San Sebastián

Travel Guide

San Sebastian showing a city, a bay or harbour and a coastal town
San Sebastian featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and a city
San Sebastian
San Sebastián
Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro featuring interior views, religious elements and heritage elements
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 BilbaoOpens in a new window, Spain or BiarritzOpens in a new window, 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 river or creek, a bridge and a city

San Sebastián Centro

4.5/5(43 area reviews)

San Sebastián Centro is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and Concha Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of San Sebastián.

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

Old Town San Sebastián

5/5(21 area reviews)

Unique features of Old Town San Sebastián include the historic sites and bars. Make a stop by Plaza de La Constitucion or Monte Urgull while you're exploring the area.

Old Town San Sebastián
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Aiete

While visiting Aiete, you might make a stop by sights like Concha Promenade and Parque Aiete.

Aiete
San Ignacio Church which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Gros

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Travelers come to Gros for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium and Zurriola Beach while you're in town.

Gros

Egia

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Bars, river views, and historic sites highlight some of the notable features of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia while you're exploring.

Egia
 La Concha bay from mount Urgull

Amara

If you're spending some time in Amara, Reale Arena and Parque Aiete are top sights worth seeing.

Amara
Barceló Costa Vasca
Barceló Costa Vasca
4 out of 5
Avenida Pio Baroja 15, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is CA $244 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
CA $244
CA $268 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 29 - Jun 30
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (995 reviews)
"I loved this place , safe , comfortable, clean ! , trending style and very nice staff! Ty"

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $325 per night from Jun 15 to Jun 16
CA $325
CA $357 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 15 - Jun 16
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the bathrooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Amazing stay. Super friendly staff. Wonderful view, fantastic location. Can’t wait to return! We stayed in one of the attic rooms which were quite modern compared to the rest of the hotel."

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only
Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only
4 out of 5
Calle Amara 26, San Sebastián
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $254 per night from Jun 15 to Jun 16
CA $254
CA $279 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 15 - Jun 16
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 helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (521 reviews)
"Very nice and quiet street. Gym and facilities are excellent and the front desk was extremely friendly and accommodating."

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only
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.
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, a 24-hour fitness center, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Concha ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (194 reviews)
"Rejuvenating modern environment among forest trees!"

Reviewed on May 15, 2025

Numad Studios
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, housekeeping, and air conditioning. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (281 reviews)
Beautiful suite in central location!
"Beautiful suite in an ideal central location. It was a little difficult to find as it’s tucked away and internet wasn’t working but it was otherwise a perfect stay for our family to explore this gorgeous area."

Reviewed on Jun. 1, 2025

Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites
Wecamp San Sebastian
Wecamp San Sebastian
2 out of 5
Paseo Padre Orkolaga, 69, San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa
Book a stay at this eco-certified campground in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Concha Beach and Zarautz ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (64 reviews)
"Easy transport to Donosti. Tidy and spacious cabin. Food at the bar was good."

Reviewed on Jun. 1, 2025

Wecamp San Sebastian
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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