Much as you may probably have fallen in love with the city, dragging yourself off San Sebastian will bring its own rewards. We will head into the interior of Gipuzkoa province, driving south to reach the hidden deep valleys descending from the mountains and isolated tiny villages.
Considered to be the balcony of the region and one of its most emblematic summits Mt Hernio will give us the opportunity to admire both, the inland green valleys, and the Atlantic ocean.
People from around the globe come to visit the sanctuary dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits. The complex includes a series of buildings constructed around the Loyola family tower house, birthplace of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. At the centre sits the Basilica of Loyola, a spectacular 18th-century Baroque church.
The prettiest of the towns along this stretch of coast, with fishing giving it a sense of purpose, Getaria has traditionally been a whaling port. Today is the centre of txakoli white wine and excellent grilled fish. We will have the opportunity to have lunch (not included) in one of the many restaurants facing this fishing port full of charm.
The white church of San Telmo is the best viewpoint to see the Geopark, a coastal park where the spectacular geological formations and colours of the flysch (rock strata) look out defiantly over the ocean.