San Sebastian is a cosmopolitan city in the Basque Country that stands out for its gastronomy, urban beaches and Parisian-style buildings. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, you will find countless things to do in San Sebastian. It is full of original spaces, nature, unique experiences and impeccable cultural activities. San Sebastian is a city full of life, flavour and elegance that will make your trip unforgettable.
Discover San Sebastian, the city that truly captures the essence of the Basque Country.
Things to do in San Sebastian
La Concha Beach, a must-see in San Sebastian
La Concha is the jewel in Donosti’s crown; it is one of the most symbolic places to see in San Sebastian, Spain. Located in front of Santa Clara Island, this beach has been voted the number one urban beach in Europe and Spain. You can’t miss the famous railing on its promenade, as well as strolling along its extensive sand or taking a dip in the clean waters of the Bay of Biscay.
The beach is located in the centre of San Sebastian and forms part of La Concha bay. Both the beach and the bay owe their name to their curious shell-like shape. This beach has shallow waters, and offers stunning views from the water and the shore. In addition, during the Semana Grande, it is the ideal place to admire the fireworks.
La Concha also has all kinds of services, from the popular blue and white awnings to toilets, showers and changing rooms.
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El Club Náutico
The Nautical Club is another of the most important buildings in the city. It is the most important work of Spanish Modern Architecture and has recently been declared “Bien de Interés Cultural” with the category of “Monument”.
It was built in 1929 by the Gipuzkoan architects José Manuel Aizpurua and Joaquín Labayen, and imitates a ship moored at the quay, which attracts the last lights of the day as the sun sets. Next to the Club there is a platform that juts out into the sea, another place to stop and admire the surroundings. This walkway is also one of the favourite spots amongst locals to relax.
Miramar Palace
Located on the last stretch of the Paseo de La Concha, the imposing Miramar Palace stands out in the landscape. It dates back to the end of the 19th century and is reminiscent of the style of English country mansions. From 1893, this palace was the summer residence of Queen María Cristina, Alfonso XIII and Juan Carlos de Borbón.
The highlight of this building is its lovely manicured gardens, which were designed by Pierre Ducasse. This is the perfect place to lie back and admire the spectacular views of the bay of San Sebastian Spain.
La Parte Vieja, the neighbourhood you have to see in San Sebastian
The place you can’t miss in San Sebastian is without a doubt the Parte Vieja. It is the second oldest neighbourhood of the city and is right at the foot of Mount Urgull, with the port on the sea side, and the Urumea River and Gros neighbourhood on the east side.
You can’t miss its cobbled streets, such as 31 de Agosto, which commemorates the fire of that day in 1813. Every corner is full of bars where you can enjoy the best pintxos in town, and its iconic buildings such as the Basilica of Santa María del Coro.
The Plaza de la Constitución
The Plaza de la Constitución is one of the most famous places in the capital of Gipuzkoa. It is full of life and also the main square of the most important local festivities, the famous Tamborrada. One of the main things to do in this city is to wander around the streets and get lost in the Parte Vieja, as well as recharging in one of the many bars or restaurants in the area by ordering a txakolí.
Basílica de Santa María
The Basilica of Santa María is an exuberant 18th century baroque building that towers over the Calle Mayor in the Old Quarter. Its baroque façade stands out, presided over by a sculpture of San Sebastián Mártir.
A curious thing about this basilica is that its main doorway is in a straight line to the entrance of the Buen Pastor Cathedral, both being the two most important religious hubs in San Sebastian.
Zurriola Beach
La Zurriola is synonymous with surfing. This is the area with the most life and surfing atmosphere in San Sebastian Spain. Located next to the Gros neighbourhood, at the foot of Monte Ulía, this beach is a favourite destination for surfers and young people looking for a good atmosphere and to meet people.
In addition to the surfing championships and competitions held here, you will also see football matches. It is precisely this sporty, vibrant atmosphere that makes this beach so dynamic and attractive.
Ondarreta Beach
Due to its location, Ondarreta Beach is the ideal place for families, but also for those looking to relax on the sand. Located below Monte Igeldo and at the foot of the Miramar Palace, Ondarreta is the least known of San Sebastian’s three urban beaches, which is why it is also where you will find the smallest crowds. It is without a doubt another of the must-see spots in this beautiful city.
