A graceful seaside city famous for its beaches and extraordinary food.
San Sebastián (Donostia) has a shell-shaped bay, a beautiful old town and more Michelin-starred restaurants per head than almost anywhere. Surf beaches, hill viewpoints and a pintxo culture make it a favourite with food-lovers.
Approximate per person per day, including a share of a twin room, and excluding flights. Not live prices.
Bilbao (100 km)
Frank Gehry’s titanium-clad landmark of contemporary art, an easy day by bus from San Sebastián.
Tuesday–Sunday, roughly 10:00–19:00
La Concha Bay
A little island in the middle of La Concha Bay with a hidden beach and lighthouse, reached by a short summer ferry.
Boat service typically in summer; check locally
Pasai Donibane
A one-street fishing village on a narrow inlet, reached by a small ferry, with seafood taverns and an old harbour.
Open-air; taverns open daily
Hondarribia (20 km)
A walled old town of balconied, brightly painted houses and a lively marina, right on the French border.
Buses run frequently from San Sebastián
La Concha Bay
A little island in the middle of La Concha Bay with a hidden beach and lighthouse, reached by a short summer ferry.
Boat service typically in summer; check locally
Pasai Donibane
A one-street fishing village on a narrow inlet, reached by a small ferry, with seafood taverns and an old harbour.
Open-air; taverns open daily
Hondarribia (20 km)
A walled old town of balconied, brightly painted houses and a lively marina, right on the French border.
Buses run frequently from San Sebastián
Miramar
A 19th-century royal summer palace with lawns rolling down to La Concha Bay.
Gardens open daily; palace hours vary
Well reviewed and fairly priced for what you get: not simply the cheapest.
La Concha, San Sebastian
Rated 9.4/10, priced in line with similar 5★ hotels in San Sebastian, in a central location.
Gros, San Sebastian
Rated 8.6/10, about 11% below typical 3★ prices in San Sebastian, right by the beach.
Parte Vieja, San Sebastian
Rated 8.8/10, priced in line with similar 3★ hotels in San Sebastian, in a central location.
A tiny bar known for one thing above all: a huge tortilla, cooked to order and served at a set time, which regulars queue for.
Known for: Tortilla, tomato salad, grilled steak
About £14–30 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
A small, crowded pintxo bar with a chalkboard of hot dishes cooked to order.
Known for: Slow-cooked veal cheek, foie gras, octopus
About £14–30 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
A busy old-town bar with an excellent display of pintxos and a reputation for quality meat.
Known for: Beef cheek, grilled meats
About £14–30 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
A tiny bar specialising in anchovies, served in a dozen different ways on bread.
Known for: Anchovy pintxos
Under about £14 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
San Sebastian · Highlights
A balanced first-visit plan built from our San Sebastian picks: the headline sights, a local favourite or two and time to breathe.
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