San Sebastián, known as Donostia in Basque, is a beautiful coastal city in Spain’s Basque Country. It is known for its pristine beaches, rich history, and world renowned pintxos.
Our 3-day itinerary showcases the best the city has to offer, from the famous La Concha Promenade, Old Town’s churches and squares to the delicious pintxos.
Table of Contents
San Sebastian Itinerary
This 3-day itinerary begins in the centre of the early city and moves into the modern city and beyond on Days 2 and 3. This made the most of our time in San Sebastián.
Be sure to add in some time to enjoy San Sebastián’s stunning beaches. Start or end your day with a swim at the beach nearest your accommodation or take an afternoon and enjoy the sun on La Concha or Ondarreta beaches.
One Day in San Sebastian
On Day 1 experience Old Town, its port and adjacent Mount Urgull. Enjoy the pintxos bars.
- Wander through the charming streets of Old Town San Sebastián.
- Learn about Basque history and culture at San Telmo Museum.
- See the balconies, once box seats for bullfights, surrounding Constitution Square.
- Explore centuries of history in the Basilica of Santa María.
- Stroll along the waterfront of the charming Port of Donostia.
- Hike to the summit of Mount Urgull and visit the Motako Gaztelua Castle and Sagrado Corazón Monument.
- End the day experiencing local gastronomy with Old Town’s famous pintxos.
Two Days in San Sebastian
On your second day, explore San Sebastián’s other areas: Centre, Mount Igeldo and Gros.
- Discover the Belle Epoque architecture in San Sebastián Centre.
- Admire the neo-Gothic architecture of Buen Pastor Cathedral.
- Ride the iconic carousel in Alderdi Eder Gardens.
- Stroll along the picturesque La Concha Promenade overlooking the beach.
- See Eduardo Chillida’s iconic Wind Comb Sculpture.
- Take the vintage Igeldo Funicular for a scenic ascent of Mount Igeldo.
- Photograph San Sebastián’s La Concha Bay from the Igeldo Viewpoint and enjoy retro rides at charming Monte Igeldo Amusement Park.
- Watch skilled surfers tackle the breaks at Zurriola Beach.
- Enjoy the sunset from Sagües then hit the trendy bars and eateries of Gros for more pintxos.
3 Days in San Sebastian
On Day 3, enjoy one or more day trips from San Sebastián.
- Hike Mount Ulia’s scenic coastal trails to the fishing village of Pasaia.
- Experience art and nature at Chillida-Leku Open Air Museum.
- Watch the world’s fastest sport at a Jai Alai match.
- Enjoy Basque Txakoli wine in the vineyards near San Sebastián.
- Have dinner at Petritegi Cider House and enjoy a traditional cider house menu.
San Sebastian Beaches
One of the main reasons to visit San Sebastián is its beautiful beaches along the Bay of Biscay which provide opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
These three beaches complete a lovely 6-km walk along the city’s coastline. They are also the gateway to explore all of San Sebastián’s neighbourhoods.
- La Concha Beach: This is the main beach and San Sebastián’s most popular. The crescent-shaped stretch of golden sand is considered one of Europe’s best urban beaches.
- Ondarreta Beach: The smaller, quieter beach west of La Concha, in the Antiguo neighbourhood and close to Mount Igeldo, is popular with families and locals alike.
- Zurriola Beach: Located on the city’s east side in the Gros neighbourhood, this beach is a hub for surfing, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.
The heart of the city, and the location of many of San Sebastián’s main attractions, is Old Town.
San Sebastian Old Town Attractions Map
Old Town San Sebastian
The charming Old Town (Parte Vieja or Parte Zaharra) is a true delight. We enjoyed wandering the narrow streets and plazas and exploring its historical buildings.
Most of the old town was ransacked and burned down by the end of 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars. Many of the area’s buildings seen today were rebuilt in Neoclassical and Baroque styles. Old Town highlights include the Gothic-style Basilica of Santa María, which escaped the fire, and the elegant Constitution Plaza.