Monte Urgull
Located at one end of the La Concha Bay, Mount Urgull guards the Old Town. It is one of the three green areas of San Sebastian. Formed by several asphalted paths and surrounded by exotic vegetation, it is a green space where you can take a breath of fresh air and enjoy its tranquillity.
This mountain has four slopes that offer spectacular views of the sea and the city. The large number of viewpoints will allow you to enjoy a unique and different perspective of San Sebastian, Spain.
The Comb of the Wind
The Wind Comb is a set of three steel sculptures weighing more than 9 tonnes each. Located where the city ends and the sea begins, and where the waves break against the cliffs of Monte Igeldo. Eduardo Chillida was the architect who designed these sculptures, which he anchored in the rock so that the wind would always enter the Bay of La Concha. A place to enjoy the strength and beauty of the sea and the surroundings, and one of the unique places to visit in San Sebastian.
What to see in the Ensanche San Sebastian
The Ensanche of San Sebastian was very carefully planned, with very elegant urban planning. Located in the middle of the bay of La Concha, the Town Hall is without a doubt the essential stop to see in the Ensanche of San Sebastian.
Another spot you can’t miss is the Catedral del Buen Pastor, inaugurated in 1897. With an aesthetic inspired by the medieval churches of Germany and France, the sharp spire that crowns the building has given it the title of the tallest building in all of San Sebastian.
Monte Igueldo
Mount Igueldo dominates the end of La Concha Bay, bordering the city and the sea. This mountain invites you to travel back in time on its 1912 funicular railway, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
From the top you can enjoy the tranquillity of the bay and the forceful waves crashing against the cliffs. But this place also hides an Amusement Park, which still has its “Belle Epoque” charm and makes the visit even more interesting.
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Things to do around San Sebastian Spain
Guetaria
Guetaria is located in Guipúzcoa, 25.2 km from San Sebastián. This fishing village is considered one of the most beautiful on the Basque coast, but it is also one of the most famous, as it is the birthplace of great historical figures such as the sailor Juan Sebastián Elcano and the famous designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. Stroll through its narrow streets and stone houses that create a unique charm. It is an essential stop on the coast of the Basque Country.
Zumaia
Zumaia is a town that will always surprise you. It is located on one of the most beautiful stretches of the coast of Gipuzkoa, surrounded by green mountains that descend to the sea in the form of steep cliffs. This coastal town has many attractions, from its historic quarter to its picturesque beaches.
A must-see in this town are its spectacular cliffs. From Itzurun beach to Deba, you can take a beautiful route to admire the views and discover the peculiar geological phenomenon, Flysch. They can be found on this beach and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tips for your trip to San Sebastian Spain
- San Sebastian’s climate is characteristically mild, with rainfall throughout the year. So don’t forget your rain coat or umbrella whenever you go.
- The tap water in San Sebastian is drinkable and of very good quality.
- One of the things to watch out for on the beaches are the waves and currents. Always swim in the permitted areas and obey the lifeguards’ instructions.
- In Donosti there are car parks known as “park-and-ride car parks”, which are usually on the outskirts of the city and are connected to the city centre by buses.
- Plan your itinerary to San Sebastian with the Passporter App. Discover the magic of having your travel route organised on your mobile.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to San Sebastian
Its strategic location and great infrastructure have made San Sebastian an easily accessible place, connected by all types of transport with the rest of the world. You can reach San Sebastian by plane, bus, train or car.
Within a radius of just over 100 km around Donostia there are 3 airports, 2 of which are international. San Sebastian has an airport 20 kilometres from the city centre, which has connections to Madrid and Barcelona.
Bilbao airport is 100km away, with connections to the whole of Europe, and Biarritz airport is 40km away, served by French and international airlines, as well as low-cost airlines.
San Sebastian is a city designed for pedestrians. You will be able to get around easily on foot and there are multiple public transport options (bus) between the different parts of the city.
If you arrive in the city by car, there are more than 6,000 parking spaces in San Sebastian. We recommend using the car parks and public transport, especially during the busiest tourist season. It is a city designed for people and can be easily covered on foot, thanks to its short distances, large pedestrianised area and wonderful walks along the river, the sea, or between streets and avenues, with architecture worthy of admiring.
Mount Urgull is closed at night. Opening hours from 1 May to 30 September are 08:00-21:00, and from 1 October to 30 April 08:00-19:30.
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