You’re going to love this full-day tour as we take you to explore two of the most incredible towns in the San Sebastian area: Pasai Donibane and Hondarribia.
One of the most beautiful old town centers
We’ll begin this wonderful tour by heading to the bay of Pasaia, famous for its fishing villages and for being one of Spain’s top shipyards during the 16th century (they even built some of the ships that sailed to America from here). Our first stop will be Pasai Donibane (also known as Pasajes San Juan in Spanish), a quaint village with a single cobblestoned street and charming houses that will transport you back in time. You’ll love the salty sea air that lingers here.
Did you know that the famous French writer, Victor Hugo, once stayed here? The stunning bay views took his breath away and inspired some of his writings and engravings during his visit to this village in 1843.
And it’s no wonder because we’re confident you’ll feel the same way too, as we wander around its beautiful 18th-century street (it’s one of the prettiest old town centers in the Basque Country!) and stroll through its romantic and picturesque archways. As we meander through this unique street, we’ll come across a variety of buildings with distinctly different architectural styles, from Renaissance and Baroque to traditional maritime architecture.
We’ll then hop on a small boat to cross the bay and visit the neighboring town of Pasajes San Pedro, before returning to San Juan to conclude our adventure.
Tradition and Spectacular Views
Afterward, we’ll hop in the car and head to Hondarribia along the breathtaking Jaizkibel road. This scenic drive is filled with numerous lookout points that offer stunning views of the rugged coastline. Fun fact: ancient fishermen used to post themselves up here to keep an eye out for whales!
We’ll make several stops along the way to take in the breathtaking views of the Basque-French coast, the Cantabrian Sea, and the beautiful mountains that surround us. You’ll feel recharged and revitalized by the powerful energy of these scenic views, which include sprawling green meadows where native Basque horses, known as Pottokas, and Latxa sheep graze.
Before we leave, we can’t miss the chance to try some txakolí, the typical Basque white wine, at a local txakolinería. The hostess will give us a warm welcome and share with us the secrets of this delicious wine. Is there anything better than that? Yes, there is! There’s still so much more to discover on our adventure.
The Best-Preserved Walled City
Get ready to step back in time as we head to the charming medieval town of Hondarribia. You’ll love wandering through its winding streets and exploring the picturesque fishing district known as La Marina. This neighborhood is filled with colorful houses and cute balconies, making for a postcard-perfect scene.
When it’s time to refuel, you can’t miss the chance to taste some of the local flavors. Choose from a typical Basque meal at one of the city’s restaurants or indulge in the famous Basque pintxos. Either way, your taste buds are in for a treat.
After lunch, we’ll continue our journey through history with a leisurely stroll through the medieval old town of Hondarribia. This walled city is the best-preserved in the region and boasts some incredible architectural treasures from the 16th and 17th centuries. As we wander through its narrow streets, I’ll share some interesting anecdotes and stories about the city’s past, bringing this historic place to life.
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