The beach city on La Concha bay, with the Parte Vieja pintxo bars, the Monte Igeldo and Monte Urgull viewpoints and the Peine del Viento sculptures. One day covers the old town and the bay promenade.
San Sebastian, known in Basque as Donostia, is a beach city on La Concha bay in Gipuzkoa, in Spain's Basque Country, about 100 km east of Bilbao. The trip takes about 80 minutes by Alsa coach from Bilbao Termibus (Gurtubay kalea 1), with more than 12 services a day. Fares are roughly EUR 8 to EUR 13 on aggregator listings, so check alsa.com for current prices. By car on the tolled AP-8 the drive takes about 1 hour 10 minutes, but parking in the centre is difficult, so the coach is the more convenient choice.
The day centres on the Parte Vieja, the old town, whose narrow streets are packed with pintxo bars. Visitors typically walk the promenade along La Concha beach, climb Monte Urgull for views over the bay and its old fortress, or ride the funicular to Monte Igeldo for the panorama. At the western end of Ondarreta beach, the Peine del Viento sculptures by Eduardo Chillida stand against the waves. The city is compact, and one day covers the old town and the bay promenade comfortably.
A suggested day begins with a morning coach, then a walk along the bay from the Parte Vieja to Ondarreta. Lunch should be a pintxo crawl, with small plates such as grilled mushrooms, anchovies and cod croquettes ordered at the bar with a glass of txakoli. In the afternoon, climb Monte Urgull or take a beach break in summer, then ride the funicular up Igeldo at sunset before an evening coach back. Check the last departures, since they run into the night but not endlessly.
May to October is best for the beaches, while the pintxo bars are busy all year. July and August are the most crowded, and spring and autumn offer a calmer city. Arrive by mid-morning to get a good bar stool at lunch.
| Distance | About 100 km from Bilbao |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 80 minutes by coach |
| Getting there | Alsa coach from Bilbao Termibus (Gurtubay kalea 1) to San Sebastian, more than 12 services a day, about 80 minutes; about EUR 8 to EUR 13 (about USD 9 to USD 15) from aggregators. Check alsa.com for current fares. |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Playa de la Concha, 20007 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain |
How to get there
- Alsa coach (about 80 minutes)
- Car on the AP-8 (about 1 hour 10 minutes, tolled)
Location
Playa de la Concha, 20007 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
43.3178, -1.9845 View on map
Highlights
- Pintxo bar crawl in the Parte Vieja
- La Concha bay promenade and beach
- Views from Monte Urgull and Monte Igeldo
- Peine del Viento sculptures by Chillida
- Walk between Ondarreta and the old town
Tips for visiting
- Take the Alsa coach from Termibus rather than driving; central parking is hard to find.
- Check alsa.com for current fares and times, and note the last coach back.
- Order pintxos at the bar and pay as you go, trying one or two per stop.
- Visit in spring or autumn to avoid the summer crowds.
- Bring a light waterproof jacket, as rain is common on the coast.
When to visit
May to October for beaches, with spring and autumn quieter. Arrive mid-morning for lunch at the pintxo bars.
Accessibility
The bay promenade and much of the old town are flat and suitable for wheelchairs, although Monte Urgull has steep paths. The Igeldo funicular offers an easier route to the viewpoint.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the coach from Bilbao to San Sebastian?
About 80 minutes by Alsa coach from Termibus, with more than 12 services a day.
Is one day enough?
One day covers the old town, the bay promenade and a viewpoint, though a longer stay allows more beach time and extra bars.
When is the best time to go?
May to October is best for the beaches, and the pintxo bars operate all year.