What to Do in San Sebastián
Tips from Your Driver
Less than an hour from Biarritz Airport, San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) packs a world-famous beach, a lively old town and some of the best food in Europe into a city you can walk from end to end. Here is what I recommend to the travellers I drive there every week. For opening hours and events, the city's official tourism office, San Sebastián Turismo, is the best source.
Five things not to miss
La Concha beach and its promenade. The shell-shaped bay is the postcard of the city. Walk the white railings of the promenade from the town hall to the Miramar Palace, ideally at sunset.
Pintxos in the Parte Vieja. The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets lined with bars. The custom is simple: one pintxo and one drink per bar, then move on to the next.
Monte Igueldo. A funicular running since 1912 climbs to the most famous view of the bay. At the top, an old-fashioned amusement park adds to the charm.
The Peine del Viento. At the far end of Ondarreta beach, Eduardo Chillida's steel sculptures grip the rocks where the waves break. Come at high tide.
Monte Urgull. A shaded climb above the fishing port, with the Mota castle and the great statue of Christ at the top, and views over the bay and the Old Town.
Beyond the classics
Zurriola beach and the Gros district. On the other side of the river, the surfers' beach and a quieter neighbourhood with excellent pintxo bars.
La Bretxa market. Fish, cheese and Basque produce, in the heart of the Old Town.
The San Telmo Museum. Basque history and culture, in a former convent at the foot of Monte Urgull.
A gourmet table. San Sebastián and its surroundings have one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars in the world. Book well in advance.
When to go
The city is lovely all year round. Summer brings the big events: the Jazzaldia jazz festival in July and the Semana Grande in August, with its fireworks competition over the bay. In September, the San Sebastián International Film Festival fills the city with stars. Spring and autumn are calmer, with mild weather and easier restaurant bookings.
A perfect day
Morning La Concha promenade, then the funicular up Monte Igueldo.
Lunch Pintxos in the Parte Vieja.
Afternoon The Peine del Viento, then a walk around the port and up Monte Urgull.
Evening Sunset over the bay, dinner in Gros.
Getting there from Biarritz
From Biarritz Airport, the drive to San Sebastián takes about 55 minutes, crossing the border on the motorway. With a private transfer from Biarritz Airport to San Sebastián, your driver tracks your flight, meets you at arrivals (here is how it works) and takes you door to door to your hotel, tolls included. Keep an ID card or passport with you, as for any trip abroad.
Arriving by train? The same service runs from Biarritz train station to San Sebastián. Flying into San Sebastián Airport (EAS) instead? We cover that route too.
Planning a day trip from Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz or Hossegor? The same service works for a return trip in the evening.
