Holy Week 2026 (Easter) is the first great break of the year, the perfect time to pause, travel, and reconnect with what we love most. In this context, San Sebastian (Donostia) is a city that has absolutely everything: the charm of the Bay of Biscay, green mountains, elegant Belle Époque architecture, world-class gastronomy, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are visiting for the first time or you are a regular lover of the city, there are plenty of reasons and plans for Holy Week, whether you come as a couple, with friends, with family, or solo.
In this article, you will find a complete and updated guide of activities for Holy Week 2026 in San Sebastian. Although Donostia is not known for massive religious processions like other parts of southern Spain, the Gipuzkoan capital offers a top-tier tourist alternative based on culture, relaxation, and fine dining. Discover what to do during these holidays and which secret corners you shouldn’t miss.
Key Dates: When is Holy Week 2026 in San Sebastian?
This year, Holy Week 2026 takes place from Sunday, March 29 (Palm Sunday) to Monday, April 6 (Easter Monday). During these early spring days, the city acquires a vibrant rhythm: local shops are open, the hospitality industry works at full capacity, and the main tourist attractions extend their hours.
A very important fact if you visit us: Unlike other Spanish regions, in the Basque Country, Easter Monday (April 6) IS a public holiday, just like Holy Thursday and Good Friday. This makes Donostia the perfect destination to enjoy a long five-day weekend.
1. Scenic Walks around La Concha Bay and the Coastline
An absolute classic. Walking along the Bay of La Concha is considered one of the best urban strolls in Europe. We propose an unbeatable visual route: start at the iconic Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind) sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, cross Ondarreta beach, go up to the gardens of Miramar Palace to get the best photo of the bay, and end at the romantic fishing port.
If you want to level up, take the historic wooden funicular up to Mount Igueldo; the views of the Basque coast from up there are simply spectacular.
For those who love walking, we recommend skirting Mount Urgull via the impressive Paseo Nuevo (where the waves crash with force) until you reach the Gros neighborhood and Zurriola beach, the epicenter of the local surfing scene.
2. Pintxo Bar Hopping: Donostia’s National Sport
Gastronomy is the great pillar of San Sebastian. Going for pintxos (txikiteo) is not just eating; it’s a whole social experience. During Holy Week, the bars show off their best miniature culinary creations.
Our favorite spots in the Old Town (Parte Vieja):
- Gandarias: The perfect balance between Basque tradition and premium local products.
- Borda Berri: Forget the bread; here, small hot plates of haute cuisine rule (try their Idiazabal cheese risotto).
- La Cuchara de San Telmo: A benchmark for signature cuisine made to order.
- Txepetxa: The absolute temple of anchovies with surprising flavor combinations.
Local tip: Cross the bridge to the Gros neighborhood (Zabaleta and Peña y Goñi streets) if you prefer a younger atmosphere, indie venues, vegan options, and a mix of traditional and fusion cuisine.
3. What to Do in San Sebastian During Holy Week if it Rains?
In late March and early April, the Cantabrian climate can be unpredictable. But don’t let the rain stop you; San Sebastian has a fantastic indoor offering:
- La Perla Thalassotherapy: Treat yourself to some luxury. A spa circuit with huge windows where you will be immersed in hot seawater while watching the rain fall on La Concha Beach.
- San Sebastian Aquarium: One of the oldest and most spectacular in Europe. Its 360-degree glass tunnel surrounded by sharks fascinates adults and children alike.
- Tabakalera: The International Centre for Contemporary Culture. Free exhibitions, a cinema, a beautiful cafe, and a rooftop viewpoint with free access.
- San Telmo Museum: Located in a 16th-century Dominican convent, it is the definitive place to understand the rich history, art, and society of the Basque Country.
- Traditional Markets: Take shelter in the Bretxa or San Martin Market to discover local, zero-kilometer foodie products.
4. Top Day Trips Under 30 Minutes Away
If you are spending three or four days in the city, we highly recommend getting out to discover the province of Gipuzkoa. Public transport (Euskotren trains or Lurraldebus buses) makes it very easy:
- Hondarribia: Just 25 minutes away. A fairy-tale walled town, with brightly painted fishermen’s houses and top-notch gastronomy.
- Pasajes San Juan (Pasai Donibane): A picturesque fishing port with a single street that inspired the French writer Victor Hugo. Cross the bay in its mythical “motora” (small boat) for barely a euro.
- Zarautz and Getaria: Walk along the surfer’s promenade in Zarautz and head to Getaria (birthplace of fashion designer Balenciaga) to eat a good grilled turbot washed down with local Txakoli wine.
5. Sweet Traditions: What Does Basque Holy Week Taste Like?
In the Basque Country, Holy Week is heavily celebrated around the table. Donostia’s bakeries (like Otaegui, Barrenetxea, or Aguirre) fill their windows with delicacies you have to try:
- La Pantxineta: The quintessential Donostian dessert. Puff pastry baked with pastry cream and toasted almonds. It is eaten slightly warm.
- Basque Torrijas: Similar to French toast but much richer, soaked in milk and caramelized, with a very creamy texture almost like a flan.
- Cod (Bacalao) and Cider Houses: Prepared “al pil-pil”, Biscayne style, or in an omelet. Lent marks the tradition, and the traditional cider houses (Sagardotegi)—open in full season in April—prepare it masterfully along with a great Basque Txuleta (T-bone steak).
Practical Tips for Your 2026 Trip
- Book in advance: Holy Week is high season in San Sebastian. Book your accommodation and tables at your favorite restaurants at least a month in advance.
- Smart mobility: San Sebastian is a very walkable city. If you need to move further, use the excellent urban bus network (Dbus) or rent an electric bicycle (Dbizi); the city is full of bike lanes (“bidegorris”).
- The layer trick (The “Onion”): The Cantabrian spring can give you four seasons in a single day. Bring comfortable shoes, a folding umbrella, short sleeves for midday, and a warm jacket or raincoat for when the sun goes down.
Conclusion
Visiting San Sebastian for Holy Week is a safe bet. Its combination of epic landscapes between the sea and the mountains, added to a modern cultural agenda and the best miniature gastronomy, make it the perfect holiday destination to recharge your batteries in April.
Peaceful but full of life, stately but accessible, this city awaits you with open arms. Prepare your getaway for this Holy Week 2026, follow our recommendations, and discover why everyone who steps foot in Donostia always promises to return.
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