Choose from 20 Fun Things to Do in San Sebastian
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Getaria
Surrounded by two beaches on either side, it seems impossible not to slow down and enjoy the peaceful pace of this coastal Basque town. Take in the ocean views from the waterfront and from up the hills, taste freshly caught fish from the bay, or stroll through the well-preserved old town. The area is also known for its local white wine txakoli and the vineyards that produce it, which are easy to explore nearby.
Of course it would be remiss not to mention the beach town’s most famous resident — fashion icon Cristóbal Balenciaga, and there is a museum here devoted to his work. There is also a small peninsula close to the fishing port that ends at San Antón Mountain, and it is affectionately called Ratón de Getaria (“mouse of Getaria”) for its unique shape. You can climb to the top for panoramic views of the town and the coastline.
Practical Info
Getaria is situated on the Bay of Biscay, about 25 kilometers west of San Sebastian. There is a bus from San Sebastian’s main station, heading to Zumaia.
Address: Getaria, Gipuzkoa, Spain, Spain
From $ 87
Aquarium San Sebastian
Extensively revamped in 2008, San Sebastian's aquarium has an enviable waterside position at the foot of Monte Urgull, is one of the most up-to-date in Europe, despite its location in a 1928 building. With 31 aquaria featuring marine eco-scapes from Cantabria and the tropics, the premier attraction here is the 360-degree perspex tunnel that dives through the Oceanarium while more than 40 species of fish, including bull sharks, turtles, sinister stingrays and jellyfish, swim merrily past.
A small museum of marine history displays the bleached skeleton of a whale caught off the Atlantic coast in 1878, and a smattering of fascinating whaling and fishing boats that showcase San Sebastian's enduring relationship with the sea.
Practical Info
San Sebastian's Aquarium is at Piazza Carlos Blasco de Imaz, 1, and admission is €13 for adults, €9 for seniors and students, €6.50 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for those under 6. The aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 8 p.m., depending on the season.
Address: Piazza Carlos Blasco de Imaz, 1, San Sebastian, Spain
Hours: Daily 10am-7pm or 8pm (seasonal)
Admission: Adults €13, Seniors/Students €9, Children 4-12 €6.50
From $ 236
Sanctuary of Arantzazu
This Franciscan sanctuary set against the Aizkorri mountain range carries both spiritual and historical significance for many pilgrims to the site. Tradition states that Virgin appeared in a hawthorn bush, prompting witnesses to ask "Arantzan zu?" (Is it you in the hawthorn?), giving the place its name and bringing thousands of years of pilgrims and art devoted to it.
The area has suffered multiple fires and seen many restorations since then, most recently in the 1950s with a beautiful monastery that stands picturesquely on the edge of the mountain. It sits at the base of the road leading to the highest mountain in the Basque Country, surrounded by the valley’s trees and ravines, and has since become a symbol for avant-garde architecture. Sculptor Jorge Oteiza created the 14 apostles on the façade, while the iron gates were designed by Eduardo Chillida and paintings by Nestor Basterretxea and Lucio Muñoz.
Practical Info
The Sanctuary is located nine kilometers away from the center of Oñati. It is within the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park, which makes it a convenient base for many of the hiking trails there.
Address: Barrio de Arantzazu, 8, Oñati, Guipúzcoa, Gipuzkoa, Spain 20560, Spain
From $ 75
Buen Pastor Cathedral
The neo-Gothic cathedral of Buen Pastor (the Good Shepherd) was completed in 1897 at a time when San Sebastian was flourishing as an aristocratic seaside resort; it was promoted to cathedral in 1953. Buen Pastor is the largest religious construction in the city, made of sandstone harvested from Monte Igueldo and with a tapering spire that serves as a local landmark.
The vast church was designed by Basque architect Manuel de Echave along elegant, slender Gothic lines; its needle-like spire is the tallest in the Basque country at 246 feet (75 meters). Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida created the ‘Cross of Peace’ that adorns the main façade.
Based on the Latin cross, the cathedral has three naves and the interior is awash with light flooding in through the stained-glass windows by Juan Bautista Lázaro; vast chandeliers hang down from the vaulted roof and rose windows illuminate both ends of the transept. The organ was installed in 1954 and has more than 9,000 pipes, making it one of the largest in Europe.
