General Information
San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is a stunning coastal city in northern Spain, famous for its golden beaches, world-class gastronomy, and vibrant culture. Known as the culinary capital of Spain, it boasts Michelin-starred restaurants, pintxos bars, and fresh seafood. With its elegant architecture, beautiful bay, and lively festivals, San Sebastián is the perfect mix of luxury, tradition, and scenic beauty.
Location
San Sebastián is located in Spain’s Basque Country, on the Bay of Biscay, near the French border. The city is surrounded by hills and lush greenery, with its famous La Concha Bay offering breathtaking seaside views.
Distances from Major Cities:
- Bilbao: 100 km (1-hour drive or 1.5-hour bus/train ride)
- Biarritz (France): 50 km (40-minute drive)
- Madrid: 450 km (5-hour drive or 4-hour train ride)
- Barcelona: 550 km (6-hour drive or 1-hour flight)
How to Get There
- By Air:
- San Sebastián Airport (EAS) (20 km from the city) has limited domestic flights.
- Nearby airports: Bilbao Airport (BIO) (100 km) and Biarritz Airport (BIQ) (50 km) offer more international connections.
- By Train:
- Renfe’s Alvia trains connect San Sebastián to Madrid in 4-5 hours.
- Regional trains link the city to other Basque towns and France.
- By Bus:
- Frequent buses run from Bilbao, Madrid, Barcelona, and Pamplona.
- By Car:
- Easily accessible via the AP-8 highway from Bilbao or the A-63 highway from France.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June – August): Best for beach lovers, with sunny weather and lively festivals like Semana Grande.
- Spring (March – May) & Autumn (September – October): Ideal for sightseeing and food tourism with mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Winter (November – February): Cooler but great for experiencing Michelin-star dining and cultural sites without the crowds.
Key Festivals & Events:
- Semana Grande (August): A week of fireworks, parades, and concerts.
- San Sebastián International Film Festival (September): A top European film event.
- Tamborrada (January 20th): A 24-hour drumming festival celebrating Basque traditions.
Where to Stay
- Luxury:
- Hotel María Cristina: A 5-star historic hotel, famous for hosting celebrities during the film festival.
- Lasala Plaza Hotel: A stylish boutique hotel overlooking La Concha Bay.
- Mid-range:
- Zenit Convento San Martín: A modern hotel set in a former convent.
- Hotel Arbaso: A trendy hotel in the city center with chic decor and a great restaurant.
- Budget:
- Pensión Peñaflorida: A cozy guesthouse with a charming atmosphere.
- A Room in the City Hostel: A popular, budget-friendly option close to Old Town.
Top Attractions
- La Concha Beach: One of Europe’s most beautiful urban beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Old Town (Parte Vieja): A lively historic center with pintxos bars, cobbled streets, and Plaza de la Constitución.
- Monte Igueldo: A hilltop viewpoint with panoramic views of the bay and a vintage funicular ride.
- Peine del Viento: A famous sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, set against crashing waves.
- San Telmo Museum: A museum dedicated to Basque history, culture, and art.
- Zurriola Beach: A top spot for surfing and water sports.
- Kursaal Congress Centre: A modern architectural landmark and the venue for the Film Festival.
- Santa Clara Island: A small, peaceful island in the bay, ideal for a short boat trip and swimming.
Getting Around
- Walking: San Sebastián is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot.
- Biking: The city has a bike-friendly layout, with rental services available.
- Public Transport: The D-Bus network covers the city, and Euskotren connects nearby towns.
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Available but not often needed due to the city’s walkability.
Local Cuisine
San Sebastián is world-famous for its pintxos (Basque tapas) and Michelin-star restaurants.
- Pintxos: Small, gourmet bites, featuring fresh seafood, local cheeses, and Iberian ham.
- Txangurro: A delicious stuffed spider crab dish.
- Bacalao a la Vizcaína: A traditional Basque cod dish with red pepper sauce.
- Chuletón: A thick-cut, aged beef steak, grilled to perfection.
- Basque Cheesecake: A creamy, caramelized cheesecake, originating from San Sebastián.
Best Restaurants & Pintxos Bars:
- Bar Nestor: Famous for steak and tortilla de patatas.
- La Cuchara de San Telmo: A top pintxos bar with innovative dishes.
- Borda Berri: Known for slow-cooked meats and seafood pintxos.
- Arzak & Akelarre (Michelin-starred): Among the best fine-dining restaurants in the world.
Shopping
- Parte Vieja: Best for local boutiques, Basque crafts, and gourmet products.
- San Martín Market: A mix of fresh food stalls, wine shops, and designer brands.
- La Bretxa Market: A great spot for Basque specialties like cheeses, meats, and seafood.
Nightlife
- Pintxos & Wine Bars: Start the night with a pintxos crawl in Parte Vieja, trying local wines like Txakoli.
- Bataplán Disco: The city’s top nightclub, overlooking La Concha Bay.
- Dabadaba: A cool live music venue with indie, electronic, and DJ sets.
- La Perla: A beachfront venue, perfect for cocktails with sea views.
Day Trips from San Sebastián
- Getaria (25 km): A charming fishing village, known for grilled seafood and Txakoli wine.
- Hondarribia (20 km): A colorful Basque town with historic charm and a scenic harbor.
- Bilbao (100 km): Home to the Guggenheim Museum and a vibrant urban culture.
- Biarritz (50 km, France): A chic seaside resort with surf culture and elegant cafes.