Old Town is THE place to enjoy pintxos, Basque-style tapas.
Pintxos in Old Town
No visit to San Sebastián is complete without experiencing the city’s famous pintxos culture. Pintxos (“PEEN-chohs”) are small, bite-sized Basque snacks that are served in many of the bars and restaurants of the Old Town.
Pinxtos bars are easy to find. Walk along Fermin Calbeton Street, Mayor Street and 31 de Agosto Street. You can’t miss them.
Pintxos were invented about 100 years ago as a quick bar snack. The term “pintxo” actually refers to the skewer which often holds the ingredients together.
The Gilda Pintxo is a classic Basque appetizer with three main ingredients: green Guindilla peppers, Manzanilla olives and an Anchovy. The name of this pintxo is believed to have come from the 1946 film “Gilda”, as both Rita Hayworth’s character and the pintxos were “green”, or “spicy” in Spanish slang.
One of the reasons we enjoyed pintxos culture so much is that these delectable tapas are always available! No need to wait for the kitchen to open at 8 pm.
Our recommendation is to try 1-2 pintxos at each bar, with a glass of local Txakoli wine, before moving on to the next.
These are our 5 favourite Pintxos bars.
| Pintxos bar | Known For |
| Bar Martinez | A long-standing pintxos bar, known for its traditional and innovatively crafted plates. |
| Bare Bare Restaurant | A popular pintxos spot. Try the original classic, the Gilda Pintxo here. |
| Bar Sport | A lively pintxos bar that’s a favourite among both locals and tourists. |
| Jose Mari Taberna | High-quality pintxos, including tasty anchovies. |
| Sidreria Beharri (Cider House) | Offers the opportunity to experience the Basque Country’s celebrated cider culture with a selection of pintxos. |
The best way to explore the rest of the Old Town is on a self-guided walking tour. Begin at La Bretxa Market.
La Bretxa Market
This traditional street market, dating back to 1870, is home to stalls selling some of the most highly-rated products in the city. Many famous local chefs visit La Bretxa Market (Mercado de la Bretxa or Bretxako Azoka) almost daily to find the finest ingredients from the wide selection of fresh, locally-sourced produce, seafood, and artisanal goods. The original sandstone market building and the Pescaderia building are now a modern shopping complex. The outdoor farmers’ market is along one wall and the fish and meat markets are underground.
Zuloaga Square is a must-see square in San Sebastián. Plaza Zuloaga is the location of the San Telmo Museum, which offers a journey through Basque history and features interesting exhibitions.
San Telmo Museum
The San Telmo Museum of Basque Society and Citizenship has showcased Basque history, archaeological discoveries and fine art since 1902. It is Basque Country’s oldest museum occupying the 16th-century Dominican convent of San Telmo which was expanded in the 2010s.
Archaeological artifacts, images and interactive displays discuss the Basque people over the centuries, their ways of life and the unique culture.
This is the only San Sebastien museum with an area dedicated to Fine Art with works by Rubens, Chillida and more. The former Dominican church is decorated with 11 canvases by the Spanish artist, José María Sert, presenting scenes from the life and history of the local Basque province of Gipuzkoa.
For information about current exhibits, museum hours and more visit the San Telmo Museoa website.
San Vicente Church
The San Vicente Church is the oldest building in San Sebastián, built in the early 16th century on the site of an earlier church. This Gothic-style church features soaring ceilings, round stained-glass “rose” windows, and a beautiful Romanesque altarpiece. The massive 19th-century French organ is impressive.
Constitution Square
Konstituzio Plaza, or Plaza de la Constitución, in the centre of Old Town, is surrounded by historic buildings and is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. Note the numbered balconies around the square. These date back to the 19th century when the plaza was used for bullfighting and these residential balconies were rented, by the city who owned them, as box seats.
