A small island in the middle of La Concha bay with a lighthouse, a tiny beach and a seasonal bar, reached by a short boat ride.
Santa Clara is the small wooded island that sits in the centre of La Concha bay, visible from every point of the promenade. A boat service from the port, operated by Motoras de la Isla, carries visitors across in under ten minutes in the warm season. The island has a small cove with a beach that appears at low tide, a lighthouse, a walking path around the perimeter and a seasonal bar. It takes about an hour to walk around the island, swim and sunbathe. Take water, sun protection and food, because services are limited. The last boat back times are posted at the jetty and matter: missing the last boat leaves visitors stranded. In summer boats are frequent, but queues can build at midday. The crossing also gives a different view of the bay and the city from the water.
| Admission | Round trip reported at about EUR 5 (about USD 5.75); a bay cruise option reported at about EUR 8 (about USD 9.20); confirm at the ticket booth |
|---|---|
| Hours | Boats run in the warmer season, reported about June to September, roughly every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 20:00; confirm at the port |
| Typical visit | 1.5-3 hours |
| Best time | Sunny summer mornings |
| Getting there | Walk to the port on Paseo del Muelle; boats leave from the port jetty, about a ten-minute crossing |
| Address | Boat departure from the port, Paseo del Muelle, 20003 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain |
Location
Boat departure from the port, Paseo del Muelle, 20003 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
43.3232, -1.9926 View on map
Highlights
- Short boat crossing across La Concha bay
- Island walk and lighthouse
- Small beach at low tide
- Views of the city from the water
Tips for visiting
- Note the last boat back and be at the jetty early.
- Bring water and sun protection.
- Check ahead that boats are running outside summer.
- Go in the morning to avoid queues.
- Buy tickets on the day at the booth.
When to visit
Morning in July and August.
Accessibility
Boarding and the island paths involve steps and uneven ground; the island is not suited to wheelchairs.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
When do boats run?
Mostly in the warm season, around June to September; check at the port.
How long is the crossing?
Under ten minutes.
Can I swim there?
Yes, at the small beach, with no lifeguard cover outside the bathing season.