Free walking tours in Pasaia and what to see

Must-sees

Pasaia wraps around an enclosed bay between Mount Ulía and Mount Jaizkibel, very close to San Sebastián. The most visited district is Pasai Donibane, a single long street right by the water, with narrow houses, colourful balconies, passages under the buildings and small squares. Here are the Plaza de Santiago, with the old town hall facing the sea, the church of San Juan Bautista and the house where Victor Hugo stayed, now a tourist office with an exhibition on the writer. The sailor Blas de Lezo was also born in Pasaia.

Across the bay is Pasai San Pedro, linked to Donibane by a small ferry that crosses in a few minutes. In San Pedro you will find Albaola, a shipyard where a replica of the San Juan, a 16th-century Basque whaling ship, is being built using traditional techniques. You can also visit Mater, an old wooden fishing boat turned museum ship. From both districts, paths lead to the harbour mouth and the cliffs.

Free tours and guided visits

Pasaia has a free walking tour of Donibane and San Pedro, as well as a guided tour of the town, covering its seafaring history, the bay and the corners of Donibane. On your own you can round off the visit with Albaola, the Mater museum boat and a boat trip around the bay. If you are staying in San Sebastián, many visits combine the two places, and there is also a walking route over Mount Ulía linking them.

How long to spend

Three or four hours are enough to walk through Donibane, cross on the ferry and see San Pedro. If you add Albaola, the museum boat and a fish lunch, allow a day. Keen walkers can come on foot from San Sebastián over Mount Ulía, a route of about ten kilometres with sea views, or climb Jaizkibel from Donibane and carry on towards Hondarribia.

Where to stay

There are few places to stay in Pasai Donibane, but sleeping there is charming, because at night the street goes quiet beside the water. San Pedro and Trintxerpe have a bit more choice and good bus links. The most convenient alternative is to stay in San Sebastián, especially in Gros or Egia, from where you reach Pasaia in a few minutes by bus or on foot along the coast.