The square is home to several pintxos bars and coffee shops. It hosts local festivals and celebrations, such as the renowned Tamborrada of Donostia. The Tamborrada is a 24-hour drum festival occurring annually on January 20th.
The striking Renaissance-style building, with the clock, overlooking Constitution Square is the Old City Hall. It served as San Sebastián’s administrative centre until the 1940s.
Basilica of Santa María
The Koruko Andre Mariaren basilika is an impressive Baroque church in San Sebastián’s Old Town. Constructed in the 18th century, on the site of an earlier church, its exterior features ornately-carved, exterior doors. These main doors sit in a straight line with the entrance to the Buen Pastor Cathedral 850 metres down Major Street.
Inside, the San Sebastián Diocesan Museum is worth visiting. Its permanent exhibition includes medieval, modern and contemporary works of art by renowned artists like El Greco, Jorge Oteiza, and Eduardo Chillida. For current exhibit information, visit the Diocesan Museum‘s website.
Trinitate Plaza is at the back of the basilica, at the base of Mount Urgull. (There is an entrance halfway down 31 de Agosto Street.) A large open space, the plaza is used as a pelota court, playground, and stage for sports competitions and concerts. Pelota is a court sport played with a ball using one’s hand, a racket, a wooden bat or a basket, against a wall. This is a popular spot during the Jazzaldia jazz festival, with its perfect acoustics drawing major musical acts.
We saw the procession of the “Gigantes y Cabezudos” (Giants and Big Heads) in the plaza. The Giants, figures several meters tall with huge papier-mâché typically represent important town or historical figures. The Cabezudos have the papier-mâché head but are of normal height. They playfully chase children with a paddle. UNESCO recognizes the procession as culturally significant. It takes place during various festivals in the city with its origins in medieval rites and has been a part of European folklore for centuries
Walk west. At the end of the street is a remnant of the ancient city wall. A walkway runs along the top of it. The entrance to Old Town from the ocean is via August 31st Street. Walk through the historic entrance gate and turn right. Walk waterfront to San Sebastián’s harbour.
Port of Donostia
Busy Donostia Port sits just beyond the wall, and steps from Old Town. Once a refuge for whalers and corsairs, today’s port is popular with local fishermen and excursion operators.
Enjoy a 40-minute excursion around the bay and along the nearby coast with City of San Sebastián Catamaran (Ciudad San Sebastián Katamarana). During the summer months, a motorboat service connects the port to the nearby Santa Clara Island.
Stroll along Paseo del Muelle, the waterfront promenade, past seafood restaurants and the traditional fishermen’s houses from the past. Try the delicacies from the sailors’ pubs and restaurants. Several maritime-themed attractions are nearby which showcase the region’s seafaring heritage.
The Basque Maritime Museum (Euskal Itsas Museoa) showcases the nautical history of San Sebastián. Housed in a former 18th-century port authority building, the museum’s exhibits explore shipbuilding, fishing, and cartography.
The Aquarium of San Sebastián, recognized as one of Europe’s best, features a 14-metre, acrylic tunnel giving a 360-degree view of the 400,000 gallon tank. You’ll be surrounded by marine life, with sharks, rays, and other local species swimming overhead. The aquarium also features exhibits on the area’s whaling, shipbuilding, and fishing. Plan for at least an hour at the aquarium.
Mount Urgull
Old Town abuts the southeastern side of Mount Urgull. Mount Urgull acts as a formidable barrier, shielding the Old Town from harsh weather and potential threats. For centuries it was fortified to defend the city. In addition to fantastic panoramic views of the area, this city park has artillery batteries, remnants of the old walls and the castle at the top.
There are two different ways to explore Mount Urgull. Walk around its base or hike up to the impressive Sagrado Corazón statue and the fortifications and cannons of the Castillo de la Mota. With lots of time and energy, do both.
