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San Sebastián is an absolute gem of a seaside metropolis within the Basque Nation of Spain. Whether or not you’re right here for the unimaginable meals scene, the plush greenery, or the fantastic seashores, it’s straightforward to fall in love with this place!
Referred to as Donostia within the Basque language, San Sebastián is cradled by the Bay of Biscay. Surfers are loopy in regards to the year-round swells. Whether or not you’re right here to trip the waves or eat every part in sight, San Sebastián has one thing for you!
San Sebastián is absolutely the glory of the Spanish Basque Nation, the Pais Vasco. I visited San Sebastián as a part of a 10-day journey to the Basque Nation and La Rioja with three buddies, and our time right here was the undisputed spotlight of our journey.
San Sebastián’s previous city, the Parte Vieja, is a haven for Belle Époque structure and historic buildings. You’ll be able to spend hours roaming these slender streets and taking within the views from the 2 mountains on both facet of La Concha Seashore.
Nonetheless, the cutting-edge culinary scene is what actually units San Sebastián aside. Most well-known are the pintxo bars, the place you’ll be able to load up your small plates whereas standing at a bar and wash all of it down with incredible wine.
Moreover, San Sebastián does wonderful eating extraordinarily properly and his house to the best variety of Michelin stars per sq. meter on this planet!
One essential factor to bear in mind is the historical past and politics of the Basque Nation. Many Basques contemplate themselves their very own unbiased nation, neither a part of Spain nor France. You’ll see loads of Basque flags and pro-Basque graffiti in San Sebastián.
And whereas you may get by in Spanish, you’ll carry a smile to locals’ faces with just a few Basque phrases. “Kaixo” (KAI-sho) is whats up, “Eskerrik asko” (ESS-ke-reek AS-ko) is thanks, and “Topa!” (TO-pa) is “Cheers!”
I had a good time visiting San Sebastián and suggest utilizing it as a base to see extra of the Basque area. As you’ll see, you’re spoiled for selection for day journeys. However first, let’s check out the very best issues to do in San Sebastián.
This submit was revealed in October 2025 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Hannah Cooper.
Greatest Issues to Do in San Sebastián, Spain
Attempt all of the Pintxos
That is what San Sebastián is all about: pintxos, pintxos, and extra pintxos! Pintxos (pronounced “peen-chos”) aren’t merely the northern model of tapas. These appetizers are sometimes held along with a toothpick and consumed at a bar with loads of wine.
You could find pintxos bars throughout San Sebastián, however the Parte Vieja (previous city) is house to essentially the most well-known spots on the town, in addition to a enjoyable, convivial ambiance.
You’ll be able to head out and see what seems to be good, be a part of a pintxos tour, or comply with my suggestions. I like to recommend that you just test the opening hours earlier than your journey, as a result of bars are sometimes closed on random days off the week.
Listed here are some pintxos bars that I personally beloved in San Sebastián:
Ganbera — This was Anthony Bourdain’s favourite pintxos bar on the town, and that man had impeccable style. It’s expensive, tiny, and you’ll probably have to attend in line, nevertheless it’s value it. I like to recommend getting the wild mushrooms with the egg yolk (sounds primary, nevertheless it’s extraordinary), and I additionally beloved their spider crab tarts.
Bar Sport/Sport Taberna — This place is legendary for its mini burger, which is the proper chunk once you’re craving one thing little and meaty. However that’s not all they’ve. Bar Sport makes a wide range of glorious pintxos, together with a pleasant number of foie gras and sea urchin served proper in its shell.
La Cuchara de San Telmo — It is a good spot once you’re prepared for one thing a bit heavier. Seize a seat on the terrace should you can, as a result of the within is fairly small and crowded. Right here you may get pintxos, but in addition fish and meat raciones — bigger parts. We cut up 4 half racione parts between the 4 of us and it was greater than sufficient.
El Tamboril — This pintxos bar is owned by the identical individuals as Ganbera and has a Michelin star! Their wild mushrooms cooked in bone broth are scrumptious.
Atari — This cozy, wood-paneled pintxos bar is understood for its foie gras dishes, together with a foie pintxo with white chocolate. And if that’s not your factor, they’ve a wide selection of pintxos and a pleasant wine record, too.
