San Sebastián

Travel Guide
San Sebastian which includes general coastal views, a city and a coastal town
Fabulous sandy beaches, historical buildings and Basque cuisine make this resort town in northern Spain a compelling place to visit.

The seaside resort of San Sebastián is one of the most popular summer destinations in Spain's Basque Country. The city sits on a circular bay made up of white-sand beaches. Its gorgeous mountain scenery encompasses a fascinating old town. Tour ancient churches, visit a hilltop 12th-century fortress and spend sunny days on a beach.

The shell-shaped Playa de la Concha in the center of the city is where many visitors chose to relax. Sunbathe on this long, pleasant stretch of sand and swim or take a boat to Santa Clara Island, which lies just offshore. San Sebastián has two other city beaches, Ondarreta and Zurriola, popular with surfers.

Behind the beaches lies the old town, where San Sebastian was born. Follow streets leading to churches, plazas, shops and boutiques. Visit the 16th-century San Vicente Church and the 18th-century Baroque Basilica of Santa Maria. Browse the exhibits of the Museo San Telmo, a former convent that now houses a Museum of Basque Society and Citizenship. Stop at one of the cafés in the old town's main square and sample a variety of pintxos. The city is renowned for these tapas-like dishes.

Continue your exploration of San Sebastián with a trip up Mount Urgull, a hill in the heart of the city. Walk to the summit, which is topped by a statue of Jesus Christ and a 12th-century fortress.

For more lofty views, take the 3-minute funicular railway ride from Ondarreta Beach to the top of Monte Igeldo. The journey’s end is the Monte Igueldo Amusement Park, which is filled with old-fashion rides and attractions.

Select from several ways to get to San Sebastián. Fly into the international airport at Bilbao, Spain or Biarritz, France, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) and 30 miles (50 kilometers) away respectively. Alternatively, travel by bus, train or car from other destinations in Europe. Take advantage of the seaside resort’s beaches, history, mountainous scenery and culinary delights.

Where to stay in San Sebastián

Maria Cristina Bridge featuring a bridge, a city and a river or creek

San Sebastián Centro

4.5/5(92 area reviews)

San Sebastián Centro is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and Concha Beach.

San Sebastián Centro
Old Town showing street scenes as well as a small group of people

Old Town San Sebastian

5/5(24 area reviews)

Unique features of Old Town San Sebastian include the historical sites and bars. Make a stop by Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus or Plaza de La Constitucion while you're exploring the area.

Old Town San Sebastian
San Ignacio Church showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Gros

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Gros is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium and Zurriola Beach while you're in town.

Gros

Egia

4/5(10 area reviews)

Bars, river views and historical sites highlight some of the noteworthy features of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia or Cristina Enea Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Egia
Miramar Palace featuring a coastal town, flowers and general coastal views

Antiguo

4.5/5(16 area reviews)

Antiguo is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Ondarreta Beach and Royal Palace of Miramar while you're in town.

Antiguo
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Amara

While there might not be top attractions in Amara, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Reale Arena and Tabakalera Donostia.

Amara
Barceló Costa Vasca
Barceló Costa Vasca
4 out of 5
Avenida Pio Baroja 15, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is HK$751 per night from 5 May to 6 May
HK$751
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Popular attractions Concha Beach and Donostia-San ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (991 reviews)
"My room was so noisy at night due to the elevator hall."

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

Barceló Costa Vasca
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
4 out of 5
Zubieta Kalea, 2, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is HK$1,351 per night from 6 May to 7 May
HK$1,351
per night
6 May - 7 May
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the bathrooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Well worth the extra cost to get a Penthouse Terrace room with wide views across La Concha bay. Easy 5-10 minute stroll to the old town for unlimited Pintxos choices. Walkable the other way down the promenade to the funicular station and wind chime sculptures."

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Catalonia Donosti
Catalonia Donosti
4 out of 5
Alto San Bartolome Kalea 9, San Sebastián
The price is HK$1,669 per night from 5 May to 6 May
HK$1,669
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (317 reviews)
"Very nice property and convenient location"

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2024

Catalonia Donosti
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wecamp San Sebastian
Wecamp San Sebastian
2 out of 5
Paseo Padre Orkolaga, 69, San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa
Stay at this eco-certified campground in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (23 reviews)
"Subject: A Memorable Stay at WeCamp - Nature's Oasis I wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation for our recent stay at your WeCamp site. In four wonderful days, we found ourselves immersed in a perfect blend of nature, comfort, and relaxation. The location was indeed spot on. Our mobile home for ..."

Reviewed on 10 Sep 2023

Wecamp San Sebastian
Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites
Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites
3.5 out of 5
Calle Legazpi, 12, San Sebastián
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (210 reviews)
"Amazing communication with front desk and amazing room."

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2024

Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites
Numad Studios
Numad Studios
3 out of 5
Paseo de Miramón, 162, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Concha Beach and Donostia-San ...
9/10 Wonderful! (157 reviews)
"Great sleep, beautiful building"

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2024

Numad Studios
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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