Paseo Nuevo Promenade
The scenic New Promenade follows the coast around the base of Mount Urgull from just beyond the Aquarium to Zuloaga Square. A popular route for jogging or strolling, the promenade offers stunning views of the Bay of Biscay. Enjoy the waves crashing against seawall from many places on the promenade.
At the western end of the Paseo Nuevo, the Construción Vacía Sculpture, a large sculptural work, by Jorge Oteiza, stands defiantly facing the sea.
Continue along the promenade to the New Balcony (Pasealeku berria balcón) for more panoramic views of the coastline.
Hike Up Mount Urgull
There are several paths that wind through the treed slopes to the top of the hill. Each begins at a different location.
We used the path which runs behind the Maritime Museum called Gaztelubide Kalea. This is a peaceful walkway that leads up to the Santiago Battery. Enjoy the great views of the bay from the ruins of this old military fortification then continue up to the castle.
Motako Gaztelua Castle and Museum
This 12th-century structure, also known as the Castillo de la Mota fortress, played a key role in defending San Sebastián. See its walls and cannons and take in stunning panoramic views.
The museum, Casa de la Historia de Urgull, is inside the castle. The displays excellently tell the city’s 800-plus-year history.
The museum is free to enter. Be sure to ask the front desk for a ticket to get free access to the level of the Sagrado Corazón statue above the museum. The ticket is required because access is limited to 20 people every 20 minutes.
Sagrado Corazón Monument
The Sacred Heart Monument, on top of Mount Urgull’s castle, is over 12 metres tall. Created by artist Federico Coullaut, this towering statue of Jesus has stood over the city since 1950.
The view from this spot is truly one of the best views of the bay and Old Town below. This is the only spot in San Sebastián where you can see all three city beaches.
San Sebastian Attractions Map
Centre San Sebastian
When the city of San Sebastián was only Old Town, it was surrounded by city walls. In 1863 the walls were demolished to allow the city to expand. The new area became know as the Centre.
The character of the Centre of San Sebastián was inspired by the great grand boulevards, and elegant buildings of Paris. This neighbourhood is often referred to as the “romantic area” or “Belle Époque”.
Known for its excellent shopping, dining and tree-lined boulevards, we begin our exploration of the Centre with a walk along the river.
Walk along the Urumea River
Two of San Sebastián’s most iconic Belle Époque landmarks sit opposite each other in Okendo Plaza: the Victoria Eugenia Theatre and the Hotel María Cristina. In the early 20th century, these buildings helped transform the city into a popular tourist destination.
The Victoria Eugenia Theatre, opened in 1912, is a beautiful Spanish Renaissance-style sandstone building. The theatre hosts major events including the city’s renowned International Film Festival. Above the columns on the front façade there are four groups of sculptures representing the opera, tragedy, comedy and drama.
The luxurious Hotel María Cristina was designed by architect Charles Mewes. His hotels appealed to the wealthy of the early 20th century. This made the hotel the accommodation of choice for tourists and celebrities since its 1912 opening. The first Film Festival was held in 1953. Since then its many celebrity guests walk the red carpet stretching from the hotel to the Victoria Eugenia Theatre.
Continue along the river to the María Cristina Bridge. With its ornate Art Deco-inspired lampposts, this is one of the most beautiful bridges in San Sebastián. Its design was inspired by the Alexander III Bridge in Paris.
Across the bridge, the Paseo de Francia promenade is lined with early 20th-century mansions. This is also the location of the San Sebastián’s main railroad station.
Tabakalera, a cultural centre, is nearby on the east side of the railway tracks. Housed in a converted 90-year-old tobacco factory, this venue has become an important hub for contemporary art and creative industries. For the latest exhibitions and opening times, visit the Tabakalera website.
Back across the bridge (west side), walk straight and through the Plaza de Bilbao which has an impressive fountain in the centre and continue to the cathedral.