Gandarias — This turned an everyday spot for us every night time, as a result of the meals was scrumptious and we may all the time discover house standing on the bar. They’ve each pintxos and raciones in order for you one thing larger.
Take a Pintxos Meals Tour
There are just a few locations on this planet the place your meals experiences will probably be higher should you take a tour — and San Sebastián is considered one of them! That is one of the simplest ways to dive into Basque delicacies.
The Final Pintxos & Wine Tour of San Sebastián is strictly what it appears like. You’ll go to six bars sampling traditional pintxos, and likewise strive your hand at pouring Basque cider.
For a distinct perspective, An Night Out in San Sebastián introduces you to the Centro neighborhood. The official metropolis middle, that is the place donostiarras seize pintxos and cider after clocking off work. If you wish to have a much less touristy expertise, and pattern the Gilda on the tavern the place it was invented, that is the place to go.
Hit up La Concha Seashore
For those who’ve seen any images of a seaside in San Sebastián, it was very probably Playa de la Concha, considered one of Spain’s most beloved seashores. Named for its seashell form, Kontxa Hondartza (its Basque title) is sandy, sweeping, and sun-kissed (should you time your journey proper!) — precisely what a seaside ought to be.
In the course of the bay, you’ll spot Santa Clara Island. Ferries right here price a few euros and you possibly can spend an hour or so climbing the steep trails.
There are different water sports activities accessible throughout summer season, like kayaking.
You’ll be able to stroll or cycle from San Sebastián Metropolis Corridor so far as the surfy Playa de Ondarreta (Ondarretako Hondartza) on the western finish of La Concha. This pairs properly with taking the funicular to Monte Igueldo.
The third seaside, Hondartza Zurriola within the neighborhood of Gros, is the true surfer’s paradise. Many surf courses happen right here, and it’s a pleasant place to hang around away from the lots.
Take the funicular to Monte Igueldo
Monte Igueldo, a seaside mountain overlooking San Sebastián, has the very best views overlooking the town, Playa La Concha, and Santa Clara Island. However don’t fear about mountaineering all the way in which up — the funicular from Ondarreta Seashore makes it straightforward, and its scarlet wagons are lovely as properly.
As soon as on the prime of the mountain, you may make a swoop of the cliffs and see the Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind) sculpture.
Additionally, take a look at the retro amusement park on the prime, which has bumper automobiles, a boating lake, and a log flume. It opens absolutely on weekends, however the curler coaster, the Swiss Mountain, is open most days. After all I needed to give it a strive! It’s a really blink-and-you’ll-miss-it journey, nevertheless it’s good enjoyable.
A return fare on the funicular prices 4.50 EUR ($5.20 USD), “solely up” is 3.05 EUR ($3.50 USD), and “solely down” is 1.80 EUR ($2 USD). Rides price just a few euros every.
Go online
Browsing is likely one of the hottest issues to do in San Sebastián, and the seashores appeal to surfers year-round. Ondarreta Seashore’s level break makes it a well-liked spot with surfers, though Zurriola Seashore (Hondartza Zurriola) is even higher. Positioned east of the previous city within the Gros neighborhood, it’s uncovered to northern swells.
Circumstances are calmest in the course of the summer season months, and winter’s highly effective swells are the area of intermediate surfers. You’ll be able to lease gear on the seaside. New to browsing? There are courses for all ranges!
Surf Etxea is a complete surf faculty with choices for novices by to improvers seeking to go professional.
Begin your day the Donostia method with a dawn surf session. It’s a splurge however you’ll have the Atlantic all to your self at this magical hour.
Gipsy Riders is a cell surf faculty providing personal and shared classes. In addition they run summer season surf camps for teenagers and full-day surf excursions alongside the northern coast.
Torn between catching a wave or gorging on pintxos? This full-day Browsing Journey within the Basque Coast offers you the very best of each worlds!
Wait in line to eat at Bar Nestor
Hear me out: the traces are lengthy, however Bar Nestor is WELL definitely worth the wait. I’m placing it individually on this record as a result of it was my favourite spot I ate in San Sebastián!
Open since 1980, Bar Nestor is essentially the most well-known bars on the town, and there’s a knack to getting a desk.
