The Seaside Elegance and Beautiful Beach of La Concha

The picture-perfect white sand beach of the Bahía de la Concha (Bay of Concha) is the most iconic sight in San Sebastian. With a wide shoreline and mesmerizing turquoise waves, this expansive beach extends for more than a kilometer. The beach, known as La Perla, overlooks the cityscape of San Sebastian and has an ambience of elegance. A protected location in the bay ensures calm, gentle waters that are safe for swimming. The Perla del Océano swimming area is found on the site of the former royal bathing pavilion.

Playa de Ondarreta

Ondarreta Beach is a lively beach that swells with holiday goers during summertime. On the Bahía de la Concha, the Playa de Ondarreta borders Monte Igueldo and the grounds of the Palacio de Miramar. This fine sandy beach is a great place for sunbathing, strolling, and playing beach volleyball, or for taking a stroll along the promenade. The 100-meter-wide shoreline extends for a kilometer, offering an impressive total surface area with plenty of space for sunbathing. During the most popular months of June, July, and August, the shore is lined with classic striped beach cabanas, lounge chairs, and sun parasols. In the winter, when the waves are up, the beach draws many bodyboarders and surfers.

Parte Vieja (Old Town)

The historic Old Town of San Sebastian is north of the Alameda del Boulevard extending to Monte Urgull with the arcaded Plaza de la Constitución at its center. Many lovely balconied buildings line this square, which once staged bullfights. Notice the Neoclassical architecture of the municipal library. Near the Plaza de la Constitución is the Pescadería (Fish Market) and the 16th-century Iglesia de San Vicente. This Gothic church is San Sebastian’s oldest church and has a richly carved retablo dating to 1584.

Miramar Royal Palace

This English Tudor-style palace was designed in 1888 by architect Selden Wornum of England but was completed by Benito Olasagasti. Surrounded by beautiful grounds overlooking the sea, the palace was built as a vacation home for the Spanish royal family. Several Spanish Queens favored this location for their summer holiday. The building is distinguished by its octagonal tower and half-timbered details. Notice the coat of arms of the Habsburg dynasty on the facade. The relatively simple but elegant home has two floors for the private residence and a third floor that was used by the servants. Beautifully manicured gardens with gorgeous ocean views lead down to a seafront promenade along the Bahía de la Concha.

Scenic Views and Amusement Park on Monte Igueldo

For stunning views of the San Sebastian scenery, head to Monte Igueldo. This steep mount lies just beyond the Playa de Ondarreta at the far end of the beach near the Royal Tennis Club. Tourists can take a funicular ride up to the top. The hilltop stands 184 meters above the sea, offering sensational panoramas. A favorite tourist attraction is the Parque de Atracciones de Monte Igueldo amusement park. Families with children will enjoy the charming carousels and roller coasters. Another highlight is the observatory with an outlook tower. Ascend the tower for magnificent views of the town, the Bay of Concha, and the rolling hills of the Basque countryside. At the Hotel Mercure Monte Igueldo, a stylish restaurant with an outdoor terrace is ideal for taking in the gorgeous scenery.

Isla de Santa Clara

Travelers can enjoy a delightful island getaway right in the city of San Sebastian. Declared a Historical National Interest Site, the Isla de Santa Clara is a tiny 30-meter-wide island just off the coast, combining the peacefulness of nature along with the amenities of civilization. The island has cafés, restaurants, picnic areas, and a post office. During summertime from June 1 to September 30, a ferry runs from the San Sebastian harbor to the island every 30 minutes. The island’s small beach is surveyed by a lifeguard and is ideal for swimming. Hidden nooks along the island’s coast offer natural swimming pools. Tourists can also go for a scenic stroll to the lighthouse and enjoy the stunning views along the way.

Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro

This exquisite 18th-century Baroque church stands on the foot of Monte Urgull in the heart of the Old Town. One of the most-visited tourist sites in San Sebastian, the Basilica of Santa María del Coro was built on the site of an ancient Roman temple. The church has a splendid Churrigueresco facade with a statue of Saint Sebastian in a niche and two towers. Step inside to admire the interior, built on a rectangular plan with a semicircular apse. The sanctuary features impressive pillars and neo-Gothic vaulting. Guided tours of the Basilica are available.

International Jazz Festival in July

For tourists visiting San Sebastian at the end of July, the International Jazz Festival is a must-see cultural event. Concerts are performed at the Kursaal Centre along with seven other venues in the city. Devoted to high-caliber jazz and blues music, this top-notch festival presents a wide range of musical styles and genres. The festival takes place over six days with more than 60 performances. Concerts at the Kursaal Centre and Trinidad Square require tickets, while the concerts at the other venues such as Zurriola Beach and the terraces at the Kursaal Centre are free.

Monte Urgull & Monte Ulía: Historic Sites & Nature Walks

Beginning at the aquarium, the Paseo Nuevo encircles the entire Monte Urgull, which is crowned by the Castillo de la Mota, a formidable 12th-century fortress, and a statue representing the Sacred Heart. The scenic promenade of Paseo Nuevo affords sensational views of the rocky shoreline extending to the Urumea River. Beyond the river’s Puente Zurriola (bridge), a seafront promenade runs east towards Monte Ulía. Beyond the Zurriola Beach, the expansive Parque de Ulía is a beautiful natural space that’s ideal for hiking and picnics.

Playa de la Zurriola: Surfers’ Beach

This well-known surfers’ beach is in a commercial district of San Sebastian that has many sports shops, large department stores, and art galleries. The Playa de la Zurriola draws surfers from all over the world because of its challenging waves and surf competitions. This beach is also a favorite destination of sports enthusiasts, who come here to play beach volleyball, football, and beach tennis.

Catedral del Buen Pastor

The largest church in San Sebastian, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is in the New Town beyond the busy Calle de San Martín. This Neo-Gothic cathedral was designed by Basque architect Manuel de Echave in 1880 and completed in 1897. With its 75-meter-high tower, this inspiring edifice is an important city landmark. The cathedral was built out of sandstone from the Monte Igueldo. The immense structure covers an astounding surface area of 1,915 square meters. Visitors are awed by the spaciousness of the interior, which has a symmetrical Latin cross formation with three naves and a transept. The richly decorative sanctuary features stained-glass windows by Juan Bautista Lázaro, and the high altar displays statues of Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Virgin Mary), Saint Antonio, Saint Teresa, and the Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart).