Free walking tours in Hernani and what to see

Must-sees

Hernani is in the Urumea valley, about ten kilometres from San Sebastián and at the foot of Mount Santa Bárbara. Its old town, protected as a historic ensemble, keeps the Calle Mayor with manor houses such as the 16th-century Aierdi Arretxea and the Torre de los Gentiles. The 16th-century church of San Juan Bautista stands next to the town hall, an arcaded building rebuilt after the last Carlist war. Of the town walls, the Gothic Arco de Zapa survives.

The best-known visit is outside the centre: Chillida Leku, Eduardo Chillida's museum, with dozens of sculptures spread across a large meadow and a restored farmhouse. You can also see the convent of San Agustín, with its cloister, and climb Mount Santa Bárbara, with its hermitage and good views of the valley. Hernani is also cider house country, like neighbouring Astigarraga.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Hernani. The closest thing to a guided visit is at Chillida Leku, which runs tours of the garden and the farmhouse and is worth booking. The old town is small and easy to explore on your own. Many trips from San Sebastián combine the museum with a meal at a cider house, especially during the txotx season at the start of the year.

How long to spend

One hour is enough for the old town. Chillida Leku needs another two or three hours, so in half a day you see the main sights. If you add the climb up Mount Santa Bárbara and a cider house meal, allow the whole day. It is a very easy trip from San Sebastián that you can do in a morning.

Where to stay

Choice in Hernani is limited, with some rural accommodation in farmhouses around the town, a good option if you have a car and want peace and quiet. The most practical choice is usually to stay in San Sebastián, a few minutes away, with far more options and good bus links. Astigarraga, next door, is another alternative if your plan centres on the cider houses.