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
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 ¥31,790 per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
¥31,790
¥34,970 total
Jun 16 - Jun 17
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,009 reviews)
"It’s an Exelent hotel"

Reviewed on May 16, 2025

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Barceló Costa Vasca
Barceló Costa Vasca
4 out of 5
Avenida Pio Baroja 15, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ¥19,961 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥19,961
¥21,957 total
May 19 - May 20
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! (993 reviews)
"Second time staying at this property. Very friendly staff, great breakfast and very clean facility."

Reviewed on May 16, 2025

Barceló Costa Vasca
Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only
Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only
4 out of 5
Calle Amara 26, San Sebastián
The price is ¥22,490 per night from May 26 to May 27
¥22,490
¥24,739 total
May 26 - May 27
includes taxes & fees
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! (511 reviews)
Perfect stay
"Our stay at Axel hotel was a very good one. It was clean and very nice. It was in a calm area but very close to the city centre and to the old town. We really recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on May 17, 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.
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! (278 reviews)
"Very well located. Walkable to every area, excellent food options around. Super clean and very historic"

Reviewed on May 8, 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 Donostia-San Sebastian ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (60 reviews)
Great place to do glamping
"It is a very nice glamping site when you stay in their bungalow. There is AC, dishwasher, cooktop, shower and bathroom, kitchen with utensils in a clean campground."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2024

Wecamp San Sebastian
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 Reale Arena ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (185 reviews)
"A bus ride from city center that is about 20 minutes. Room was pleasant despite the tight space. Breakfast was very good. Design was modern."

Reviewed on Aug 29, 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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