At the end of July 2025, I slipped away to northern Spain for four nights, flying from Cork to Bilbao and splitting my time between San Sebastián and Bilbao. It was the perfect little escape: easy travel, walkable cities, incredible food and just the right balance of beach and culture.

Getting There: Cork to Bilbao

Flying from Cork into Bilbao made the trip wonderfully straightforward. After landing in Bilbao, we headed straight to the bus stop right outside the airport arrivals terminal and caught a coach to San Sebastián. The journey is very simple and scenic, taking you through the rolling green landscapes of the Basque Country, with the mountains on one side and hints of the coastline on the other. Buses between Bilbao and San Sebastián run frequently, are comfortable, and are a great way to travel without the hassle of hiring a car or navigating unfamiliar roads.

We spent the first two nights in San Sebastián, a chic seaside city that feels both relaxed and sophisticated.

Where We Stayed: Zenit San Sebastián

For our San Sebastián base, we chose the Zenit San Sebastián, located in a quieter, more residential part of the city but still within easy walking distance of the main sights. It felt very much like a stylish urban bolthole: modern décor, comfortable rooms and a calm atmosphere to return to after a busy day exploring. From the hotel, we could stroll into the centre, wander down to La Concha beach, and dip in and out of the old town’s pintxos bars without ever needing a taxi.

What We Did in San Sebastián

San Sebastián is compact and very walkable, which makes it ideal for a short stay:

Beach time on La Concha: We spent time simply soaking up the atmosphere along the famous crescent-shaped La Concha beach. Golden sand, bobbing boats and a very elegant seafront promenade created that timeless European seaside feel.

Pintxos in the old town: The heart of the experience is hopping from bar to bar, enjoying pintxos (Basque-style tapas) with a glass of txakoli (local sparkling white wine) or Rioja. Counters piled high with little works of culinary art, and that wonderful buzz of locals and visitors all mingling together.

As the heat eased off in the evening, we wandered the old streets, listened to buskers and watched the sky turn pastel over the bay. It felt incredibly safe, relaxed and atmospheric.

San Sebastián has a very liveable pace. Two nights gave us time to get a real feel for it, without ever feeling rushed.

On the Road: Bus from San Sebastián to Bilbao

After two nights, we headed back to the bus station for our journey to Bilbao. Again, the bus was the perfect choice: comfortable, air-conditioned and direct. It is a lovely way to watch the landscape change as you move from coastal chic San Sebastián to the more urban, artistic vibe of Bilbao.

Bilbao: Culture, Architecture and City Sophistication

Bilbao has transformed itself over the last few decades, and you can feel that mix of tradition and modernity everywhere you go.

Where We Stayed: Carlton Hotel Bilbao

In Bilbao we based ourselves at the iconic Carlton Hotel, a grand dame of the city located right on Plaza Moyúa. This was an ideal location for exploring:

Easy access to the main shopping streets. A pleasant walk to the Guggenheim Museum along the river.

Surrounded by cafés, bars and restaurants.

The hotel itself exudes old-world elegance: sweeping staircases, classic interiors and a sense of history. It felt more like a traditional European city hotel, with a touch of glamour that made our Bilbao stay feel very special.

What We Did in Bilbao With two nights here, we were able to enjoy the highlights at a relaxed pace:

The Guggenheim Museum: Even if you are not a modern art enthusiast, the building alone is worth the visit. Frank Gehry’s gleaming curves, the giant Puppy sculpture outside, and the riverside setting all combine to create a genuinely memorable experience.

Strolling along the river: The riverside walk is one of the best ways to see Bilbao’s architecture, bridges and public art. It also connects key areas of the city, so you can explore without needing public transport.

:Bilbao’s old town (Casco Viejo) is another fantastic area for pintxos. The style is slightly different to San Sebastián, but the principle is the same: lots of small plates, local wines and a lively, authentic atmosphere.

Shopping and café culture: Around Plaza Moyúa and Gran Vía you will find elegant shops, cafés and terraces, perfect for a coffee or glass of wine while you watch the city go by.

Why This 4-Night Itinerary Works So Well

This little itinerary works beautifully as a short break for couples, friends or even solo travellers:

Easy access from Ireland: With flights from Cork into Bilbao, it is a very manageable escape without long layovers. Two contrasting cities in one trip: San Sebastián offers beachside relaxation and culinary indulgence, while Bilbao brings culture, big-city energy and striking architecture.: Reliable buses connect Bilbao and San Sebastián, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. Perfect length: Four nights felt just right for a refreshing break, but it can easily be extended with extra nights in either city or combined with nearby wine regions.

Ready To Plan Your Own Basque Escape? If this sounds like your kind of getaway, I can tailor a similar itinerary around your preferred dates, budget and interests: from boutique or luxury hotels to private transfers, restaurant recommendations and special experiences.

Contact me today to start planning your own 4-night Basque escape from Cork to Bilbao, and let me take care of all the details while you look forward to the pintxos, sunsets and Spanish sunshine.