A 19th-century royal summer palace in English style, set in sloping lawns overlooking La Concha bay.
The Miramar Palace stands on a hill that divides La Concha beach from Ondarreta beach, with sweeping views over the bay. It was completed in 1893 as a summer residence for Queen Maria Cristina and the Spanish royal family, based on a design by the English architect Ralph Selden Wornum, and the gardens are attributed to Pierre Ducasse. The palace's English-cottage style reflects the Belle Epoque taste for seaside residences. The city bought it in the early 1970s and uses it for events, courses and exhibitions. The surrounding gardens are open to everyone, with lawns that slope towards the sea, paths and a few shaded benches. Visitors come for the view over the bay and as a break from the promenade. The palace interior is not normally open to casual visitors, so check the tourism website for events. It makes a natural stop on the promenade walk from La Concha to the Peine del Viento.
| Admission | Gardens free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Gardens open daily during daylight hours; the palace interior is generally used for events and closed to casual visitors; confirm on the tourism site |
| Typical visit | 45-90 minutes |
| Best time | Late afternoon for views of the bay |
| Getting there | Walk 25 minutes along the promenade from the old town or 10 minutes from Ondarreta; Dbus buses serve Miraconcha |
| Address | Paseo de Miraconcha, 20007 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain |
Location
Paseo de Miraconcha, 20007 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
43.3175, -1.9987 View on map
Highlights
- English-style royal palace of 1893
- Gardens with lawns sloping to the sea
- Panoramic bay view from the lawns
- Midpoint of the Concha-Ondarreta promenade
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the late afternoon for light on the bay.
- Do not expect interior access without an event.
- Walk down to the beach from the gardens.
- Bring a picnic for the lawns.
- Combine with the Peine del Viento.
When to visit
Late afternoon.
Accessibility
The gardens have slopes and some steps; the main promenade link is paved.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors enter the palace?
Only for events; the gardens are open to all.
Who built it?
It was built for Queen Maria Cristina and completed in 1893, based on a design by Ralph Selden Wornum.
Is there a fee?
The gardens are free.