San Sebastian - Donostia Forum: 7 days in Spain

Thanks Cathy! Spain is the second half of our tip, and I want a bit of relaxation before we go back to the states. Can you mention some day trips we could take from Madrid besides Salamanca and Toledo?

Thanks!

I wouldn't try to visit Salamanca as a daytrip from Madrid - at 2.5-3 hours one way by train it's too much for me personally. My 2 favorite daytrips from Madrid are Toledo and Segovia. Avila is also a very nice daytrip. And I've always wanted to visit Siguenza - but never had the opportunity to visit.

For relaxation I'd stick to one area in the 7 days - whether it be Madrid and this area or the Basque Country. Personally I love the Basque country but if you've never been to Madrid there is plenty to keep you busy here also - you could spend 5 days in Madrid doing a couple of daytrips and then 2-3 in Salamanca.

You will have some problems finding a hotel during the International Film Festival, but you can try the Hotel Codina, Avda Zumalacarregui, 21, or the NH Aranzazu, Calle Vitoria-Gasteiz, 1, to see if they have any availability. Both are located in the Ondarreta beach area and may still have a room. It's an easy walk from there to the old city.

I agree that to have the best and most relaxing time stay put in San Sebastian. Break it up with 2 nights in Lekeitio. You could also have a great time in Madrid with trips to Toledo, Segovia, Avila but San Sebastian in early Sep. is too good to pass up.

Can you suggest some hotels in Lekeitio?

Hotel Zubieta is absolutely charming - I've stayed there twice.

http://www.hotelzubieta.com/

Next month I'm trying a new hotel in Lekeitio, Hotel Palacia Oxangoiti. There are some reviews here on TA but I dont' have any personal experience (yet).

http://www.oxangoiti.net/

My other favorite village in this area is Getaria and the Hotel Saiaz. This place is wonderful - from from the ocean view rooms to the decor in the public rooms to the graciousness of the owner and his wife.

www.saiazgetaria.com/ENGLISH/english.htm

If you haven't seen Maribel's guides they are an incredible resource for this area, particularly her recommendations for food and lodging.

http://maribelsguides.com/

Cathy,

We are interested in San Sebastian, but can't find an affordable room because of the film festival in Sept. However, I think these quaint towns better anyway. I will check them out. Which town do you prefer? We will have a car.

Thanks for your advice.

gia

Has anyone stayed at Hotel Villa Itsaso in Lekeitio? or Hotel Jauregui in Hondarribia?

There are rooms available for Villa Itsaso and the one cathy recommended Hotel Palacia Oxangoiti.

Which location would be better for day trips into San Sebastian?

Bilbao seems too far away now. We will be traveling from Salamanca to the Basque area. 3 nights in Basque area then back to Madrid. Any more suggestions?

It's too bad you can't find a room in San Sebastian. I'd do my best to try to find a room if at all possible there.

Between Lekeitio and Hondarribia as a base for 3 days (if you can't find a hotel in San Sebastian) I guess I'd have to ask what other places you want to vist in the Basque country.

Lekeitio is further away from San Sebastian but it is closer to Bilbao, Gernika, Getaria, etc.... Hondarribia is only 30 minutes from San Sebastian and is closer to the French Basque area (St Jean de Luz, Biarritz, etc....).

Another option may be to base yourself in Zarautz, less than 25 minutes from San Sebastian and a stone's throw from Getaria.

Hotel Villa Itsaso isn't in Lekeitio per se - I think it's about 3 KM outside of town. Hotel Palacio Oxangoiti is located in the village of Lekeitio. Some people prefer to be located more central while others like a more rural setting - no right or wrong answer just personal choice.

I've never stayed at the Hotel Jauregui in Hondarribia but I have enjoyed pintxos in their bar. The hotel is relatively new (I think opened in the last 5 years) and is in the lower town (versus the medieval quarter) - good central location. I really enjoyed my stay at the Hotel Obispo in 2005 - it's in the more atmospheric medieval quarter but everything in Hondarribia is realtively nearby. I'd probably choose it for atmosphere over the Hotel Jauregui but either is a good choice.

Hope this helps.