Basque coastal city with golden beaches and renowned cuisine. Home to an annual film festival and the striking Kursaal Congress Centre overlooking the sea.
Donostia-San Sebastian is a Basque city located between green mountains and the Bay of Biscay. You can walk along the crescent-shaped La Concha beach, taste pintxos in the Old Town bars, or take in the view from Mount Igueldo. The city is known for its excellent cuisine, with many Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional pintxos bars. San Sebastian also hosts annual events like the International Film Festival and Jazzaldia jazz festival.
Beaches of San Sebastian
San Sebastian has several beaches that play a significant role in daily life. La Concha, a shell-shaped bay with light-colored sand, stretches for 1.5 km. You can walk the entire crescent, stopping at beachfront cafes or looking out to Santa Clara Island. For surfing, head to Zurriola Beach in the Gros neighborhood, where waves break year-round. Ondarreta Beach has a calmer atmosphere and many families visit it.
Exploring the Old Town
The Old Town, or Parte Vieja, contains much of San Sebastian's history. Narrow streets are home to pintxos bars, boutiques, and historic buildings. You can visit the Baroque Basilica of Santa María del Coro or the Gothic San Vicente Church. Plaza de la Constitución, formerly a bullring, now has outdoor cafes and hosts city celebrations. In the evening, try the txikiteo tradition - going from bar to bar, tasting pintxos and txakoli wine.
Culinary Capital
San Sebastian has more Michelin stars per capita than any other city globally. However, you don't need to visit expensive restaurants to eat well here. The city's pintxos bars serve creative, bite-sized foods that represent Basque cooking. Try the 'Gilda' (olive, anchovy, and pepper on a skewer) or modern dishes with local seafood and produce. For more insight, take a guided pintxos tour to learn about the culture and customs of this Basque tradition.
Panoramic Views
For views of the city and coastline, climb Mount Urgull or Mount Igueldo. Mount Urgull, reached on foot from the Old Town, has the Castillo de la Mota fortress and a large statue of Christ at its peak. The path up passes through woods with historic sites. Mount Igueldo, accessed by a funicular railway, has an old-fashioned amusement park and clear views of La Concha Bay. Both mountains offer places to watch the sunset over the Cantabrian Sea.
Cultural Attractions
San Sebastian has several museums worth visiting. The San Telmo Museum, in a 16th-century Dominican convent, focuses on Basque society and history. For contemporary art, visit the Tabakalera, a culture center in a former tobacco factory. The city also hosts events throughout the year, including the San Sebastian International Film Festival in September and the Jazzaldia jazz festival in July. These events bring performers from around the world to the city.