You’ll want to indicate up 2.5 hours earlier than they open: opening time is both 12:00 PM for lunch or 7:00 PM for dinner. One hour earlier than opening, somebody will take your title and offer you a time to return — so that you solely really await 90 minutes.
Why is it essential to be there early? The kitchen solely makes one tortilla per service, and so they’re legendary. Solely the primary 12-16 individuals in line get a slice! We managed to get the ultimate two tortillas, and so they have been completely scrumptious (although the very best I’ve ever had? That’s debatable).
After the tortilla, they serve you an enormous tomato salad and a plate of padrón peppers, each topped with plenty of flaky sea salt. Then comes the piece de resistance — the txuleta (chu-LEH-ta), an unlimited steak scorching on its plate. (Sure, these are the one meal choices. Don’t come right here should you’re a vegetarian.)
Let me let you know we ate the meals ravenously, washing all of it down with a stunning Rioja. Charlie and Nick have been really gnawing the bones like cavemen, attempting to get each little bit of that txuleta.
Sure, I’m so glad we waited for it!
Attempt the well-known Basque cheesecake
Basque “burnt” cheesecake was invented within the Eighties by chef Santiago Rivera. On the time, it was groundbreaking as he solely used cream cheese, eggs, cream, sugar, and a pinch of flour. He perfected the scorched topping by blasting it at excessive temperature.
This dessert went international — have you ever observed it popping up EVERYWHERE in the previous couple of years? — however you’ll be able to style the unique recipe at La Viña close to the Plaza de la Constitución in San Sebastián.
One portion is 2 slices and you may get a glass of sherry or wine on the facet. The 4 of us cut up two two-slice servings, and we actually didn’t want greater than that.
Not a cheesecake fan, however nonetheless wish to strive some sweets? I like to recommend the signature cake at Pastelería Oiartzun. It’s known as the Rascacielos, the Skyscraper.
This cake is fluffy and light-weight, with layers of a meringue filling that seems like a half-melted marshmallow. If this isn’t your factor, the bakery additionally serve tartlets, ice cream, and sorbet.
Eat at a Michelin Star Restaurant
San Sebastián has essentially the most Michelin star eating places per sq. meter on this planet. For those who take pleasure in wonderful eating and have the funds to spend, it is a incredible factor to do in San Sebastián!
My recommendation is to plan forward. Select just a few eating places and notice after they open for reservations. It is best to attempt to make a reservation the day that reservations open, if doable — and on the time when reservations open. Sure, that may imply waking up in the midst of the night time.
(No, it’s not overkill to do that. I was a concierge for the AMEX black card in my early 20s. That is what we did each single day, and it was needed, as so many locations are absolutely booked instantly.)
Listed here are some recommendations:
Arzak — This three-star restaurant is a San Sebastián establishment, and Anthony Bourdain visited right here on each episode that ever filmed within the metropolis. That is the place you come for inventive, progressive delicacies, the place the workers are all the time arising with uncommon mixtures of greater than 1,000 components.
Akelarré — This three-star restaurant is positioned outdoors the town middle, nevertheless it’s in a completely attractive constructing and every meals is a murals. The dishes are from the New Basque custom — you’ll discover a number of classics and a number of uncommon twists, too.
iBai — This one-star restaurant dishes up a few of the fanciest and most progressive small plates you’ll ever have. The restaurant provides two tasting menu choices, taking you on a journey by the very best of Basque delicacies, with some surprises.
You’ll be able to see the full assortment of Michelin star eating places right here.
Take a Basque Cooking Class
If consuming your method round San Sebastián appears like enjoyable, a cooking workshop offers you the talents to recreate the recipes again house. That’s a tremendous present to offer to your family members!
This genuine Basque cooking class is led by an expert chef who will educate you methods to make 4 native dishes. Often, that’s a Spanish tortilla, cod in pil pil sauce, steak with purple piquillo peppers, and the well-known burnt Basque cheesecake.
The chef is stuffed with perception on Basque tradition and beneficiant with sensible recommendation for budding house cooks. You’ll get to strive regional wines and cider in the course of the 2.5-hour culinary expertise.
