San Sebastian to Bilbao: Guggenheim & Gaztelugatxe Day Trip

Summary

Cliffside hikes pintxos in Bilbao and art inside the Guggenheim

You’ll hike up Gaztelugatxe’s wild cliffs with sea spray on your face, wander Bilbao’s lively Old Town for pintxos lunch, then lose yourself among contemporary art at the Guggenheim Museum—all with local stories from your guide and easy transport between stops.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound—waves hammering the rocks below San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. It’s louder than you’d think, almost like it’s daring you to climb those endless stone steps. Our guide, Ane, laughed when she saw my face at the start (“Don’t worry, we’ll go slow!”). The wind smelled salty and sharp, and there was this little moment where a local woman passed us on her way down, nodded, and said something in Basque I couldn’t catch. Felt like we were guests in someone else’s ritual.

I’m not going to lie—the climb up to the hermitage is no joke. My legs were burning halfway up (bring water!), but every time I looked back, the coastline just kept getting wilder. Ane pointed out where Game of Thrones filmed Dragonstone—honestly, it looks even more dramatic in real life. At the top I touched the old bell (she said you’re supposed to ring it for luck), and for a second everything went quiet except for gulls and that wind. I still think about that view.

Afterwards we drove along these winding roads into Bilbao. The city feels different—busy but relaxed somehow. We wandered through the Old Town with its crooked streets and people spilling out of pintxos bars. Lunch was noisy and perfect: anchovies on bread, tortilla, little glasses of txakoli wine. Ane teased me for eating too slow (“You eat like a tourist!”). Then we crossed over to the Guggenheim Museum—honestly, Gehry’s building looks like it landed from another planet. Inside it’s all cool stone floors and weird angles; I got lost listening to my audio guide near that giant flower dog outside (Puppy?).

The drive back to San Sebastian was quieter—everyone half asleep or scrolling through photos. There’s something about seeing cliffs in the morning and modern art by afternoon that makes your brain feel stretched out in a good way. If you’re looking for a day trip from San Sebastian that mixes nature with city energy—and maybe leaves your calves sore—this one sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Gaztelugatxe hike and Bilbao tour

• 9:00am Pick up from San Sebastian
• Hike San Juan de Gaztelugatxe route
• Walk Bilbao Old Town and lunch
• Visit Guggenheim Museum with audio guide

Top questions

How long does the day trip from San Sebastian to Bilbao take?

The full tour lasts around 8–9 hours including travel time.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a traditional Basque lunch with drinks is included.

Are tickets for Guggenheim Museum included?

Yes, entry tickets and an audio guide are provided as part of the tour.

How difficult is the hike at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?

The hike involves steep stairs; moderate fitness is recommended.

Is hotel pickup offered in San Sebastian?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can children join this day trip?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Comfortable shoes, water bottle, spare T-shirt for hiking up Gaztelugatxe.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

The tour runs rain or shine; dress appropriately and check weather alerts before departure.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in San Sebastian, private vehicle transport with air conditioning, all entry fees for both San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Guggenheim Museum (with audio guide), plus a lively Basque lunch with drinks before heading back in the evening.