San Sebastián: A Surf Lovers Paradise
San Sebastián, also known as Donostia in the Basque language, a charming coastal city located in the Basque Country of northern San Sebastián is renowned for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and world-class cuisine. Whether you’re exploring the historic Old Town (Parte Vieja), savouring pintxos (Basque tapas) in local bars, or taking in panoramic views from the surrounding hills, San Sebastián offers a delightful mix of outdoor beauty, cultural experiences, and culinary delights making one of the best cities to visit in Spain.
I may make a commission through links provided on this page. I greatly appreciate any and all of your support, as your it means I can keep writing up travel recommendations like this one!
What to do when visiting San Sebastián
Relax on the beach
San Sebastián has three main beaches:
La Concha Beach (Playa de La Concha): La Concha Beach is the most iconic and renowned beach in San Sebastián. It’s known for its perfect crescent shape and golden sand. This beach is located right in the heart of the city, between the iconic Mount Urgull and Mount Igueldo. La Concha Beach is not only the largest beach in San Sebastián but is often considered one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe.
Ondarreta Beach (Playa de Ondarreta): Ondarreta Beach is situated just beyond La Concha Beach, and it offers a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. While it shares the same scenic backdrop of Mount Urgull, it tends to be less crowded than La Concha.
Zurriola Beach (Playa de Zurriola): Zurriola Beach, situated in the Gros neighborhood, is the go-to spot for surfers in San Sebastián. The lively Gros area around Zurriola Beach is known for its youthful, vibrant atmosphere and is a great place for beachfront dining and people-watching.
Go Surfing
Zurriola Beach is San Sebastián’s most popular destination for surfing. The beach has waves suitable for surfers of all skill levels, making it a great place to catch some waves. You can rent surfboards and wetsuits from local surf shops, and there are surf schools that offer lessons for beginners. Lessons range from an hour to week long courses.
Take the Funicular up to Monte Igueldo
Monte Igueldo is a hill that offers panoramic views of San Sebastián and its surroundings. You can take the historic funicular railway, known as the Funicular de Igueldo, to the top. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city, La Concha Bay, and the coastline. There’s also an amusement park on the hill, making it a fun excursion for both families.
There is a car park at the top if you would rather drive and you also have the option to walk up and/or down.
Check out the Haizearen Orrazia sculptures
The Haizearen Orrazia sculptures are a unique and modern addition to the San Sebastián landscape. Designed by artist Eduardo Chillida, these sculptures are located at the bottom of Monte Igueldo. They consist of three giant iron pieces contrasting with the sea.
Also, don’t forget to enjoy a blast from the blowholes!
Go up Urgull Hill
Mount Urgull is an iconic hill located at the western end of La Concha Beach (opposite Monte Igueldo). It’s a fantastic place to explore for a few hours with several well-marked trails. At the top, you’ll find the Castillo de la Mota, a historic fortification that now serves as a museum. The hill also offers panoramic views across San Sebastián.
People watch in Gipuzkoa Plaza
Gipuzkoa Plaza is a charming square in the centre of San Sebastián’s Old Town (Parte Vieja). It’s the perfect place to relax, and soak in the atmosphere. You’ll be surrounded by historic buildings, lively pintxos bars, and street performers, making it a perfect place to people-watch and take in the local culture.
Admire San Sebastián Cathedral
San Sebastián Cathedral, known as the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd (Catedral del Buen Pastor), is an impressive Neo-Gothic structure located in the city centre. Its intricate architecture and beautiful stained glass windows make it worth a stop. The cathedral’s interior provides a peaceful contrast to the busy streets outside.
Take a stroll around Critina Enea Parkea
Cristina Enea Park is a tranquil oasis in the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll. This huge green space features walking paths, ponds, and a variety of trees and plants. It’s a great place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, relax in nature, or even have a picnic.
Admire the view from Tabakalera
This former tobacco factory is now a cultural centre, with free exhibits. However, its main draw is its rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of the city.
Try out the pintxos
One of the best things about San Sebastián is it’s food! Instead of tapas, you will find pintxos, which mainly consist of bread with different toppings. You won’t find much seating in pintxos bars, instead there’s often tables or bars to stand and enjoy your food.
The best way to enjoy pintxos, is to head to The Old Town and go bar hopping, trying one or two pintxos before moving onto the next place. Some popular places to enjoy pintxos include La Cuchara de San Telmo, Gandarias, and Atari Gastroteka.
Top tip: Make sure you also try a glass of txakoli, the local lightly sparkling white wine.
Where to Stay when visiting San Sebastián
- Solo travelers: Surfing Etxea, I met some great people here, especially while chilling on the terrace, located just off the beach it has a great location.
Where to Eat when visiting San Sebastián
- Loco Polo: great ice cream shop
- Old Town: head here for the best pintxos
- Loaf: great place for breakfast and they do amazing cheesecake!
- Enxalao: great for brunch
- Fresh Greens: great veggie food
- Txiringuito Sague: this beach bar has a great atmosphere and is the perfect place to grad a drink and enjoy the sunset.
