San Sebastian's crescent city beach, framed by Monte Urgull, Monte Igueldo and the small island of Santa Clara, with a white balustraded promenade along its full length.
La Concha is the shell-shaped bay at the centre of San Sebastian (Donostia), in Spain's Basque Country, and its beach and curved promenade are the city's best-known image. The sand runs for roughly 1.3 kilometres between the Alderdi Eder gardens beside the town hall and the Miramar palace, with Monte Urgull at one end, Monte Igueldo at the other and the small island of Santa Clara in the mouth of the bay. The white balustrade of the Paseo de la Concha dates from the Belle Epoque era when the royal family and Spanish aristocracy spent their summers here. The beach is wide and gently sloping, and the tide changes its size dramatically: at high tide it can shrink to a narrow strip, while at low tide a broad area opens up. Swimmers should follow the lifeguard flags in season. A level walk along the full promenade from the Parte Vieja to Ondarreta takes about 40 minutes at a relaxed pace, passing the Miramar gardens and ending at the Peine del Viento sculpture. Bring a towel and sunscreen in summer, and an extra layer outside it, since the Bay of Biscay weather turns quickly.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours; lifeguards patrol in the summer bathing season only; confirm on sansebastianturismoa.eus |
| Typical visit | 1-3 hours (half a day for a beach visit) |
| Best time | Early morning or evening for walking; July and August for swimming, when the beach is busiest |
| Getting there | Walk from the Parte Vieja in 10 minutes, or take a Dbus city bus to the Alderdi Eder gardens at the east end of the bay; the Euskotren Amara station is about 15 minutes' walk away |
| Address | Paseo de la Concha, 20007 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain |
Location
Paseo de la Concha, 20007 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
43.3185, -1.9855 View on map
Highlights
- The curved bay seen from the promenade or from Monte Igueldo
- Level promenade walk from Alderdi Eder to Ondarreta
- Swimming and sunbathing from June to September
- Views of Santa Clara island, reachable by small boat in season
Tips for visiting
- Check the tide times before settling on the sand, as high tide leaves little room.
- Follow the lifeguard flags; the bathing season service runs in summer only.
- Visit at sunrise or after 19:00 for a quieter promenade and softer light.
- Keep valuables out of sight on the sand; leave nothing unattended while swimming.
- Pair the walk with a stop at the Miramar gardens for a free view back over the bay.
When to visit
Summer for swimming, spring and autumn for quieter walks, and any clear evening for the light on the bay.
Accessibility
The promenade is flat and fully paved. In summer, the city provides adapted bathing services and access ramps on the sand; confirm current provision with the tourism office.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the Concha promenade?
The beach is about 1.3 kilometres long, and walking from the Parte Vieja to Ondarreta and the Peine del Viento takes around 40 minutes.
Is La Concha free?
Yes. The beach and promenade are free and open at all times; only sun loungers and beach-club services cost money.
Can visitors swim in October or in winter?
Swimming is possible but the water is cold and there are no lifeguards outside the summer season, so most visitors only walk the sand.