Eat and drink at a Basque Cider Home
Basque cider is totally completely different to the cider you’re used to consuming! It’s flat, not fizzy, and undoubtedly extra dry than candy. There’s a particular knack to pouring cider and visiting a cider home (sidería) is likely one of the most fascinating cultural issues to do in San Sebastián.
Sidreria Beharri is a handy choice positioned within the Previous City the place you’ll be able to pattern cider alongside its conventional culinary providing: STEAK.
My buddies and I made a decision to strive a spot out of city and took a taxi to Astarbe Sagardotegia in Astigarraga, the Basque nation’s cider capital (only a 15-minute drive from San Sebastián). We began by catching the sidra flowing straight out of the barrel!
The primary menu is typical of a Basque cider home — steak, fish, salad, and dessert — however additionally they have a vegan menu, which is uncommon! It’s essential to e book that one upfront. There aren’t a number of vegan foodie experiences in San Sebastián, however it is a good one.
For those who’re impressed to be taught extra about this area of interest trade, I like to recommend taking the Basque Cider Home tour. You’ll have an academic tour of a family-owned sidería and style barrel-fresh cider. It additionally consists of lunch and facet journeys to different foodie spots on the town.
Be taught the town’s historical past on the San Telmo Museum
The San Telmo Museum is likely one of the finest locations to study native and regional historical past in San Sebastián. It’s positioned in a former Dominican convent and capabilities extra like a cultural middle.
Galleries discover Basque historical past by artwork, archaeological finds, and pictures. There are short-term exhibitions along with the everlasting assortment. Anticipate to spend one to 2 hours on the museum and swing by the sixteenth century Iglesia de San Vicente afterwards.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM. Admission is 10 EUR ($11 USD).
See marine life at San Sebastián Aquarium
The seaside aquarium is likely one of the finest issues to do in San Sebastián on a wet day or with children.
Other than fish, sharks, and sea turtles, San Sebastián Aquarium doubles up as a maritime museum. All the second ground is devoted to seafaring heritage and piracy. Anticipate to spend two hours seeing the displays and wandering by the tunnels.
The aquarium is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM (till 8:00 PM on Saturday/Sunday). Admission is 14 EUR ($15 USD) for adults, 7 EUR ($7.50 USD) for kids.
Try Mercado de la Bretxa
Bretxa Market has been in operation since 1871, though it’s moved to completely different places over time. This stone constructing has a mixture of recent produce stalls and trendy shops.
Head all the way down to the basement to see the normal delicatessens and cheesemongers. The distributors are pleasant and pictures is welcome. That mentioned, you may wish to come within the morning — I got here within the afternoon and located the market surprisingly quiet.
In contrast to the primary markets in different Spanish cities, Mercado de la Bretxa is free from tourism and an important spot for native tradition.
The market is open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM-9:30 PM.
Buy groceries
I actually loved the buying scene within the neighborhood instantly south of the previous city. There are such a lot of cool Spanish manufacturers that may not have the bandwidth for a retailer of their very own — however lots of them have a shelf or counter in a boutique in San Sebastián!
I actually beloved the store Nícoli, and there are tons of cool tiny outlets tucked into the streets.
Discover modern tradition within the Gros neighborhood
You most likely received’t discover your method into the Gros neighborhood on function until you’re heading to Playa de la Zurriola to surf. Nonetheless, it’s value visiting this fashionable, trendy neighborhood even should you’re not searching for waves.
The previous city felt overwhelming to me at occasions — however Gros is trendy, calm, and the place locals really hang around. It’s an actual hodge-podge of previous and new with the Kursaal constructing dominating. This monolith is the setting of cultural occasions just like the Zinemaldia Movie Competition.
There are dozens of pintxos bars and worldwide eating places too, for a change of scene. I’d suggest visiting on a Thursday night time for pintxo-pote — Basque completely satisfied hour! Extra bars run offers in Gros in comparison with the previous city.
Hike Monte Urgull
Monte Urgull is that huge inexperienced hill that you just see on the sting of Playa La Concha. It rises out of the previous city and provides you the same view to what you get from Monte Igueldo — although from a singular, completely different angle.
Mountain climbing up alongside the wooded path or steps is simple: it’s a brief stroll that ought to take round 40 minutes at a average tempo. From the highest, you’ll wander round Castillo de la Mota and see different relics from this defensive level.