Practical Info
The cathedral is on Plaza del Buen Pastor, and it is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is free.
Address: Urdaneta, 12, San Sebastian 20006, Spain
Hours: Daily 8:30am-12:30pm & 5pm-8pm
From $ 36
Haro
The town of Haro is the wine capital of La Rioja region, known for its local red wine production and many bodegas. Its annual Haro Wine Festival draws in visitors from all over the world, and the climate, soil and infrastructures built by the French — who came to La Rioja to grow wine in the 19th century after pests attacked their own vineyards — all contribute to the prime conditions for growing grapes here. With clay soils sheltered by the Cantabrian mountain range, the vineyards here grow some of the best wine in Spain.
Wine is the cultural and economic center of life in Haro. There is even a Museo del Vino (wine museum) in town, with tasting courses available, and each year Haro hosts a citywide “wine battle” where two sides pour thousands of liters of wine on one another. Haro also has an artistic heritage with homes and taverns in the Casco Vierno (Old Quarter), as well as the historic Santo Tomás church.
Practical Info
Haro is located approximately 100 kilometers south of Bilbao. The Haro “Wine Battle” takes place every year on June 29.
Address: Haro, La Rioja, Spain 26200, Spain
From $ 87
Guernica (Gernika)
If you’ve heard the name Guernica before, it’s likely due to the fact that it was demolished by an air raid in the Spanish Civil War and immortalized by Picasso in his famous painting of the same title. Founded in 1366, the town of Guernica is alive and well once more, becoming a center for peace and having developed into a center for culture and art in the region.
Historically, the Tree of Gernika has played an important role as a community meeting point for Juntas Generales (general counsels) since the Middle Ages. Today, the site of the tree along with churches, palaces, homes, museums and parks — some of which did survive the bombings — make this a lively though peaceful Basque town to visit. The Gernika Peace Museum Foundation stands as representation of its current status, and because of the city’s history and deeply embedded symbolism, Guernica is an important piece of Basque culture and identity.
Practical Info
Guernica is a short half hour drive from Bilbao. There is also an hourly train from Atxuri station that takes about 50 minutes.
Address: Gernika-Lumo, Bizkaia, Spain 48300, Spain
From $ 75
Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago)
The pilgrimage route called Camino di Santiago (Way of St. James) stretches across Europe into northern Spain and down to Santiago di Compostela. This sacred path has been followed since medieval times by faithful Christians who seek to worship at the tomb of St. James, as well as other hikers who are inspired by the spiritual “way.”
The Basics
Hiking the entire Camino de Santiago can take up to a month, but day-trippers can also enjoy shorter hikes and walks along parts of the trail. One of the most scenic sections runs along the Basque coastline between San Sebastian and Oviedo, and is known as the Camino del Norte (Northern Way).
A half-day stroll along the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian takes in panoramic views across the city’s crescent-shaped bay and the foothills of the Monte Ulia range. A popular tour itinerary includes lunch in Pasaia San Pedro, before returning to San Sebastian by motorboat.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Good hiking shoes, comfortable layered clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water are essential for hikers, even for short treks.
- Although many sections of the trail are marked, it’s best to carry a map or guidebook unless you’re hiking with a guide.
- Accommodation along the Way of St. James can get booked up quickly during peak hiking seasons, so reserve everything in advance.
How to Get There
There are many different starting points for hiking the Way of St. James, so it’s best to plan your route and arrange transport in advance. For a day hike, opting to join a guided tour can take the hassle out of organizing transfers.
When to Get There
The best time to hike the Way of St. James is between April and June or during September, avoiding the wet and cold winter months, as well as the sweltering summer heat. Visiting offseason means that many accommodation options and facilities may be closed or operating limited hours, so it’s important to confirm in advance. For day hikes in summer, get an early start to avoid walking during the hottest part of the day.
