Cycling day trip from Irun to Donostia / San Sebastian

This ride starts in Irun, right on the French-Spanish border—so you’ll get that cool sense of crossing cultures as soon as you roll out. Irun is an old railway town, bustling but compact, surrounded by green hills and the Bidasoa River. From there, it’s a scenic cruise southwest toward Donostia / San Sebastian.

You’ll pedal about 29 kilometers, mostly on quiet roads and proper cycleways, winding through small Basque villages and past the rugged foothills of the Pyrenees. The route has some decent climbs (expect a total ascent of about 525 meters), but you’re rewarded with rolling descents and awesome coastal views as you drop toward San Sebastian. Much of the way is smooth asphalt, with the occasional patch of paving stones or concrete to keep things interesting.

Donostia / San Sebastian is legendary for its beautiful beach (La Concha), pintxos bars, and elegant old town. Lock up the bike and go for a swim, or just grab a coffee and bask in the city’s chilled vibe—it’s well-earned after a ride like this!