For those who’re up for a beverage with a view, Urgulleko Polboriña is a superb place for a panoramic cocktail.
Discover San Sebastián’s parks and inexperienced areas
Moreover the seashores and bluffs, Parque de Cristina Enea Park is a perfect spot for a quiet stroll in San Sebastián. It’s surrounded by the Urumea River and has a duck pond within the coronary heart.
As vacationers normally skip it, Cristina Enea Park is peaceable and beloved by donostiarras. It’s filled with crops and bushes with a few buildings coming out from the greenery. I discovered the strolling trails right here to be very nice.
You may also comply with the Paseo Nuevo across the base of Monte Urgull. It has nice views of La Concha Bay and Gros. And naturally, the waterfront Alderdi Eder Gardens shouldn’t be missed.
See San Sebastián by e-bike
Among the best issues to do in San Sebastián is lease an e-bike and cycle alongside the waterfront areas. For those who’d prefer to see extra of the town, you’ll be able to be a part of a tour.
This small-group electrical bike tour enables you to pedal as little or as a lot as you would like. The route crosses the rarely-visited Antiguo quarter and stops at Miramar Palace (Palacio de Miramar) earlier than summiting Monte Igueldo. Belief me — climbing a mountain is MUCH simpler with an e-bike than an everyday bike!!
Excursions depart within the morning and afternoon and are a sensible solution to see the town on a restricted timeframe.
Take a ship journey alongside the Basque coast
Cruising the Basque coast enables you to recognize San Sebastián with the wind in your hair. The shoreline jogged my memory a lot of Eire or Scotland — not what you’d count on in Spain!
This two-bay boat tour is operated by a household enterprise who’ll present you the prettiest components of the coast. It’s a small boat with guides able to reveal the secrets and techniques of the ocean and native geology phenomenons.
A glass of cava is included with their sundown cruises.
Hike the Basque Coast
The Camino del Norte mountaineering path of the Camino de Santiago (Approach of St. James) goes by San Sebastián. Whereas the complete pilgrimage route takes weeks to finish, you are able to do a single day’s hike on the Camino del Norte should you’d like!
The Camino del Norte is regularly cited as essentially the most lovely of the Camino routes. And it’s straightforward sufficient to take the 30-minute prepare from San Sebastián to Zarautz and hike independently. The path is closely trafficked and I’d really feel assured mountaineering any Camino path as a solo girl.
In any other case, you may make some new buddies on this Vineyard Camino Path strolling tour from San Sebastián. Yup, moreover mountaineering you’ll take pleasure in a wine tasting at a Basque Txakoli vineyard.
Go to a Txacoli Vineyard
Txakoli (pronounced CHA-ko-lee) is a dry and barely glowing white wine produced within the Basque Nation. You’ll come throughout the wine in its iconic inexperienced bottles within the metropolis’s previous city bars.
Because it’s fairly particular to the Basque area and exhausting to search out outdoors northern Spain, taking a txakoli tour is likely one of the most particular issues to do in San Sebastián that you just received’t discover wherever else.
This txakoli wine tour takes you to the city of Getaria the place a lot of the wineries are concentrated. You’ll have time to discover the seaside city earlier than having fun with a tour and tasting.
Take a day journey to Hondarribia, San Pedro, and San Juan
Hondarribia, Pasajes de San Juan, and Pasai San Pedro are three lovely seaside cities inside attain of San Sebastián. You’ll be able to drive there with a rental automotive, or e book a tour.
This Hondarribia, San Juan, and San Pedro tour begins with a tour of the colourful city of Hondarribia on the French border. You’ll have a guided tour of the walled previous city and listen to the wealthy historical past about battles and maritime escapades which have taken place right here.
Earlier than looping again through the smaller cities, you’ll absorb Bay of Biscay views from Mount Jaizkibel.
Spend a day in French Basque Nation
As , Basque Nation isn’t simply in Spain — and the French facet of Basque Nation is simply as fascinating!
This French Basque Nation tour takes you past Hondarribia to the opposite facet of the Pyrenees. You’ll go to the glamorous seaside escape of Biarritz, in addition to the cities of Bayonne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, that are completely completely different and supply a pleasant mix of historical past and glamour.
