San Sebastian

Consistently ranked among Europe's most beautiful urban beaches, La Concha is the crown jewel of San Sebastian. The crescent-shaped bay features golden sand, calm turquoise waters, and an elegant promenade with the iconic white Art Nouveau railings. The beach is framed by Monte Urgull on one side and Monte Igueldo on the other, with Santa Clara Island in the center. The shallow, sheltered waters are perfect for swimming, while the promenade offers unforgettable sunset walks.

A tree-covered hill rising above the old town, Monte Urgull offers panoramic views, historic military fortifications, and peaceful walking trails. At the summit sits the 12th-century Castillo de la Mota fortress and a 12-meter statue of Christ. The hill played a crucial defensive role throughout San Sebastian's history, and you can explore old cannons, ramparts, and the military history museum. Multiple paths wind through shady forest to various viewpoints over both beaches.

Take the vintage 1912 funicular railway to the top of Monte Igueldo for the most iconic views in San Sebastian. The summit hosts a charming old-fashioned amusement park with a wooden roller coaster, lookout tower, and carousel. The panoramic views over La Concha bay, the city, and the Basque coastline are spectacular, especially at sunset. Even without riding the attractions, the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile.

Housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century Dominican convent, San Telmo is the oldest museum in the Basque Country and the best place to understand Basque culture and history. The collection spans archaeology, ethnography, and fine arts, with a striking modern extension by Nieto Sobejano architects. Highlights include the ethereal murals by José María Sert in the former church and exhibitions on Basque identity, maritime heritage, and contemporary art.

No visit to San Sebastian is complete without a pintxos crawl through the old town. Bars like Ganbara, Borda Berri, and Gandarias serve creative small plates that have made the city a global culinary destination. The tradition is to hop from bar to bar, enjoying one or two pintxos with a glass of txakoli (local white wine) at each stop. Calle 31 de Agosto and surrounding streets are lined with bars displaying elaborate pintxos on their counters.

Eduardo Chillida's iconic Wind Comb sculpture sits dramatically at the western end of Ondarreta beach, where three curved iron structures are anchored into the rocks. The massive pieces interact with the crashing waves and ocean winds, creating a powerful connection between art and nature. Blowholes in the surrounding rocks shoot spray into the air during storms. This is one of the Basque Country's most photographed landmarks and a masterpiece of 20th-century sculpture.

San Sebastian's surfing beach offers a completely different vibe from La Concha. Located in the Gros neighborhood, Zurriola faces the open Atlantic and receives consistent waves year-round. The beach is popular with surfers of all levels, and several surf schools offer lessons. Even non-surfers enjoy the energetic atmosphere, beachside bars, and views of the striking Kursaal convention center. The long promenade is perfect for skating, jogging, or people-watching.

One of Europe's most impressive aquariums, featuring a spectacular 360-degree underwater tunnel through a 400,000-gallon tank where sharks, rays, and other marine life swim overhead. The museum also covers the Basque maritime heritage with exhibits on fishing traditions, whaling history, and naval exploration. The touch pools and interactive displays make it engaging for children. Located at the port, it's an excellent rainy-day activity.