Hiking the Camino de Santiago
Of the several routes that lead to Santiago di Compostela, the longest starts in France and travels 650 miles (900 kilometers) across northern Spain; others begin in central Portugal at Sintra, and southern Spain in Seville and Barcelona. The full route along the Way of St. James can take up to a month, and thousands of believers still make the pilgrimage each year. The end point is the ornate Roman Catholic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, which houses the remains of St. James in the crypt.
Address: Spain
From $ 73
Monte Igueldo
One of the two headlands that bookend the sweep of San Sebastian’s sandy La Concha Bay, Monte Igueldo stands to the west of the town and is the perfect vantage point for panoramic views over the rocky islet of Santa Clara toward the hump of Monte Urgull at the east end of the beach.
Rearing up at the end of La Concha Bay, steep Monte Igueldo can be ascended by car or on foot along the winding Paseo del Faro; alternatively a funicular runs up the hill from Plaza del Funicular, 4. Once up there, there are viewing terraces and a small theme park but most people just visit for the panoramas, which are especially wonderful at sunset as the lights of the town twinkle below.
Although the amusement park won’t impress hardened Disney veterans, it has a certain passé charm and enough to entertain families with toddlers for a couple of hours, from bumper cars to carousels and gentle roller coasters as well as themed rides in the Pirate Park.
Practical Info
The Monte Igueldo funicular runs every 15 minutes between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. every day except Wednesdays in winter (there are longer hours on summer weekends). Return fares are €3.10 for adults and €2.30 for children. The Monte Igueldo amusement park is also closed Wednesday during winter, and in summer opens from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., longer during August weekends. Admission is €2.20 per person, and some rides cost extra. The panoramic terraces are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in summer with shorter hours in winter.
Address: San Sebastian, Spain
Hours: Funicular: Daily 11am-8pm (closed Weds in winter)
Admission: Funicular: Adults €3.10, Children €2.30
From $ 32
La Concha Beach (Playa de la Concha)
San Sebastian’s main crescent-shaped beach is of softest sand and punctuated at both ends by craggy hills: Monte Urgull to the east and Monte Igueldo to the west. Translating into English as ‘the shell’, La Concha was fundamental in the incarnation of San Sebastian as an elegant seaside resort favored by Spanish royalty back in the 19th century.
The beach fills to bursting in the summer, when the bumpy waters of the Bay of Biscay are calm and pleasantly warm to swim in. Lifeguards are always on duty and there are showers and other facilities on the beach, making it safe and easy for families to enjoy a day on the sand. Two floating pontoons out in the bay are just the spot for sunbathing; beyond them the small, rocky islet of Santa Clara has a tiny beach that is a prime picnic spot and can be reached by motorboat or hired canoe.
Now backed by formal gardens, a brightly painted carousel, and a row of charming hotels, seafood restaurants and bars, the Paseo Nuevo promenade that runs the length of La Concha comes alive during the nightly paseo, when San Sebastian residents and tourists alike dress up and go out on the town.
Practical Info
Motorboats trundle back and forth to Santa Clara every half hour in the summer from El Muelle harbor at the east end of the beach. Canoes and pedalos can be hired by hour or by the day from a variety of venues along the beach.
Address: San Sebastian, Spain
From $ 14
Castle of Butron
Like a fantasy castle straight out of Middle-earth, the pride of the Vizcaya looms above the Butrón River, marking the spot of a key fortification that kept the Butrón clan in control. The original structure of Castle of Butron probably dated to the 11th century, though the earliest verifiable records refer to a stone tower that existed by 1250 AD. The castle was expanded as regional wars raged, and the Basque's ruling families spilled much blood in its shadow.
As peace fell across the beautiful countryside, the great families allowed their fortress to fall into utter disrepair. Finally, in 1878, new owners hired architect Francisco de Cuba to rebuild the ruins but this time with a romanticized silhouette for relaxing, rather than fighting.
Today, the old Castle of Butrón seems something from a fairy tale, with turreted towers and Bavarian style that will have you wondering when the next dragon will arrive. The gardens make a fine spot for a picnic, or wander around inside.
Practical Info
Most people visit the castle on a tour from nearby Bilbao (20km/13mi), but you can also do it using public transport. From Bilbao, take the metro to the city of Mungia. From there, several buses leave for Gatika. Ask the bus driver to drop you at the Castillo de Butrón; the stop is 300 meters (984 feet) downhill from the castle.