Buen Pastor Catedral
San Sebastián’s Good Shepard Cathedral is a striking Neo-Gothic church which opened in 1897. With its 75-metre spire, the cathedral remains the tallest building in the city. The Cross of Peace, by local sculptor Eduardo Chillida is mounted over the door of the front entrance.
The cathedral’s elegant interior features intricate stained-glass windows. The main altarpiece is dedicated to the city’s patron saint.
Exit the cathedral by the front door to Loiola Street. This pedestrian-only street is a lively shopping district. Be sure to stop at the San Martin Market about a block from the cathedral. This market location dates back to 1884. Now a modern building, the traditional market exists with a supermarket, offering a variety of produce, food items, cafes, and retail stores.
At the end of the pedestrian street, turn right. Walk 2 blocks on the wide tree-lined boulevard Askatasunaren Hiribidea and turn left heading toward a garden oasis.
Gipuzkoa Square
This is a peaceful English-style garden in the city centre. The square was designed by renowned 19th-century gardener, Pierre Ducasse.
Gipuzkoa Square was the city’s first park. The park has a large variety of trees, flowers and plants and a pond with ducks and swans. A small wood and iron bridge leads to the lily pond.
On the path across the park there is a temple-shaped, stone weather station. A large, white, marble sundial and a floral clock are nearby. On the west side is the monument dedicated to the 19th-century composer, José María Usandizaga, from San Sebastián.
This public space is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the Diputación Foral de Gipuzkoa. The Provincial Council building, completed in 1885, features a façade displaying busts of famous historical figures from the province. Donastia is the capital of the Basque province of Gipuzkoa.
Leave the garden and walk west to the beautiful park by the bay.
Alderdi Eder Gardens
These landscaped gardens were planned in detail at the end of the 19th century. They feature colourful flowerbeds, tamarind trees which are present in the marine areas around San Sebastián and palm trees.
The garden is also home to the beloved Palace Carousel. This Belle Époque-style carousel is a faithful replica of its early 20th-century predecessor. Delighting both children and adults, it has two levels of intricately carved horses, airplanes, dolphins, cars, swans, carriages, giraffes and tigers.
Look across the street to a building that looks like a 19th-century gambling house.
San Sebastián City Hall
Constructed in 1887, this was the city’s casino, designed in the style of those found along the French Côte d’Azur and Italian Riviera at the time. It became city hall in the 1940s and continues to house government offices, overlooking the golden, sandy beach.
La Concha Beach
This beach is one of the best city beaches in Europe. In a stunning crescent-shaped bay, La Concha Beach is one of the jewels of San Sebastián. Its calm, sheltered waters are ideal for swimming and water sports.
With a promenade made for strolling, La Concha offers an unbeatable combination of natural beauty and activity.
La Concha Promenade
The walkway is lined with a wrought-iron balustrade about 2 kilometres long running along the 2 beaches on the bay. The white decorative railings were designed by Juan Rafael Alday Lasarte and completed in 1916. They are often featured in photographs and postcards and are an iconic feature of San Sebastián.
On a walk from Old Town there are many interesting sites to see.
The 1929 Real Club Náutico, directly opposite City Hall, is a striking structure, designed to resemble a moored boat. Many watch the sunset from this prime spot.
La Perla, a historic spa complex on the Promenade, offers a full line of rejuvenating treatments and is one of the best spa facilities in the city. This elegant Belle Époque building was built in 1912 and updated in 1994.
Further along the promenade, the Eduardo Chillida sculpture Homage to Fleming is beside the Paseo de la Concha viewpoint terrace. He designed this sculpture as a tribute to Alexander Fleming, the inventor of penicillin. Originally created from iron in 1955, the year that Fleming died, it was recreated in granite in 1990.
La Concha Promenade continues around the bay, through the Antiguoko Tunela, to Ondarreta Beach and the Antiguo neighbourhood. This unique tunnel is decorated with gorgeous nautical images. At high tide, the tunnel is the only way to move between La Concha and Ondarreta Beaches.
