Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Josugoni assumed (based on copyright claims). · Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
San Sebastián
Pintxos bars, a perfect shell-shaped beach and two hills to climb.
A Belle Époque seaside city in the Basque Country, wrapped around a shell-shaped bay between two green hills. The old town's bars are famous for pintxos, small snacks laid out along the counter.
Places to see
The old town (Parte Vieja)Walk · A grid of narrow streets between the harbour and the river, packed with bars whose…Free
Monte UrgullWalk · A wooded hill at the end of the old town, with paths and steps up past cannons and old…Free- La Concha BeachPark · A smooth curve of pale sand around a sheltered bay, with calm water, Santa Clara Island…Free
When to go
- Jan12° / 5°Often wetQuiet
- Feb13° / 5°Often wetQuiet
- Mar15° / 7°Often wetQuiet
- Apr16° / 8°Often wetBusy
- May19° / 11°Often wetBusy
- Jun22° / 14°Some rainBusy
- Jul24° / 16°Some rainVery busy
- Aug25° / 17°Some rainVery busy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
The old town. Narrow streets of pintxos bars below Monte Urgull: lively until late, with several hostels.
Gros. Across the river: the surf beach, local pintxos bars and a few hostels, a bit calmer than the old town.
Flying in
San Sebastián (EAS): City bus to the centre, about 35 min, ≈ A$5. A small airport with few flights; buses run about every 20–30 minutes (check).
Bilbao (BIO): Direct bus from Bilbao airport, about 1 h 15 min, ≈ A$32. More flights land in Bilbao; buses usually run about hourly to San Sebastián's bus station (check).
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into San Sebastián; check times and fares before you fly.
Getting around
You can walk everywhere. A single ticket is ≈ A$4. The old town, both beaches and both hills are within walking distance. City buses (Dbus) cover the rest, and Euskotren trains run along the coast to Hendaye on the French border (check).
Tourist tax
No tourist tax in San Sebastián at the time of writing; the Basque Country has been planning one (check).
