Hernani is a small but lively town in the Basque Country that offers more than just beautiful scenery. It’s a place where art, culture, and local traditions come together, making it a fantastic destination for unique tours. We’re especially fond of the Chillida Leku Museum Ticket, because it combines outdoor sculpture with the natural landscape, creating a memorable art experience. The San Sebastian: Culture and Gastronomy Guided E-Bike Tour stands out for combining a scenic ride with delicious Basque food, perfect for those who love active, food, and culture. Finally, the San Sebastian: Private Walking Tour & Chillida Museum offers a personalized way to explore both the city’s highlights and Chillida’s impressive sculptures.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best tours in Hernani, each offering a different way to experience this vibrant part of Spain. Whether you’re into art, cycling, or walking through a city’s streets, this guide will help you choose the best option for your style.
1. Chillida Leku Museum Ticket
At number one, we have the Chillida Leku Museum Ticket, which costs around $16. This ticket grants you access to an extraordinary sculpture park where Eduardo Chillida’s works blend seamlessly with the landscape. The museum is set in the Basque Country and allows for a flexible visit, either exploring on your own or joining a guided tour for deeper insights.
What makes this experience stand out is its peaceful setting in a vast garden filled with monumental sculptures. Chillida’s art is designed to be experienced outdoors, and the museum’s design emphasizes the harmony between art and nature. Visitors often appreciate the tranquility and the opportunity to see the sculptures from different angles. The historic Zabalaga Farmhouse on site adds to the charm, and temporary exhibitions keep things fresh.
Reviews highlight the spacious facilities, friendly staff, and cleanliness, making it a relaxing visit. This tour is perfect for art lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a quiet moment in nature surrounded by impressive sculptures. Its value for money is excellent given the quality of the experience and the opportunity to learn about Chillida’s philosophy of being “Guided by an aroma,” which adds a poetic touch to your visit.
Bottom Line: A must-see if you love sculpture parks or want a peaceful outdoor art experience at an affordable price.
2. San Sebastian: Culture and Gastronomy Guided E-Bike Tour
The San Sebastian: Culture and Gastronomy Guided E-Bike Tour is a lively way to explore the Basque Country’s beauty and culinary traditions in a single day. For around 7 hours, this tour takes you on a guided ride starting from a central meeting point. It includes a visit to the Chillida Leku open-air museum (see Chillida Leku Museum Ticket for details), so you get a mix of art, scenery, and local flavor.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of cycling, sightseeing, and tasting. You’ll cruise along scenic routes, stopping at cultural highlights before arriving at a traditional cider house for lunch—an authentic Basque experience. The e-bike makes it accessible even if you’re not a seasoned cyclist, and the tour includes a live guide speaking English, Spanish, or French.
The itinerary is well-paced, with about 75 minutes at the Chillida Leku Museum, enough to appreciate the sculptures without rushing. The tour is ideal for active travelers who want to enjoy San Sebastian’s landscape, sample local food, and learn about Basque culture firsthand. The cost includes skip-the-line entry, making it hassle-free.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a full-day, active immersion into Basque culture, art, and gastronomy, with flexible booking and private groups.
3. San Sebastian: Private Walking Tour & Chillida Museum
Our third pick is the San Sebastian: Private Walking Tour & Chillida Museum, offering a highly personalized experience over four hours. This tour provides a tailored way to see the city’s most famous sights alongside Chillida’s sculptures, with a private guide leading the way.
Starting from a location you choose, the tour includes a one-hour city walk exploring San Sebastian’s iconic spots, followed by a visit to the Peine del Viento sculpture—another of Chillida’s masterpieces, which you can enjoy with a guided explanation. The highlight is the visit to the Chillida Leku Museum, where open gardens and sculptures create an immersive art environment. The tour concludes with transportation in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz vehicle, giving you the flexibility to relax and enjoy the scenery.
This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a more intimate, flexible exploration of both the city and Chillida’s artwork. The private nature means you can focus on what interests you most, whether it’s the art, architecture, or city streets. It also offers the convenience of pickup options and a small-group setting.
Reviews emphasize the personalized service and in-depth insights provided by the guide. It’s well-suited for art enthusiasts, couples, or small groups seeking a bespoke experience.
Bottom Line: A top choice for travelers who want a customizable, private tour combining city highlights with world-class sculpture.
How to Choose Between These Tours
When deciding which of these top tours to pick, consider your interests, budget, and how much time you have. If outdoor sculpture parks and tranquil environments appeal most, the Chillida Leku Museum Ticket offers excellent value with flexibility. For active travelers eager to combine sightseeing with local cuisine, the San Sebastian E-Bike Tour delivers a full-day experience with delicious food stops. Those wanting a more personalized and in-depth exploration of San Sebastian and Chillida’s art will find the Private Walking Tour ideal.
Think about your fitness level and whether you prefer self-guided or guided experiences. Book early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred schedule.
Final Thoughts
Hernani and the surrounding Basque Country offer a variety of memorable tours that blend art, culture, and local flavor. For a peaceful outdoor art experience, the Chillida Leku Museum Ticket is hard to beat. For those who love active exploration with a culinary twist, the San Sebastian E-Bike Tour is perfect. If you prefer a tailored, in-depth visit, the Private Walking Tour offers personalized insights and comfort.
No matter your choice, these tours promise a deeper connection with the region’s artistry and traditions. Book in advance to ensure your spot, and enjoy discovering Hernani’s rich offerings at your own pace.
