Bilbao - San Sebastián

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, our vehicle for this trip is a diesel-powered Mercedes Vito Tourer passenger van, providing plenty of comfort and space for exploring northern Spain.

We departed Bilbao at around 9:00 AM and headed north toward the Atlantic coast. Our main destination was the famous chapel of Gaztelugatxe, perched on a rocky islet and connected to the mainland by a narrow stone walkway and staircase. The setting is spectacular and has become one of the most photographed landmarks in the Basque Country.

The drive itself was a highlight. Rolling green hills, small farms, and grazing cattle stretched across the landscape. In many ways, the scenery reminded us of Switzerland, although the forests here are dominated by eucalyptus trees rather than the pine, oak, and beech trees we are accustomed to seeing.

As we approached the trailhead for Gaztelugatxe, our excitement was cooled by a surprise. We learned that weekend visits require an advance online reservation. Unfortunately, our travel guide had not mentioned this detail. Rather than dwell on the disappointment, we chose a shorter trail leading to a scenic viewpoint. From there, we enjoyed excellent views of the coastline and the chapel in the distance. We have already decided to return on Tuesday after our stay in San Sebastián so that we can experience it properly.

From Gaztelugatxe, we continued east along the coast. The road wound through the hills with countless curves and switchbacks, while openings in the forest revealed impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, we passed through a number of spotless towns and villages that reflected the pride and care of their residents. With sunny weather and pleasant temperatures, the weekend atmosphere was in full swing. People were out walking, hiking, cycling, and enjoying picnics wherever there was a scenic spot.

We stopped in the charming seaside town of Lekeitio, where we took a break and enjoyed a cold beer accompanied by prosciutto and a fresh baguette.

By late afternoon, we arrived in San Sebastián and settled into our apartments. After a little relaxation, we headed out for an early dinner at Pizzeria La Mina. Kurt declared it the best pizza he had ever eaten, and none of us felt inclined to argue. The thin, crispy crust was outstanding, and the evening ended on a sweet note with some excellent ice cream that Kurt generously shared with the group.

Tomorrow, Sunday, will be a more relaxed day. Since many businesses are closed, we plan to take a city sightseeing bus tour and enjoy a leisurely walk along San Sebastián’s beautiful beach.Lue lisää