7-Day Sarria, Portomarin, Arzua, & Santiago de Compostela, Spain Couples Itinerary

📅 Best Time to Visit

July and August are perfect for swimming at La Concha, but the city becomes crowded and expensive. Aim for September; the weather remains mild at 22 degrees Celsius and the San Sebastian International Film Festival brings life to the streets. Avoid November through March when constant rain makes the coast damp and chilly.

• Purchase a Mugi card at any Tobacconist (Estanco) to reduce bus fares from 1.85 EUR to under 1 EUR per ride.
• Visit the Parte Vieja for pintxos before 1pm or after 8pm; bars are often closed or empty between 4pm and 7pm.
• Walk from the Aquarium to the top of Monte Urgull to see the cannons and the Christ statue; it is steeper but offers better views than the funicular.
• Use the La Perla changing rooms on La Concha beach if you want a hot shower and locker after swimming in the chilly Atlantic.
• Book Michelin-starred tables like Arzak or Akelarre at least 3 months in advance via their websites.
• Leave the city center and walk across the bridge to the Gros neighborhood for better, less crowded surfing spots at Zurriola beach.
• Carry small change for pintxos bars; many still prefer cash for individual drink and snack orders under 10 EUR.

• 1
  Rain jacket (waterproof shell)
• 2
  Comfortable walking shoes (thick soles for cobbles)
• 3
  Light sweater (year-round layering)
• 4
  Sunglasses (for bright glare off the bay)
• 5
  Small umbrella (collapsible)
• 6
  Swimsuit (for summer beach days)
• 7
  Casual evening wear (smart-casual is standard)