Hiking from San Sebastián to Pasai Donibane
Discover this Coastal Hike from San Sebastián to Pasaia
If you enjoy being active on holiday, love rustic coastal views, and appreciate ending your journey at a great restaurant to reward yourself, then this hike is for you. San Sebastián invites you to embrace its natural beauty and vibrant outdoor life on this Mount Ulia Trailhead (Camino de Santiago) route.
It may have been an overcast day for our hike, but the views of this rugged coastline were still beautiful
What our hike entailed
We hiked the 7km coastal path that starts near Playa Zurriola (see our map below) along the Ulía Mountain in to the charming town of Pasaia.
Setting off in the morning, we arrived just in time for lunch. The hike concludes with a descent into Pasai San Pedro. We took a short boat ride from the Pier Pasai San Pedro across to Pasai Donibane, a picturesque fishing village with a single long, cobbled street lined with quaint houses facing the water and lovely restaurants serving local seafood. You also have options to relax with an ice cream or a cerveza by the sea.
We took the short bus trip back to San Sebastián or alternatively you can book a taxi.
Boat Crossing: San Pedro to Donibane
This boat crossing takes only a few minutes, costs €1.10 (under 3 year olds travel free) and the boats cross regularly given the journey is so short.
Itxas Zerbi Servicios Marítimos (Boat service) Timetable:
The boats cross from Pier Pasai San Pedro across to Pier Pasai Donibane continuously throughout the day during the following hours:
Monday-Thursday: 06:30-23:00
Friday: 06:30-24:00
Saturday: De 07:00 a 24:00.
Sundays and Holidays: 07:45-23:00
Website: turismopasaia
Pasai Donibane
The boat that takes you from Pasai San Pedro to Pasai Donibane provided by Itxas Zerbi Servicios Marítimos
The Hike Route
This enjoyable 2.5-hour hike offers stunning views of San Sebastián's rugged coastline.
The hike starts just East of Zurriola Beach in San Sebastián. After a steep incline into the greenery, you'll find signs directing you all along the path that meanders up and down through Ulía Mountain.
There are different coloured signs depending on your destination (see the photos below). For the route to Pasaia, we followed the white and red signs. There’s certainly no need for a map.
Detailing the colour of sign to follow according to your destination. White/ red for Pasaia
The signposts to follow along our path to Pasaia (white/red were the colours for our route)
What to pack for the hike
We did this straight after a surf lesson with soggy hair and fuelled by a coffee and pastry at breakfast earlier that morning. We carried a backpack with our camera, sunglasses and a water bottle. You may also like to pack:
A drink (water is advisable)
Sun cream/sunglasses
Snacks/packed lunch (snacks are always a good idea; if you’re not planning to have a meal in the village at the end of this hike, then bring a packed lunch, as there are a few picnic spots along the way to enjoy your food with a view).
We had a half eaten tortilla sandwich from Juantxo Taberna in our bag. A real hearty sandwich, perfect for a picnic.
Website: juantxo
What to Wear
a comfortable pair of walking shoes
Zaeem wore a summer t-shirt and shorts with trainers, whilst Alice wore her running shorts and a vest top with trainers.
Depending on your fitness level or any injuries you need to take into account for, then trainers should be fine but we understand some people would want mountain boots.
This coastal path is uneven, through nature and can get particularly muddy in places especially if it has rained recently.
We saw people of all ages, from children with their families to the more elderly, hike this path. Some were kitted out with walking sticks, whilst many locals wore everyday clothes, enjoying a casual Sunday stroll.
Getting Back to San Sebastián
We took the E01 bus line back to San Sebastián.
Bus stop in Donibane: Juan XXIII Frontón – Bus stop in Donostia: Gipuzkoa Square, 11 (or whereever is convenient to you).
The bus runs every 20-30 minutes from Pasai Donibane and costs only a couple of euros. The journey took about 20mins into town.
To see a full timetable of this Ekialde bus route visit: ekialdebus
Where to Eat in Pasai Donibane
Ziaboga Jatetxea
We opted for a small lunch here as we didn’t want to spoil our appetite for a tasting menu we had booked for that evening but we were very happy with our choices: a fresh tomato salad and ceviche enjoyed outside in the sun, overlooking the water. Delicious!
Website: ziabogabistrot
Casa Cámara
If you’re looking for a great restaurant in Pasia Donibane make sure to book Casa Cámara Jatetxea; their Basque cuisine comes highly recommended. This restaurant has been in the family since 1884 and over looks the Bay of Pasaia. Expect lovely seafood, including lobster.
Given our last minute decision to hike on the day we visited this village, there were no tables available to book but it’s on the list for our next trip to Donostia.
Website: casacamara
San Sebastián to Donibane Map
Check out our pointers on the map below, which you may find helpful to plan your hike.
How to use our maps
Click on the menu icon on the top left to show a list of all places on the map. You’ll find our notes by clicking on each place.
Click on the fullscreen icon on the top right to open the map in Google Maps.