Another route to the Antiguo neighbourhood is along the Miraconcha Promenade, which leads directly to the Miramar Palace.
Miramar Palace
The Miramar Palace is a stately, 19th-century mansion that was once the summer residence of the Spanish royal family. The palace, with its beautifully maintained gardens overlooks the bay, much like a grand, country estate. Enjoy the gardens and the stunning views.
Ondarreta Beach
Located between Miramar Palace and the Wind Comb sculpture, Ondarreta Beach is the quietest beach during high season. Shielded by Monte Igeldo, this beach offers calm waters and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other seaside activities.
Ondarreta Beach is the starting point for the half-kilometre swim crossing to the peaceful Santa Clara Island. The island in La Concha Bay can only be reached by swimming or by boat from Port Donostia in the summer months. With no vehicles on the island, Santa Clara is a quiet escape from the busy city and popular with locals. Enjoy its walking paths, tiny beach, picnic areas, and panoramic views of San Sebastián and the sea.
The Cristina Iglesias sculpture, Hondalea, excavated inside the hollowed-out lighthouse, is a site-specific work incorporating island geology and ecology and the surrounding waters of the ocean. For information about guided tours, see the city’s Hondalea webpage.
Peine del Viento (Wind Comb Sculpture)
Peine del Viento is one of San Sebastián’s most iconic sculptural landmarks and sits at the end of the walkway above Ondarreta Beach. Created by local artist Eduardo Chillida, the Wind Comb Sculpture consists of three steel sculptures. Each sculpture is three massive, curly prongs, like crooked fingers, which appear to come out of the rock it is anchored to.
Enjoy the waves crashing into the sculptures and over the top of the short wall at the edge of the walkway. Be aware, the crashing water erupts out of the holes in the walkway in the form of a geyser, soaking those standing near. When we visited, the kids dared each other to stand over top of the holes and wait for the next wave.
Mount Igeldo
Mount Igeldo is the highest hill surrounding La Concha Bay. Take a scenic ride on the historic Igeldo Funicular, to the top of the mountain to see some of the best panoramic views of the city.
Igeldo Funicular
The Igeldo Funicular is a short cog railway that carries visitors from the base of Mount Igeldo up to the summit, in turn-of-the-century wooden carriages. Dating back to 1912, this charming funicular, the oldest operating in Basque Country, offers stunning views of San Sebastián as it climbs through the natural landscape.
Monte Igeldo Amusement Park
Perched atop Mount Igeldo is a compact amusement park opened in the early 20th century, delighting locals and tourists alike. Vintage rides like the Swiss Mountain roller coaster, the lazy Mysterious River, the train, carousel and bumper cars provide family-friendly, nostalgic fun. There are carnival games and a 1930s labyrinth. For more modern thrills, try the canopy adventure. Each activity is priced individually. The old tower used to serve as a lighthouse and lookout point for whales.
The Igeldo Viewpoint, at the top of mountain, has breathtaking vistas overlooking the entire city of San Sebastián, the surrounding coastline, and the vast Cantabrian Sea. See the tranquil bay and the power of the waves breaking against the cliffs.
Gros Neighbourhood
Located between the Urumea River and Mount Ulia, Gros is known for good surfing and a lively arts scene. It is a hub of activity, with trendy bars, boutiques, and eateries lining the streets. A promenade runs along Zurriola Beach from the river and the striking Kursaal Conference Centre to Sagüés at the end of the promenade, on the eastern edge of the city.
The Kursaal Conference Centre is an iconic, modern landmark in San Sebastián. Its two glass “cube” buildings, housing auditoriums and event spaces, are designed to look like rocks stranded along the beach. The Kursaal serves as one of the main venues for the city’s renowned International Film Festival and hosts a range of performances, exhibitions, and conferences throughout the year.
Zurriola Beach
Zurriola is a lively stretch of sand, attracting surfers from around the world with its consistent waves all year round. A number of schools offer lessons for beginners. The water is usually too rough for swimming.
