East of San Sebastián, the coast of Gipuzkoa runs towards the French border, and two of its most characterful places are Hondarribia and Pasaia. Hondarribia, known in Spanish as Fuenterrabía, sits at the mouth of the Bidasoa river facing France across the water. It has two faces: a hilltop old town enclosed by walls, with a castle that now serves as a hotel and cobbled streets of stone houses with carved coats of arms, and a fishermen’s quarter by the harbour, La Marina, where wooden balconies are painted in bright colours and the bars serve pintxos and seafood. Pasaia is something quite different, a working harbour on a narrow inlet whose two villages, San Juan and San Pedro, face each other across the water and are connected by a small boat. San Juan in particular has a narrow main street of old houses and a history tied to the sea, with links to famous voyages and visitors, while San Pedro is more of a fishing port. This excursion links the two, giving you a contrast between a picture-book walled town and an authentic harbour community. It suits travellers who like small places with a strong identity and who would rather see something less famous than the main city sights.
Planning the day
The tour departs from San Sebastián and travels east by road, visiting Hondarribia and the Pasaia villages. The route covers San Juan and San Pedro as well as Hondarribia, so check the schedule, the length of the excursion and the departure days for your date when you book, because these can vary by season. Wear comfortable shoes, since the old town is cobbled and hilly.
What to look for
In Hondarribia, walk through the walls into the old town and then down to La Marina to see the coloured balconies, and look across the river to the French side. In Pasaia, take the little boat between the two villages if it is running on your visit, and wander the narrow street of San Juan to feel the maritime history. The area is also known for its seafood, so a small lunch of fish or pintxos in one of the harbour bars is a natural reward.
Who it suits
Couples, small groups and anyone who likes old harbours, fishing communities and photogenic streets. It is a calmer, less crowded alternative to the beach-and-bay itinerary of San Sebastián itself, and it pairs well with the Getaria and Zumaia coast tour for a second day on the opposite side of the city. If you would like to see the Basque coast to the west rather than the east, choose that tour; for a Biscay side and a pilgrimage-style walk, Gaztelugatxe is the one.
What to expect
The experience
A guided road excursion from San Sebastián to the walled town of Hondarribia and the harbour villages of Pasaia.
Best time
A dry day outside peak summer weekends, for the best light on the harbours and the balconies.
How long
Check the length of the excursion for your date when you book, because it can vary.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for cobbles, bring a layer, and ask about the boat between the Pasaia villages.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who like small historic harbour towns with strong character.
- Families
- Suitable for families with older children who can manage cobbled slopes.
- Couples
- A calm, atmospheric day of old streets, harbours and seafood.
- Pair with
- The Getaria and Zumaia tour on a different day.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day.
Good questions
What is Hondarribia known for?+
Hondarribia is a walled hilltop town with a castle, a fishermen’s quarter with brightly painted balconies, and views across the Bidasoa river to France.
What are San Juan and San Pedro?+
They are the two villages of the harbour of Pasaia, facing each other across a narrow inlet and connected by a small boat.
How long is the excursion?+
It can vary by operator and date, so check the details when you book.
Is the route suitable for people who find hills difficult?+
The old town of Hondarribia and the streets of Pasaia include cobbles and slopes, so those with mobility difficulties should ask about the route when they book.
Can I combine it with other day trips?+
Yes, it pairs well with the Getaria and Zumaia coast tour or a pintxos evening in San Sebastián.
