Open Travel Guide
Hiking in San Sebastian

San Sebastian Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in San Sebastian.

By Updated

This guide covers 5+ hiking trails in San Sebastian — Monte Urgull Loop and Castillo de la Mota, Monte Igueldo from Ondarreta and Monte Ulia Coastal Path to Pasaia top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

San Sebastian (Donostia) travel guide - where to stay, what to do, and where to eat pintxos in San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Spain.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Monte Urgull Loop and Castillo de la Mota

    About 3 km as a loop from the Parte ViejaAbout 1 to 1.5 hourseasySummit about 135 m; about 130 m of ascent

    A wooded hill above the old town crowned by the Castillo de la Mota and a statue of the Sacred Heart, with paved and stepped paths and views of the bay.
  2. 2

    Monte Igueldo from Ondarreta

    About 2 km each wayAbout 30 to 45 minutes up; 1.5 to 2 hours return with time at the summiteasySummit about 180 m; about 150 m of ascent

    A paved climb from Ondarreta beach to the Monte Igueldo viewpoint and amusement park, with the classic view over La Concha bay.
  3. 3

    Monte Ulia Coastal Path to Pasaia

    About 8 km one way to Pasai San Pedro according to tour operators; the official Pasaia walking leaflet gives a 9.6 km routeAbout 4 to 5 hours per the official leaflet; about 3 hours one way at a steady pacemoderateHighest point about 230 m; roughly 350 m of total ascent

    A cliff-top path through woods and past Fort Mompas and the old tramway, with sea views, linking Zurriola beach to Pasai San Pedro on the Camino del Norte.
  4. 4

    Pasaia Ferry and Pasai Donibane to Faro de la Plata

    About 3 km each way along the coast path to Faro de la PlataAbout 1 hour each way, plus the ferry crossingeasyLighthouse about 100 m; about 100 m of ascent

    A short ferry hop across Pasaia harbour followed by the coast path from Pasai Donibane to the Faro de la Plata lighthouse.
  5. 5

    Camino del Norte Stage: San Sebastian to Orio

    About 24 km one way; confirm the stage length with a current Camino del Norte guideAbout 6 to 8 hourshardTotal ascent about 700 m, including the climb over Monte Igueldo

    The Camino del Norte stage west from San Sebastian over Monte Igueldo and along the Gipuzkoa coast to Orio, a day on the coastal Camino de Santiago.

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Short paved or stepped walks such as Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo, suitable for most visitors in trainers

Moderate

Half-day coastal walks of 3 to 10 km with steep sections, such as Monte Ulia to Pasaia and the Pasai Donibane lighthouse path

Hard

Full-day stage walks of 20 km or more with about 700 m of climbing, such as the Camino del Norte from San Sebastian to Orio, needing boots and a map or GPS track

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in San Sebastian.

Items

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

Medium

Hazard: Atlantic weather changes quickly: carry a rain jacket and layers even in summer

Medium

Hazard: Clay and stone paths on Monte Ulia and Igueldo are slippery when wet

Medium

Hazard: Cliff edges on the Ulia coastal path are unfenced in places; keep to the marked route

Medium

Hazard: Mobile coverage can be patchy on the coast paths; carry an offline GPS track

Medium

Hazard: Emergency number across Spain is 112

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