World Experience
North of Spain
Private Tour

Private Day Trip from San Sebastián: Hondarribia, Ferry to Hendaye & Pasaia Fishing Villages

From the Plaza de Armas, look across the bay to France, then cross it by ferry.

Group 10
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From 380 €  person
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A full day on the Spanish–French border with a private guide and vehicle from San Sebastián: Hondarribia's walled old town, the ferry across the Bay of Txingudi to Hendaye, and the harbor of Pasaia, where San Juan and San Pedro face each other across the water.

Hondarribia is the last town in Spain before the Bidasoa River becomes France, and it still looks like a frontier: medieval walls, a fortress reinforced by Charles V, and the church where Louis XIV's marriage to the Spanish Infanta was celebrated by proxy in 1660. From the castle square, Hendaye is close enough to make out the houses, and the ferry turns that view into a crossing. Pasaia closes the day with a working fishing harbor where Victor Hugo once spent a summer. It suits travelers who have already walked San Sebastián's old town and want to see where the Basque coast keeps going, on both sides of the border.

Highlights

  • Two countries in one day, linked by a ferry across the Bay of Txingudi instead of a highway crossing
  • The view from Hondarribia's Plaza de Armas: the Bidasoa estuary, the French shore and the Parador's stone fortress in a single frame
  • Church of Santa María, setting of the 1660 royal proxy wedding that sealed peace between Spain and France
  • Hondarribia's old town inside its walls, with brightly painted façades and the casas de indianos built with fortunes from the Americas
  • San Juan: a single street of balconied houses on the Pasaia harbor, plus San Pedro's working fishing port across the water
  • A private guide and vehicle for the full eight hours, so the boat, the border and the drive connect without you planning a thing

Included

  • Private professional guide for 8 hours, in English, Spanish or your preferred language (subject to availability)
  • Private Mercedes vehicle with driver for 8 hours (sedan or van depending on group size)
  • Guided visit of Hondarribia, San Juan and San Pedro
  • Ferry ticket from Hondarribia to Hendaye (subject to weather conditions)
  • Round-trip transportation from/to San Sebastián

Not Included

  • Meals, drinks and personal expenses

  • Entrance fees or activities not listed above

  • Gratuities (optional, always appreciated)

How It Runs

Combining a town, a ferry and a second country in one day usually means timing a crossing and working out how to get from Hendaye to the next stop. Here the private vehicle is waiting on the French side when the ferry lands, and the same guide stays with you from the first walk in Hondarribia to the drive back to San Sebastián.


 

San Sebastián · Departure
Your guide and driver meet you in central San Sebastián, or at your hotel on request, for the short drive east along the coast to Hondarribia.

Hondarribia · Old Town & Plaza de Armas
Enter the walled town and walk up to the Plaza de Armas, the square in front of the Parador, the castle Charles V strengthened to guard the border. Your guide puts the town's frontier history into context at the Church of Santa Maríaand along the streets of painted houses and casas de indianos.

Bay of Txingudi · Ferry to Hendaye
Walk down to the port for the short ferry crossing to Hendaye, on the French side of the bay (weather permitting; ticket included). A brief stop in Hendaye gives you a first look at the French Basque shore before your driver picks you up for the drive to Pasaia.

Pasaia · San Juan & San Pedro
Back in Spain by car, the day ends at Pasaia's harbor. In San Juan (Pasai Donibane), a single street runs along the water past the house where Victor Hugo stayed in 1843; across the harbor mouth, San Pedro is where the fishing boats tie up. There's time for a coffee or fresh seafood at your own expense.

Return · San Sebastián
A short drive takes you back to San Sebastián, with drop-off in the center or at your hotel.

Enhance Your Experience

Start the day from anywhere in the Basque Country, with private transport arranged from Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz or wherever you're staying, so the tour begins at your door.

Good to Know

  • Ideal for: couples, families and small private groups staying in San Sebastián who want a full day on the coast beyond the city.
  • Languages: this private tour can be conducted in English or Spanish. Other languages are available on request, subject to guide availability.
  • Crossing into France: Spain and France are both in the Schengen Area, so there's no border control, but carry your passport or ID for the day.
  • If the ferry doesn't run: in bad weather, the crossing to Hendaye is made by car instead, so the rest of the day stays the same.
  • Walking: easy to moderate, on cobblestones and some sloping streets in Hondarribia's old town. Comfortable shoes recommended.
  • Best time to visit: late spring to early autumn brings the longest days and the calmest bay for the crossing. The Basque coast sees rain in every season, so pack a light waterproof.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days before the scheduled date (excluding monument/attraction tickets, which are non-refundable). An optional cancellation insurance is available during booking, allowing cancellation up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund (excluding tickets where applicable). Operator cancellations due to weather or unforeseen circumstances are fully refundable. No-shows will be charged the full price.


 

Book now
From 380 € person
Duration:  8h
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