Every June, the castle hosts the Feria Medieval (Medieval Festival), with period costumes, traditional games, and other entertainment. Though there's not much tourist infrastructure in the nearby town of Gatika, several vacation rentals are scattered about the hills.
Address: BI-634, Gatika, Spain
Hours: Open Tues, Thurs, Fri, and Saturday year-round; Mon - Sat April through September. Closed Sunday.
From $ 75
Vitoria
Until the 1980s, when the Basque Country earned autonomous status from the Spanish government, Vitori-Gaitez was just another quaint provincial capital, notable for its two outstanding cathedrals, Gothic 14th-century Santa María and 1907 María Inmaculada, surrounded by scores of monumental buildings, some housing museums focusing on art, history, and in the 1525 Palacio de Bendana’s Museo Fournier, playing cards.
The hilltop old town was founded in the 6th century, though the oldest surviving structures are part of the well-preserved Medieval stronghold. This is surrounded by newer (14th to 18th-century) plazas and shady pedestrian promenades lined with shops and cafes.
The more affluent and energetic modern center of the young capital, however, showcases today’s talented architects, heralding the bright future of the Basque region.
Practical Info
Although Vitoria-Gasteiz isn't (yet) a top tourist destination, make reservation in advance during the popular July International Jazz Festival and August Azkena Rock Festival.
The city is home to tiny Airport Vitoria-Foronda (VIT), with direct flights to Madrid, but most visitors fly into Bilbao or Zaragoza. There are also train connections to Madrid and Barcelona, and buses to most major Spanish cities.
Address: Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
Admission: Free
From $ 87
Mundaka
Along the rocky coastline of Basque Country, long waves sweep onto the shores of this fishing village that make it an internationally famous surf spot. Sand banks created by the nearby river result in some of the longest barrel waves that are known to surfers worldwide. The small town was once a site of the World Championship of Surfing, but with its medieval houses and fisherman’s dwellings facing the sea it’s worth a visit even if you aren’t planning on getting in the water.
Mundaka is located within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, with a charming old town, fresh seafood, and a scenic harbor to explore. Take lunch in one of the many cafes, perhaps with an ocean view, and note that local sea bass is a favorite. Even if you’re not there just for the famous surf conditions, you can always watch the surfers as they take on the unique sets of waves.
Practical Info
Mundaka is located on the northern coast, and can be reached from Bilbao by EuskoTren on the Bermeo line or with about an hour’s drive. Surfing conditions are best September to April.
Address: Mundaka, Bizkaia, Spain, Spain
From $ 75
Victoria Eugenia Theater (Teatro Victoria Eugenia)
Victoria Eugenia Theater (Teatro Victoria Eugenia) Just steps away from San Sebastián's old quarter sits the Victoria Eugenia Theater. There, the commanding Belle Époque-style building stands watch over Okendo Plaza, as well as the River Urumea, which flows out to the Bay of Biscay.
Francisco de Urcola designed the early 20th-century property in response to the Basque city's growth as a destination for Spanish and European aristocrats. Now, it's considered one of the most beautiful buildings in San Sebastián and also as one of the most prestigious theaters in all of Spain.
And upon seeing it, there's really no surprise as to why. It boasts an attractive sandstone exterior, whose columned front façade is adorned by four prominent sculptures, each of which represents opera, tragedy, comedy and drama. Meanwhile, the interior dazzles with golden balconies filled with red velvet chairs, and a ceiling of frescoes illuminated by an elaborate chandelier.
Apart from shows ranging from opera to dance and musicals, Victoria Eugenia Theater has also played host to the San Sebastian International Film Festival, as well as various movie premieres.
Practical Info
The main entrance to the theater is located on Paseo de la República Argentina (or República Argentina Kalea, in Basque), which runs along the Urumea River. Tickets to shows can be purchased online or directly from the theater's box office.
