Donostia / San Sebastián

Donostia / San Sebastián

Look out onto La Concha Bay and enjoy the very best pintxo trails.

San Sebastián is a city graced with three mountains, three beaches, an island and a river. But apart from its natural beauty, the capital of Gipuzkoa has also forged a charm all of its own thanks to its architecture, quality of life and renowned gastronomy.

Temple of gastronomy

Sixteen Michelin stars, a culinary university, pintxos (miniature haute cuisine creations), two protected designation of origin products (Idiazabal cheese and txokoli wine of Getaria) served at some of the world's finest restaurants, farmers markets that delight the senses, and a wide range of top-quality natural products. For these reasons and many more that you'll discover when you come here, San Sebastian is a genuine foodies' paradise.

Sport City

Run, pedal, surf, skate, gallop, sail, or score a basket! San Sebastian loves all types of sports, as long as they can be enjoyed outdoors along with the beautiful surroundings. With views around every corner of the city, sports are an authentic pleasure here. It's no wonder that so many exciting events are hosted here (marathon, Behobia-San Sebastian foot race, San Sebastian Cycling Classic, Donosti Cup, sailing regatta, horse races, International Chess Open), in addition to a countless number of popular events throughout the year. It's the healthiest way to explore the city.

Premium city

San Sebastian was selected by the Spanish Royal family in the early 20th century as their summer residence. Today it is still the perfect place for the most demanding traveller. A five-star hotel overlooking the Urumea river, three exquisite restaurants boasting three Michelin stars each, top-of- the-line shops, a stunningly beautiful natural setting and a long list of institutions and resources of international acclaim (Chillida Leku Museum, Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum, La Perla Thalassotherapy Spa) make the city a destination for travellers looking for five-star luxuries.

Capital of culture

Waves of energy lapped the shores of San Sebastian in 2016 as the city played host to the European Capital of Culture. The city saw more cultural events, exhibitions, concerts, festivals, creative encounters and, above all, cultural networking than ever before. There were more spaces open to inspiration, creation and reflection across all sectors of society. But the fact is that the city has been bathed in culture for a very long time – with every sculpture by Chillida, Oteiza or Basterretxea, with the International film Festival, with Musikene, the Higher School of Music, with Tabakalera, the International Center for Contemporary Culture, with the Orfeon Donostiarra choir, and with the San Telmo Museum. The result: a creative and inspiring city.

Corners

There isn’t just one San Sebastián, there are a lot. There is the San Sebastián of pintxos and the beach, but also the city of culture, of walks by the sea, of surfing, or the one for all the family to enjoy. All you have to do is pasar and see…

Igueldo
It's impossible to go to up Monte Igueldo without taking pictures.
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Comb of the Wind
The swells rise up forcing water through holes in the ground and creating a geyser affect.
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La Concha Bay
La Concha Bay is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.
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Plaza de la Constitución and the Old Town
Plaza de la Constitución is San Sebastian's old town square.
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Sagüés
Sagüés, at the far end of the Gros neighbourhood, is the epicentre of the surf scene on the Côte Basque.
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Victoria Eugenia Theatre
In 1893 Queen Maria Cristina and her royal entourage began to summer in San Sebastian, making the city the resort of choice for royalty.
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Beaches

Three beaches, each one with its own personality: Ondarreta, the one for families. La Concha, the essential classic beach. And Zurriola, the youngest. Choose yours!

Ondarreta beach
Explore Ondarreta Beach. Separated from La Concha beach by a rocky outcrop known as Pico del Loro, this is the widest of San Sebastian's beaches
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La concha beach
Explore La Concha Beach. The darling of the San Sebastian Region
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Zurriola beach
Explore Zurriola Beach. Surfers from all over the world come to ride the waves at Zurriola
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Monuments and sculptures

In a delightful 6-km walk along the coast, you’ll find some of the most important artists who decades ago formed the Basque artistic avant-garde.

Comb of the Wind
A classic stop in San Sebastian. Comb of the Wind by Eduardo Chillida is a perfect fusion of art and landscape.
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Empty construction
The artistic gem stands defiantly over the sea on San Sebastian's Paseo Nuevo.
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Homage to Fleming
Enjoy spectacular views from this sculpture of one of the loveliest bays in the world.
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The Peace Cross
The cross was carved from a piece of alabaster weighing 800 kg.
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Besarkada
A friend's embrace, re-conciliation and understanding are part of the universal language of art.
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Hondalea
Treasure Island
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The dove of peace
This work by Gipuzkoan sculptor Nestor Basterretxea, charged with symbolism, stands on the Sagues sea front.
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