Considered the European Capital of Culture in 2016, San Sebastian-Donostia is a city by the sea, protected by the Igueldo, Urgull and Ulia mountains.It is located in the north of Spain, some 20 kilometres from the French border and is part of the autonomous community of the Basque Country.
The best area to stay in San Sebastian is the city centre , where the most important points of interest in the city are concentrated, such as the Paseo Nuevo, La Mota Castle, Santa María Basilica, San Telmo Museum.The Centre is ideal for walking and getting lost in its streets, where you can discover an infinite number of bars where you can taste the famous pinchos (tapas); the Centre is also the place for nightlife. If you prefer to try sophisticated cuisine, you can visit the Michelin-starred restaurants such as Mugaritz and Arzak. The best thing about staying in the centre is that you are only minutes away from Playa de La Concha (in the bay of the same name).It’s the most central beach in the city, covering a mile of white sand and its pedestrian walkway with its ornate railing is a symbol of the city.
If you are interested in knowing where to stay in San Sebastian , you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Bilbao or where to stay in Asturias.
The Centre, the best area to stay in San Sebastian
San Sebastian, also known in Basque as Donostia, is located in the north of Spain on the coast of the Bay of Biscay and is part of the autonomous community of the Basque Country.It is an economic and tourist centre that attracts thousands of visitors every year because it is one of the most charming cities in Europe thanks to its famous La Concha Bay, with beaches, pedestrian walks and modern architecture inspired by the French style. It is the venue for important national and international events such as the San Sebastian International Film Festival and the San Sebastian Jazz Festival.In recent years, it has become one of the most innovative cities in Europe due to its interest in supporting science, technology and culture, recently winning the title of European Capital of Culture in 2016.
The best area to stay in San Sebastian is the Centre or Old Town, located right at the foot of Mount Urgull, where there are many bars and restaurants, where you should stop and try the famous pinchos, a local speciality.Right at the end of this walk is the San Telmo Museum, the most important in the city, with an exhibition on the evolution of Basque society through works of art.
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro, of baroque style, is the heart of the Centre or Old Part and is one of the most visited buildings in the city.Another site of religious interest is the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, located in the square of the same name, which dates back to 1897, with very elaborate decorative elements and an organ considered one of the largest in Europe.
The Victoria Eugenia Theatre, opened in 1912, is the centre of great cultural events and one of the most visited centres by locals and tourists. If you are looking for activities for the little ones, you can visit the Aquarium, the oldest in the country, with an impressive glass tunnel.
The famous La Concha Bay, with its white sandy beaches, is the area of the city that attracts thousands of tourists every year and is the iconic image of the city, stretching for one and a half kilometres from the Town Hall to the Parrot’s Peak.From La Concha Bay you can also reach the exclusive Santa Clara Island, with a small beach and beautiful paths to spend a pleasant time.
Other areas to sleep in San Sebastian
Ondarreta Beach
It is located to the west of La Concha Bay and runs from Mount Igueldo to the Miramar Palace.This is the smallest beach in San Sebastian, very popular with locals and tourists alike, with public toilets, showers and changing rooms.
One of the most outstanding places to visit in the area of Ondarreta Beach is the English style Miramar Palace with neo-Gothic elements, built in 1893.There is a wide range of accommodation available in this area for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere.
Where to sleep near San Sebastian
A good option for visiting San Sebastian and the Basque Country is to stay in one of the beautiful villages near San Sebastian:
Hondarribia: Located 23 km from San Sebastian, right next to the French border and bathed by the waters of the Cantabrian Sea, Hondarribia is located in the northeast of the historical territory of Gipuzkoa, in the region of Bidasoa-Txingudi, at the foot of Mount Jaizkibe, and is one of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country.
Zarautz:Located 21 km from San Sebastian, Zarautz today is the most important tourist attraction in the Basque Country, along with Bilbao and San Sebastian.Its beach, the longest in the Basque Country with almost 3 km, attracts thousands of tourists and surfers especially in the summertime.
Getaria: Located 26 km from San Sebastian, Getaria is situated next to Zarautz to the west of San Sebastian, following the Cantabrian coast, and is another beautiful beach town to visit in the province of Guipúzcua.