It is a full day tour with a small group and consists of transportation, lunch, and a tour with an expert information.
Take a day journey to Zarautz, Getaria, and Zumaia
If you’d like extra seaside time than simply La Concha, enterprise west for the day and discover the coastal cities of Zarautz, Getaria, and Zumaia.
You’ll be able to e book a Zarautz, Getaria, and Zumaia day journey from San Sebastián, which provides you a full day of enjoyable. If not, you’ll be able to all the time take a prepare to Zarautz and join by bus to the opposite cities.
Zarautz has yet one more surf seaside which is even longer than La Concha. The resort was a favourite of Queen Isabella II and has lovely mansions dotted all through city.
Getaria, on a peninsula, is much smaller with a few little seashores and a fishing village vibe. Style celebrity Cristóbal Balenciaga was born right here and there’s a museum exhibiting his designs and different high fashion. Plus, Getaria is the epicenter of txakoli wine!
The Urola and Narrondo rivers meet in Zumaia, a city that delights historians and geologists alike. Don’t miss the Flysch the place sea and wind erosion has sculpted the rocks right into a pure artwork exhibition. You’ll be able to hike there or take a ship tour.
Go to the vineyards of La Rioja
For those who take pleasure in purple wine, you’ll love a day journey to the La Rioja DOCa wine area. My husband and I discover Rioja to be the very best and finest worth purple wine you should purchase, and an enormous a part of our journey to northern Spain was exploring the La Rioja area as properly!
La Rioja’s wine-growing area is split into Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental. Every has a distinct terrain and local weather which impacts the tastes. Nonetheless, tempranillo grapes dominate with garnacha in help.
Seeing as Spain has a strict driving restrict of 0.05% BAC, you’ll want a delegated driver. My suggestion? Guide a tour. This Rioja wine tour from San Sebastián consists of journey, lunch, winery tour, and tasting. The surroundings will knock your socks off.
Take a day journey to Bilbao
I actually beloved my time in Bilbao — a unusual but extremely livable metropolis filled with tradition, structure, and insane unimaginable bars with a fraction of San Sebastián’s crowds.
For those who’d like to go to Bilbao independently from San Sebastián, merely take the ALSA bus and cut up your day between artwork, views, and (much more) pintxos.
In any other case, this Bilbao metropolis tour from San Sebastián consists of transport and a four-hour strolling tour. After that, you’re free to wander independently and take a look at the primary points of interest.
After all, the Guggenheim Museum is the star of the town, however there are different small museums value your consideration. I additionally beloved taking the funicular to benefit from the metropolis views.
A Fast Word on Ingesting in San Sebastián
By now you’ve most likely observed how prominently consuming and consuming determine on this information. Sure, San Sebastián is a big foodie metropolis, and wine is a serious a part of the tradition right here.
However I wish to emphasize that it may be straightforward to go overboard with the consuming in San Sebastián with out realizing it, partially as a result of it looks as if everybody round you is continually consuming.
I spotted this my first night time out in San Sebastián — and the affect was much more stark as a result of I used to be touring with my husband and two male buddies. All three of them are wine guys who can simply put away much more than I can.
Know this — it’s okay to average your consuming, even when it looks as if no one else in San Sebastián is. It’s okay to not end your glass of wine. It’s okay to order a water or soda along with your pintxos. It’s okay to not go drink for drink along with your companions. You’re right here for a enjoyable night time, not a depressing day tomorrow.
The place to Keep in San Sebastián, Spain
San Sebastian is likely one of the pricier cities in Spain — although you could find lodging at a wide range of value factors. It’s a good suggestion to e book as early as you’ll be able to.
Whereas lots of people would like to remain within the previous city, I really most popular staying throughout the bridge within the Gros neighborhood, which was quieter, extra native, and set far-off sufficient that we weren’t sleeping in the midst of the occasion.
- Prime-Rated Luxurious Lodge in San Sebastián: Lodge Maria Cristina — Wish to splurge? Splurge right here. Good location, attractive rooms, limitless facilities.
- Prime-Rated Mid-Vary Lodge in San Sebastián: Leonardo Boutique Lodge — An ideal location in Gros and trendy, nice worth for cash rooms.