Address: Paseo de la República Argentina, 2, 20004, San Sebastian, Spain
Hours: Daily; times vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 236
Ondarreta Beach
Picking up where San Sebastian’s main beach of La Concha stops at a rocky outcrop just short of Monte Igueldo, marked by the formal gardens and elaborate Palace of Miramar, Ondarreta Beach is another swathe of soft sand sculpted out of the Cantabrian coastline.
Backed by a promenade and stretching almost 0.5 km (0.3 miles), the beach is only slight less busy than La Concha in the summer, when it fills up with families huddled in the shade of blue-and-white striped beach tents and kids playing beach tennis or volleyball. It shares the same views of Isla de Santa Clara floating out in the bay, which is a lovely spot for a summer picnic lunch.
Less protected from the whims and winds of the Bay of Biscay than La Concha, Ondarreta is the place of choice for surfers when the waves pick up. At the end of the beach, at the foot of Monte Igueldo in the residential district of El Antiguo, there’s a spectacular piece of sculpture by Eduardo Chillida entitled Peine del Viento (The Wind Comb). Constructed of three interlocking strands of steel, it has been at the mercy of wind and sea alike since 1977.
Practical Info
Canoes and kayaks can be hired to go out to Santa Clara by hour or by the day from a variety of venues along the beach. The Peine del Viento can be viewed 24/7.
Address: San Sebastian, Spain
From $ 50
San Telmo Museum
San Telmo Museum is in the heart of the Old Town, housed in a 16th-century Renaissance convent structured around a lovely cloister. For the second half of the 19th century, the convent was used as a barracks and slowly fell into disrepair. It was rescued from dereliction and in 1932 became the city's municipal museum. The year 2011 saw the addition of a new gallery coated in aluminum, creating a seamless blend of Renaissance and contemporary design.
The museum examines the development of Basque culture from Neolithic times to present, helped along by the 11 murals in the chapel painted; these were painted by Jose María Sert in the 1930s and highlight the main events over the centuries. The fine-art collection contains lots of gloomy oil paintings, with a couple of standout masterpieces by El Greco as well as fine portraits by Spanish Impressionist Joaquín Sorolla. There's special interest taken in the industrialization of the region"”and its subsequent financial flowering"”in the 19th century, illustrated with a rare collection of black-and-white images. Temporary art exhibitions are held on the ground floor.
Practical Info
San Telmo Museum is located at Plaza Zuloaga 1 on the edge of the Old Town (Parte Vieja) and opens Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. General admission is €6 but €3 for students and free for everyone on Tuesdays. Prices may vary slightly according to the temporary exhibitions.
Address: Plaza Zuloaga 1, San Sebastian 20003, Spain
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-8pm
Admission: Adults €6, Students €3 (free on Tuesdays)
From $ 236
Old Town (Parte Vieja)
Lying between El Muelle harbor and the River Urumea, San Sebastian’s Old Town has its origins in medieval times although it was largely rebuilt following the large-scale destruction of the city by fire in 1813.
By day the Old Town is a maze of charismatic alleys and clusters of townhouses hosting the city’s chaotic daily Pescadería (fish market). The Municipal Museum San Telmo, the fine Gothic church of St Vincente and the Baroque basilica of Santa María del Coro are also found here, and much of the incessant action centers around the dynamic Plaza de la Constitución. This arcaded and balconied square was once a bullring and by night it buzzes with laughter and chatter from the numerous crowded bars and restaurants; this is the best place to sample pintxos, the famous Basque-country tapas of bite-size snacks on bread with typical toppings including peppers, tortilla, garlic prawns or cod.
Practical Info
San Sebastian’s Old Town is always accessible, and its restaurants and bars stay open late into the night.
Address: San Sebastian, Spain
From $ 32
Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitucion)
Constitution Square sits in the heart of San Sebastián's old quarter. Since its construction in the early 1800s, it has served as the city's main square, but perhaps most interestingly as a bullring. You can still see remnants of this today: look above each of the balcony windows, where you'll spy numbers denoting the former bullring boxes once rented by spectators.
Though the bullfights long ago moved to the city's proper Plaza de Toros, Constitution Square (or Plaza de la Constitución in Spanish) still hosts some of San Sebastián's biggest events. The most famous of these is no doubt the start and finish "“ marked by the flag raising and lowering -- of the parade- and drum-filled Tamborrada, which takes place yearly on January 20th.