This beach has a more casual vibe compared to La Concha, making it a hub for beach volleyball, football, sunbathing and people watching. It is a popular location during festivals especially July’s Jazzaldia, the city’s long-running jazz festival.
Sagües, at eastern end of the promenade, is one of the best spots to see the sunset and a popular evening gathering spot. The large, white sculpture The Dove of Peace sits near the end of the walkway and symbolizes the power of words and dialogue over violence.
Day Trips From San Sebastian
In addition to the abundance of attractions within the city, San Sebastián makes an excellent base for exploring the stunning natural landscapes and cultural highlights of the Basque province of Gipuzkoa. Some of the top day trip destinations from San Sebastián include:
- Hike Mount Ulia
- Pasaia
- Chillida-Leku Open Air Museum
- Jai alai (Basque pelota)
- Petritegi Cider House
- Txakoli Wine and Wineries
Hike Mount Ulia
Mount Ulia, the 231-metre-high mountain ridge on the eastern side of San Sebastián, provides panoramic views of the city and coastline. The mountain’s forests and cliffs offer excellent hiking opportunities just minutes from the San Sebastián. Follow the well-marked trails that wind through the lush, forested slopes.
A popular hike traverses Mount Ulia to Pasaia, starting in the Gros neighbourhood. The trail follows some of the path of the Camino de Santiago pilgrims heading west. It’s a beautiful walk along the coast offering amazing views. There are a number of hills so a reasonable level of fitness is advised.
It rained when we walked the trails and some parts were quite muddy and slippery. We were rewarded when the sun came out highlighting the stunning lush, green hills.
The path travels past the Faro de la Plata Lighthouse, built in 1855, high on a cliff above the coast and off the main trail. From a distance, it looks like a castle with oval towers. The lighthouse is closed to the public. From the lighthouse, it is about another 2.5 kilometres to Pasaia. The trail is well marked, so just keep following the signs to Pasaia. The total hike is about 8 km. Allow 3 hours.
Pasaia
Pasaia is a pretty fishing village a short distance from San Sebastián. The village is accessible by boat through a narrow fjord-like bay, by foot over Mount Ulia from San Sebastián and by vehicle. Pasaia has 2 “old towns”, Pasai Donibane on the east side of the bay and Pasai San Pedro on the west. Each one has a single main street sandwiched between the mountain and the sea. Don’t miss the tiny ferry which takes passengers across the channel between them.
The Pasai San Pedro’s Albaola Maritime Factory (Albaola Itsas Kultur Faktoria) is a shipyard museum with exhibitions. It also has demonstrations of craftsmen building a replica of a 16th-century San Juan whaling ship using the same handcrafted materials and building process. Learn about the San Juan whaleboat, one of the first transoceanic cargo vessels setting sail from Basque Country to the new world, now known as North America.
MATER, the Ecoactive Museum Boat, is the last wooden, Basque tuna fishing boat. Guided visits present the life of the fishermen and the methods of fishing and navigation. It is moored well into the Bay of Pasaia.
Chillida-Leku Open Air Museum
The Chillida-Leku Museum is the result of renowned Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida’s desire to display his works in one place. He and his wife purchased the 16th-century Zabalaga Farmhouse and the adjoining lands just outside San Sebastián, his birthplace. They developed the outdoor museum in the lush, hilly, treed Basque countryside.
Walk the parkland and discover over 40 large-scale sculptures created by Chillida in iron and granite. The farmhouse houses a collection of his drawings and smaller works. Allow an hour for your visit.
Jai alai (Basque pelota)
Jai alai is a lively court sport that originated in the Basque Country and is akin to handball. Players use a small, hard ball and a curved basket, called a cesta, which is fastened to on arm of each player. The cesta allows players to accelerate the ball to very high speeds. The court is the walls on the front, back and left, and the floor between them.
