San Sebastián

Travel Guide

San Sebastian featuring a coastal town, a bay or harbor and a city
San Sebastian featuring a beach, a coastal town and general coastal views
San Sebastian
San Telmo Museum which includes heritage elements and interior views
Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro showing heritage elements, interior views and religious 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(248 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(72 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(48 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(26 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
The Social Hub San Sebastián
The Social Hub San Sebastián
3 out of 5
Otamendi Anaiak Kalea, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ¥19,778 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥19,778
¥21,756 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Concha Beach and Cristina Enea Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (191 reviews)
"The Social Hub is an excellent hotel. The rooms are very clean. The restaurant and the pool and the gym are fantastic. All the staff especially Ailsa were extremely helpful and knowledgeable and courteous."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

The Social Hub San Sebastián
Barceló Costa Vasca
Barceló Costa Vasca
4 out of 5
Avenida Pio Baroja 15, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ¥37,473 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥37,473
¥41,221 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
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! (996 reviews)
"Very spacious rooms. Amazing breakfast. Wondering staff. Will come back."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Barceló Costa Vasca
Hotel ILUNION San Sebastian
Hotel ILUNION San Sebastian
4 out of 5
Avenida Zumalacarregui, 20, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ¥27,721 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥27,721
¥30,494 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (170 reviews)
"Very modern, contemporary clean rooms, well appointed Not too far from beach and promenade but at the other end of the old town to San Sebastián so as long as you don’t mind the promenade walk or have a car to drive in with, it’s fabulous Very clean and nice selection of decor, I am an interior designer ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Hotel ILUNION 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.
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! (202 reviews)
"Perfect place, easy way to the center via a 10 minutes bus, really good breakfast"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Numad Studios
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! (67 reviews)
"Easy transport to Donosti. Tidy and spacious cabin. Food at the bar was good."

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2025

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, premium bedding, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (292 reviews)
"Impeccable room. Staff were all very friendly. Great location with underground public parking nearby and old town across the street."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites
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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