About San Sebastián

La Concha Bay

Fall in love with the Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea

Situated on the beautiful Bay of Biscay coast in northern Spain, any self-respecting foodie is sure to fall in love with Donostia-San Sebastián, with its high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants (including Arzak, Kokotxa and Akelarre) and, of course, its vibrant pintxo culture.

The very best of local, Basque ingredients and gastronomy are presented on a backdrop of stunning architecture and perfect beaches, surrounded by imposing mountains – and all bound together with a proud and rich culture of heritage and tradition.

Things to see and do

There’s plenty of things to keep the whole family entertained in San Sebastián when you’re not bar hopping.

  • Swim, surf, walk, or simply sit back and soak up the sun at one of the city’s three beaches. Tour the bay by walking or cycling along La Concha Promenade to the Miramar Palace, hire a kayak or try a relaxing boat trip.
  • Take the funicular railway to Monte Igueldo to visit the amusement park and enjoy stunning views of the city, Concha Bay and Santa Clara island.
  • Explore the impressive Aquarium with its Oceanarium and 360° viewing tunnel. You can also learn about San Sebastián’s marine and maritime heritage.
  • Seek out the city’s many sculptures, such as the Peine del Viento (Wind Comb) by sculptor Eduardo Chillida and architect Luis Peña Gantxegi.
  • Discover the history of the city and the Basque region at the San Telmo Museum and the Maritime Museum.
  • Wander around the streets of the old town, find the former bullring in the Constitution Square with its numbered windows, see the baroque Santa Maria Basilica, and climb Monte Urgull to the fortress and La Mota castle with the Sacred Heart statue.
  • Hit the shops in Centro, or get pampered at La Perla spa.

Visit the brilliant San Sebastian Tourism website for more ideas and information.

Santa Clara Island through the promenade's famous railings
Monte Igueldo
Funicular 'Monte Igueldo'
San Sebastian Harbour and Aquarium
Empty Construction (Construcción Vacía) sculpture
Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitución)
Basilica of Santa María del Coro
La Concha Beach
Comb of the Wind (Eduardo Chillida, 1976)
The Old Town
Monte Urgull
San Sebastian City Hall
The D004 bus, at Bilbao airport

Getting to San Sebastián

If you’re travelling internationally you can fly in to Bilbao, although there is a local airport just outside San Sebastián which is great if you’re coming from Barcelona or Madrid.

From Bilbao Airport

Bilbao Airport is just over 100km from San Sebastián. An hourly coach service operated by Lurraldebus leaves from the front of the airport, and at around €13 it is much more economical than a taxi (approx €150). You can check the timetables and buy a ticket in advance on the Avanza website (you can switch the language to English, French, Spanish or Basque) but you’ll have to be sure of the specific time you will be travelling.

For maximum flexibility, and to avoid the risk of missing your coach because your flight was delayed, you can buy your ticket once you’ve arrived at the airport. Turn right as you exit Arrivals, and at the far end of the building there are ticket machines which accept card and cash. The bus stop is just to the left as you exit the terminal through the doors by the ticket machines.

On the Avanza website and on the front of the coaches, you will might the Bilbao Aiport stop referred to as “LOIU” or “AEROPUERTO BILBAO”. The route you are looking for is the DO04 from Loiu/Aeropuerto Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastián. The coach may make an interim stop at Zarautz if requested by a passenger. The journey will take around an hour and fifteen minutes, and the terminus is San Sebastián’s underground bus station in Paseo Federico García Lorca.

For the return journey you can again buy in advance online, or you can buy at the ticket office in the bus station. The TV screens in the bus station will indicate which parking bay the bus will leave from.