Jai alai is a variation of the ancient Basque sport pelota and is said to have gained its name in 1875. The sport is played worldwide, particularly in Spain, France, the U.S. state of Florida, and in several Latin American countries. It is very popular in San Sebastián and throughout the Basque region. Watch a match and feel the passion of the locals for this unique game.
Petritegi Cider House
Petritegi is a traditional Basque cider house located just outside San Sebastián. Cider, or sagardoa in Basque, was the primary beverage in Donostia until the 20th century. Cider houses, like Petritegi, continue to offer an authentic taste of Basque culture and cuisine. They typically serve a set menu of local specialties (such as cod, beef chop, nuts, cheese and quince) paired with unlimited cider.
The Sagardoetxea Cider Museum, in the nearby town of Astigarraga, provides an in-depth look at the history, production, and cultural significance of Basque cider. Explore apple orchards, learn about traditional cider-making methods, and sample the region’s excellent sagardoa.
Txakoli Wine and Wineries
Txakoli is a white, slightly sparkling wine that is a specialty of Basque Country’s Bay of Biscay coast. Touring the txakoli wineries around towns like Aia, Zarautz, Hondarribia, and Getaria offers a chance to discover the unique character of this young, fruit-forward wine. Refreshing and served ice-cold, it pairs perfectly with San Sebastián’s famous pintxos.
Know Before You Go – Visiting San Sebastian
How many days do you need in San Sebastian?
Three days is the perfect amount of time to explore San Sebastián. We had time to see many attractions and enjoy its pintxos bars at a relaxed pace.
When is the best time to visit San Sebastian?
The best time to visit San Sebastián is May, June, September or October to avoid the European vacationing crowds. If you must travel in August, book your accommodations well in advance. We visited in June. The weather was warm and sunny yet it wasn’t busy.
High/Low temperatures range from 12C/7C degrees in January to 24C/17C in August.
San Sebastián is one of Spain’s rainiest places. The driest months are June through September with 9 to 10 rainy days and between 90 and 110 mm of rain per month. The winter months remain sunny making San Sebastián popular any time of year.
How to get to San Sebastian?
North Americans cannot fly direct to San Sebastián but rather fly into nearby airports and take connecting transportation.
We flew into Bilbao’s modern airport, north of downtown Bilbao and immediately caught a regional bus to San Sebastián. They run regularly and tickets can be purchased at the kiosk just inside the terminal door before boarding.
If you visit the city of Bilbao first, buses run regularly from downtown Bilbao to San Sebastián from the Biblao Intermodal station.
There are also many flights from outside Spain into Madrid and Barcelona where you can transfer to a domestic flight into San Sebastián Airport (about 20 km from the city centre) or take a train or bus to the city.
Renfe Trains from Madrid or Barcelona arrive at the Estación del Norte in the centre of the city.
While rental cars are available at the airport and train station, if you are visiting only San Sebastián, they are not necessary.
How to get around San Sebastian?
The best way for visitors to get around San Sebastián is to combine walking with using the extensive public transit system.
Is San Sebastián a walkable city? San Sebastián’s main attractions are fairly close together with large pedestrian areas and promenades along the river and the beaches. Sidewalks and promenades tend to be wide and separate bike lanes are plentiful.
Public transit
Though there is no metro, the city’s bus system is fast and easy, run by Dbus. For full transit details including cash fares and tourist card options, visit the Dbus website.
Explore All of Our Basque Country Guides
Discover our complete series of detailed guides to help you plan your perfect road trip through Spain’s beautiful Basque region.
Main Article: Basque Country Road Trip – Best Things To Do in Spain’s Basque Country
Part 1: Bilbao – The Guggenheim, Architecture, and Riverside Charm
Part 2: Vitoria-Gasteiz – Medieval History and UNESCO Cathedral
Part 3: Donostia-San Sebastián – Pintxos Culture and stunning Beaches (You’re reading this guide now!)