Best Day trips from San Sebastián
San Sebastián’s central location in the Basque Country of northern Spain makes it an excellent base for exploring the region. Here are some of the best day trips you can take from San Sebastián:
Bilbao
Bilbao is one of the Basque Country’s largest cities and is home to the Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. You can explore the museum’s world-class art collection, stroll through the Casco Viejo (old town), and savour Basque cuisine in the city’s many restaurants. The journey from San Sebastián to Bilbao is around an hour by car or train.
Hondarribia
Just a short drive from San Sebastián is Hondarribia, a picturesque coastal town with a well-preserved medieval quarter. You can explore its charming streets, visit the Castle of Charles V, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants. You can also take a boat trip across the bay from San Sebastián to Hondarribia.
Pamplona
Known for the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín festival, Pamplona is a historic city with a beautiful old town and impressive city walls. Explore the Plaza del Castillo, walk along the city’s fortifications, and visit the San Fermín Cathedral. You can check out my guide to Pamplona here.
The Rioja Wine Region
If you’re a wine lover you may want to consider a day trip to the Rioja Alavesa wine region. Visit a winery, sample exceptional Rioja wines, and enjoy the picturesque vineyard landscapes. The journey to the Rioja wine region takes around 90 minutes by car.
San Sebastián FAQs
How long to spend in San Sebastián?
San Sebastián is perfect for a weekend getaway. You will have plenty of time to explore the Old Town, visit La Concha Beach, indulge in pintxos, and take a short hike to Mount Urgull or Mount Igueldo for panoramic views.
San Sebastián is a great place to learn how to surf, with many choosing to stay and learn for a week or more. You’ll have time for leisurely beach days, in-depth exploration of museums and historical sites, and the opportunity to discover hidden gems in the city. You could also take multiple day trips to explore the surrounding Basque Country and its attractions.
Only have a day in San Sebastián? I still recommend going, especially if you’re after some time by the beach, however, be warned many leave from a day trip wishing they were staying for longer!
Is San Sebastian good for solo travelers?
I visited San Sebastián as a solo female traveller and had a great time. There are always people around the beach so you won’t be alone. You can also book multi day surf lessons where you get to go out with the same people each day, which can be a great way to get to know others.
The city’s compact size and well-designed layout make it easy to explore on foot. Many of the main attractions, restaurants, and pintxos bars are concentrated in the Old Town, meaning you can easily navigate the city without the need for extensive transportation.
When is the best time of year to visit San Sebastián?
I don’t believe there is a bad time to visit San Sebastián, each season brings a different experience so depends on what you are after.
Spring:
- Spring is a wonderful time to visit San Sebastián. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (12-20°C). It’s a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the city’s parks and beaches.
- Also the crowds are generally smaller compared to the summer months, making it easier to enjoy popular attractions and pintxos bars without all the long lines.
Summer:
- Summer is the peak tourist season in San Sebastián. The weather is warm and pleasant, with temperatures averaging in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-28°C). Due to being on the coast, the temperatures aren’t as high as mainland Spain!
- It’s the best time for beachgoers, as the water is warm enough for swimming and surfing, and the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor events. However, you should be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations during this time.
Autumn:
- Early autumn is an excellent time to visit. The weather remains pleasant, and the sea is still warm enough for swimming.
- September hosts the San Sebastián International Film Festival, attracting cinephiles and celebrities. However, as October progresses, the weather begins to cool, and some beach activities may become less appealing.
Winter:
- Winter in San Sebastián is relatively mild compared to many other European destinations. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit (7-13°C).
- While it’s not a traditional beach destination in winter, the city has its charm with fewer tourists. It’s an excellent time for cultural experiences, including visiting museums and trying hearty Basque cuisine. Pintxos bars are still open, though with a cozier atmosphere.
Are there any cultural festivals in San Sebastián?
San Sebastián hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year. One of the most famous is the San Sebastián International Film Festival, held in September.
There is also a vibrant jazz festival in July, known as the San Sebastián Jazz Festival. I coincidentally found myself in San Sebastian while this was on and pleasently surprised. With free concerts on the beach, there’s no better way to spend an evening in the sun.
Where next?
All you need to know about Pamplona
Save for later:
We planned to visit San Sebastián and then had to change our travel plans in Spain. But it sure looks like we need to put it back on the travel planning board. The beaches look lovely. Even if just watching the surfing. And those viewpoints sure give you a great panoramic vista. And whenever we go to Spain the pintxos are always dinner since we can’t stay up to the late dinner hour.
I’ve only been to a few places in Spain and I really want to see more of the country, so I’m always on a lookout to add a new destination to my map. San Sebastian looks like a beautiful place to visit, and the views from Urgull Hill look fantastic too. Thanks for sharing.
I will be in Bilbao in December. Its a shame I won’t have time to visit San Sebastian, but I’ll add it to my bucket list. That food looks amazing!
What a great guide to the area! I love Spain but we usually visit the islands of Majorca and Menorca – I’ll save this post for our next trip so we can try somewhere different. Thanks for sharing your expertise.
Thanks Jo, Northern Spain is so underrated and well worth the visit!