San Sebastian (Donostia) travel guide - where to stay, what to do, and where to eat pintxos in San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Spain.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in San Sebastian.
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- relaxed urban beach, family-friendly and social
- Lifeguards in the summer season
- Showers and foot showers
- Sun lounger and parasol hire in summer
- Public toilets on the promenade
- Cafes and restaurants along the Paseo de la Concha
- Adapted bathing service in summer (confirm with the tourist office)
Playa de la Concha
San Sebastian's crescent city beach, about 1.3 km long, framed by Monte Urgull, Monte Igueldo and Santa Clara island, with a white balustraded promenade along its length.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before late morning in July and August to secure space on the sand, especially at high tide when the beach narrows.
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- quiet local end of the bay, calm and family-oriented
- Lifeguards in the summer season
- Showers
- Kayak and stand-up paddle rental (Real Club de Tenis de San Sebastian, rctss.com)
- Sun lounger hire in summer
- Public toilets
- Children's play area nearby in the Miramar gardens
Playa de Ondarreta
The quieter western end of La Concha bay below Monte Igueldo, with calm water, a promenade and kayak and paddle-board rental at the beach.
Editor’s tip. Walk the Paseo de la Concha from Alderdi Eder for an easy 25 to 30 minute approach with bay views the whole way.
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- surf-oriented and youthful, with a lively bar scene in Gros
- Lifeguards in the summer season
- Showers
- Surf schools and board rental on the seafront (Pukas Surf Eskola, Zurriola Surf Eskola)
- Beach bars and pintxo bars in the Gros district
- Public toilets
Playa de la Zurriola
San Sebastian's open-Atlantic surf beach beside the Kursaal, with consistent waves, surf schools along the seafront and a lively Gros neighbourhood behind it.
Editor’s tip. Follow the lifeguard flags, as currents and surf are stronger here than in the sheltered La Concha bay.
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- quiet island escape, small cove reached by boat
- Small sand and shingle cove, best for swimming at high tide
- Seasonal bar and toilets (summer only)
- Lighthouse and walking path around the island
- No lifeguard outside the boat season
Santa Clara Island Beach
A small cove on the island in the mouth of La Concha bay, reached by seasonal boat from the harbour or by kayak, with a lighthouse path and views back to the city.
Editor’s tip. Confirm the boat timetable and the last return crossing at the harbour pier before heading out.
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- seaside-town surf beach, relaxed and spacious
- Lifeguards in the summer season
- Showers and changing rooms
- Surf schools and board rental
- Seafront promenade with cafes
- Public toilets
Playa de Zarautz
One of the longest beaches in Gipuzkoa, about 2.5 km of sand with a promenade, popular for surf lessons and an easy train trip from San Sebastian.
Editor’s tip. Take the Euskotren train from Donostia-Amara to avoid parking, which fills on summer weekends.
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- relaxed town beach below a walled old town
- Lifeguards in the summer season
- Showers
- Seafront promenade with cafes
- Public toilets
Playa de Hondarribia
A wide town beach of about 1.3 km beside the Bidasoa estuary, below the walled old town of Hondarribia and facing the French coast.
Editor’s tip. Check the current Lurraldebus line and timetable before travelling from Donostia.
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- scenic cove beneath geological cliffs, calm and quiet
- Lifeguards in the summer season
- Showers
- Cafes and restaurants in town
- Public toilets
- Flysch geopark information in town
Playa de Itzurun
A cove beach at the foot of the Zumaia flysch cliffs, a geological formation of folded rock strata visible at low tide, reachable by train from San Sebastian.
Editor’s tip. Check the tide tables and plan the visit around low tide to see the flysch rock platforms.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in San Sebastian memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about San Sebastian’s coast.
Is Playa de la Concha good for swimming?
Yes. The bay is sheltered by Monte Urgull, Monte Igueldo and Santa Clara island, so the water is usually calm and shallow near the shore. Lifeguards patrol during the summer season.
From the Playa de la Concha editorial.
How far is La Concha from the Old Town?
The beach is about 10 minutes on foot from the Parte Vieja. Dbus city buses also stop near the Alderdi Eder gardens.
From the Playa de la Concha editorial.
How does Ondarreta differ from La Concha?
Ondarreta is the western end of the same bay. It is generally quieter and more local in character, with a smaller crowd and easy access to kayak and paddle-board rental.
From the Playa de Ondarreta editorial.
How do visitors reach Ondarreta from the Old Town?
Visitors can walk west along the Paseo de la Concha in about 25 to 30 minutes, or take a Dbus city bus to the Ondarreta stop.
From the Playa de Ondarreta editorial.
Is Zurriola good for beginner surfers?
Yes, with instruction. Surf schools operate on the seafront and run lessons for beginners, and the beach offers consistent waves.
From the Playa de la Zurriola editorial.
Is Zurriola safe for swimming?
Swimming is possible in the summer season when lifeguards patrol, but the beach is exposed to the open sea. Visitors should follow the flag signals and avoid swimming in strong surf.
From the Playa de la Zurriola editorial.
How do visitors get to Santa Clara island?
A seasonal boat, the Motoras de la Isla, runs from the harbour between June and September and takes about 10 minutes. The island can also be reached by kayak or stand-up paddle from Ondarreta.
From the Santa Clara Island Beach editorial.
How much does the boat cost?
A secondary source gives about EUR 4 (about USD 4.60) return. Visitors should confirm the current fare at the harbour pier.
From the Santa Clara Island Beach editorial.