide

Detailed itinerary

In Espelette, travelers will explore a charming village world-famous for its iconic red peppers, which are celebrated during the renowned pepper festival. Guests can stroll through the lively historic center, admire the traditional Basque architecture, and enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere. Throughout the visit, the guide provides detailed explanations about the village’s history, culture, and its unique culinary traditions, making it an immersive and memorable experience.

In Ainhoa, travelers will visit one of the most beautiful villages in the French Basque Country. They will explore its main streets, admire the traditional Basque architecture, and visit key landmarks such as the village church and town hall.

In Sare, travelers will discover a village full of character, famous for its smuggler legends and beautiful natural surroundings.

What's not included

Rain clothes

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

In the event that your booking does not reach the minimum number of participants required to operate the tour , the procedure is as follows: Three days before the date of your tour, we will send you an email so that you can decide whether you wish to wait until the last day or if you prefer to change to one of the alternatives with guaranteed departure that we propose. If you wish to change your tour, simply confirm by replying to that email and we will arrange the change. If you prefer to wait until the last minute to see if more bookings come in from other customers, you do not need to reply to the message; our team will keep you informed of any developments. If, by the deadline, the day before the tour at 4:30 p.m., the minimum number of participants has not been reached, we will notify you of the cancellation of your booking and proceed to refund 100% of the value of your booking.

Meeting point

San Sebastian bus station

Address: Federico García Lorca Pasealekua, 1, 20012 Donostia / San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa

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.