Events aside, the main square, which is dominated by the municipal library, resides in a part of town blanketed by a web of narrow medieval streets, each dotted by Basque Country's answer to the tapas bar: the pintxos bar. These drinking-and-eating establishments typically pile high their counters with gourmet-style tapas-topped slices of bread, and are usually enjoyed by visiting one bar after the next.
Practical Info
Constitution Square makes for a good reference point when navigating this historic barrio's maze of streets. Grab drinks and pintxos at one of the plaza's outdoor terraces, or seek cover beneath the square's porticos, from the all-too-common rains.
Address: 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Hours: Daily
From $ 92
Saint-Jean-De-Luz
This coastal town between Biarritz and the Spanish border is known for being the site of King Louis XIV’s marriage to Infanta Maria Teresa of Spain in 1660. With a historic port and old town, winding streets, and bright beaches, it remains a popular holiday spot. The harbor is one of the largest in France, once a prosperous fishing and shipping port, and there were even Basque pirates, known as corsairs, who brought wealth to the area.
There are many covered markets and colorful shops with Basque goods along the Rue Gambetta. The old town is a mix of white, red, and green buildings of the Basque tradition, most dating back to the 17th century. The Saint Jean Baptiste Church is an example of historic, Basque-influenced architecture, and there is also a large waterfront promenade and many beaches and surf spots to explore, including the largest: the Grand Plage.
Practical Info
Saint-Jean-De-Luz is located only 15 kilometers from the border with Spain. It can be accessed via car from the A63 motorway, or on the train from Bordeaux, Bayonne, and San Sebastian. Beaches can get crowded by mid-afternoon.
Address: Saint-Jean-De-Luz, France, Spain
From $ 405
Miramar Palace
With formal gardens that tumble down to the beach edge at Ondarreta, the Miramar Palace was once the retreat of Queen Marie Christine Habsburg, the wealthy widow of King Alphonse XII of the Spanish ruling royal family; she was responsible for putting San Sebastian on the map as a popular seaside vacation resort in the late 19th century.
The palace was the work of Basque architect José Goicoa, and was completed in 1893 in the English style. The influence of his design partner, English architect Seldon Wornum, can be seen in the mock-Tudor detailing in the patterned brickwork, gables, tall thin chimneys, and rounded towers.
The gardens of Marie Christine’s summer palace are so extensive that a road runs underneath them, connecting San Sebastian’s beaches with the elegant suburb of El Antiguo. After much to-ing and fro-ing between the Spanish royal family and local government officials, the gardens now form an elegant public park, stretching from the former palace to the seafront. It’s a well-loved spot for a picnic on summer days, overlooking the sandy strip of Ondarreta Beach.
Practical Info
The gardens of Miramar Palace make up a public park that is open daily. The palace is now a music college and a conference venue, so it is not open to the public.
Address: Miramar Park, San Sebastian Spain, Spain
Hours: Gardens: open daily; Palace: college & music venue, not open to the public
From $ 14
Elorrio
The real appeal of the tiny town of Elorrio (population 7,000) is the opportunity to experience rural Basque culture, with a glass of red wine. Surrounded by cool mountains, most the village's classic stone architecture dated from the 16th and 17th centuries, though far older archways and buildings are interspersed with such appealing structures as Gothic Santa María de la Asunción. Outside town, the Necrópolis de Argiñeta Tombs date to at least 711 AD, perhaps even earlier.
Elorrio is also a popular base for hikers and walkers, with acc ess to such sites as the Ermita de Santa Catalina, the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, and nearby Parque de Urkiola.
Practical Info
Elorrio is located 39 scenic kilometers (24 miles) from Bilbao, and is inaccessible via train. Buses run between Elorrio and Bilbao every hour, and to the industrial town of Durango (with connections throughout the region) every half hour.
This is a popular destination for walkers as well, with many planning their journeys around overnighting in either the city's simple hotel or one of the agrotourism projects around town.
Address: BI-632, Elorrio, Spain
Admission: Free
From $ 75