- Prime-Rated Funds Lodge in San Sebastián: The Social Hub San Sebastián — A bit out of the way in which, however close to a bus cease, and actually comfy rooms and good facilities for the worth.
Discover offers on locations to remain in San Sebastián right here.
Greatest Time to Go to San Sebastián, Spain
Have you ever been to Barcelona or Andalusia? Don’t count on the identical local weather in San Sebastián! The Basque Nation and the Atlantic coast are a lot cooler and rainier than the arid, sunny south. Elements of the Basque Nation jogged my memory of Austria and even Eire greater than southern Spain!
Summer time temperatures in San Sebastián peak at round 77° F (25° C) whereas winters could be as chilly because the mid-40s (lower than 10°C).
As a part of the Inexperienced Coast, San Sebastián is susceptible to rain, which falls all 12 months and might typically be unpredictable. Winter is the wettest time of 12 months, and days could be brief. On the plus facet, it’s a pleasant, quiet time to go to. Surfers take pleasure in wild waves within the winter months.
In the end, I’d suggest visiting San Sebastián in late spring, early summer season, or early fall. You’ll get to take pleasure in good temperatures and whereas it is going to be crowded, you’ll keep away from the height crowds of July and August. I personally visited in mid-September and located this to be a good time to go to.
No matter time of 12 months you go to, I like to recommend bringing an umbrella or a water-proof jacket.
The way to Get to San Sebastián, Spain
For those who’re flying into San Sebastián, you will have three airport choices. San Sebastián Airport (EAS) is a 30-minute bus trip from the town, near the French border. Nonetheless, most flights listed here are from locations inside Spain.
Bilbao Airport (BIO) has extra flight choices throughout Europe. You’ll be able to take buses immediately from Bilbao Airport to San Sebastián on Lurraldebus or ALSA, which take about one hour and quarter-hour.
The third choice is Biarritz Airport in France (BIQ), which has a handful of connections in Western and Northern Europe. Buses on Flixbus take about 45 minutes to at least one hour.
So which airport is finest? I selected to fly into Bilbao because it was a direct flight from Prague (hooray!), and I needed to discover Bilbao as properly. I took the bus between the airport and San Sebastián, and it was a simple, comfy journey.
Arriving overland? San Sebastián has two prepare stations: its namesake important terminal and the regional Amara-Donostia station. Trains listed here are restricted in comparison with different Spanish cities, however there may be normally one direct prepare per day from Madrid and Barcelona; most companies require a switch.
And naturally, there are many buses! Donostia Bus Station is subsequent door to the primary prepare station.
How about getting round San Sebastián? Don’t depend on Uber or rideshare apps — they might “technically” exist in San Sebastián, however even at this time, individuals have nice issue discovering drivers this fashion. As a substitute, follow the native metered taxis, which have stands round city.
There are additionally native buses inside San Sebastián that make it straightforward to discover the town.
How A lot Time To Spend in San Sebastián, Spain
San Sebastián is the sort of vacation spot that will get underneath your pores and skin, and also you’ll want you had extra time to discover all of the eating choices! I like to recommend spending three nights in San Sebastián should you’re in a position to take action.
Two days is sufficient time to discover San Sebastián by day, together with time seeing the Get together Vieja and the seashores. Together with your third day, you will have a selection of day journeys — or proceed to spend your time in San Sebastián should you’re actually digging the town.
However for the evenings, plan out your time upfront! Possibly one night time on a pintxos tour, one night time exploring the pintxos bars by yourself, and one night time at a high-end restaurant? You’ll be glad for that point!
Is it value staying longer than three nights? Certain, should you really feel like San Sebastián is your sort of place. I wouldn’t be complaining if I had 4 or 5 nights there.
Is San Sebastián Value It?
Completely, San Sebastián is value it! This metropolis is scrumptious, marvelous, and endlessly fascinating on each stage. I used to be solely sorry it took me so lengthy to go to! I do know I’ll completely be again for extra.
There’s a lot to do in San Sebastián, I do know most vacationers will discover one thing to like on this metropolis.
I hope you will have a beautiful time in San Sebastián! And don’t overlook to discover extra of the Basque Nation!
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