Welcome to Donostia – San Sebastian
The most beautiful city in the world
Flavor, culture, and dazzling beauty: San Sebastian, where every view is a painting and every dish a masterpiece.
Interested in learning more about San Sebastián? That’s what we’re here for. Nestled between mountains and waves, every corner has its story, every dish tells a secret. Whether you live here and want to rediscover your city, or you’re visiting and dreaming of those pintxos and sea views, there’s always something new waiting for you. On our website, we not only share what we already love about Donostia —the special places and must-try delicacies—but also the little secrets that make our city unique. Let’s explore together, shall we?
Guide to San Sebastián
Latest posts
- San Sebastián International Film Festival 2025
🎬 Zinemaldia – San Sebastián International Film Festival 2025 📅 Dates: 19–27 September 2025📍 Where: Donostia / San Sebastián, Basque… Read more: San Sebastián International Film Festival 2025 - Concha Regatta 2025: tradition, rivalry and spectacle in San Sebastián’s bayOrio and Arraun Lagunak Crowned Champions at the 2025 Bandera de La Concha San Sebastián, September 14, 2025 – The… Read more: Concha Regatta 2025: tradition, rivalry and spectacle in San Sebastián’s bay
- Euskal Jaiak 2025: the city opens up in SeptemberDonostia changes its breathing when Euskal Jaiak 2025 arrive. The daily stride loosens and the squares reclaim their old role… Read more: Euskal Jaiak 2025: the city opens up in September
- Donostia in Flames 1813: The 4 Moving Acts that Recall the Fire of August 31stA Journey into the Past: The Historical Reenactment The central act of “Donostia Sutan 1813” is, without doubt, the historical… Read more: Donostia in Flames 1813: The 4 Moving Acts that Recall the Fire of August 31st
- GOe, San Sebastián’s new gastronomic ecosystem: everything you need to knowGOe – Gastronomy Open Ecosystem is rising in the Gros district of Donostia/San Sebastián as the second home of the… Read more: GOe, San Sebastián’s new gastronomic ecosystem: everything you need to know
Why Visit San Sebastián?
Visiting Donostia – San Sebastian means discovering a tourist destination where culture, gastronomy, and nature intertwine harmoniously. Known for its iconic La Concha Bay, this Basque Country city stands out for its rich culinary offerings, including pintxos bars and Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as being a hub of cultural activities and international festivals.
Exploring Donostia – San Sebastián means strolling through the history-filled Old Town, enjoying its serene beaches, and immersing yourself in a tradition that blends seamlessly with modernity. Our website is designed to guide you through the city’s charms, offering recommendations for dining, visits to iconic spots, and tips to navigate like a local.
If you’re looking for a unique mix of relaxation on idyllic beaches and cultural enrichment, Donostia-San Sebastián is your ideal destination. Visit our website to plan your trip to this fascinating city and prepare for a memorable experience. Discover Donostia-San Sebastián: a place that captivates all its visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the word ‘Donostia’ mean?
The Basque name ‘Donostia’ is believed to come from ‘Donesebastian’. This word combines two parts: ‘Done’, the Basque word for ‘Saint’ (from the Latin ‘Dominus’), and ‘Sebastián’, for Saint Sebastian, the city’s patron saint. Over time, it was shortened to the ‘Donostia’ we use today.
What’s the difference between Donostia and San Sebastián?
There’s no difference—they are two names for the same incredible city! ‘San Sebastián’ is the name in Spanish, while ‘Donostia’ is the name in the local Basque language, Euskera. You’ll see both names used on signs and maps, reflecting the bilingual nature of the Basque Country.
What are people from Donostia called?
The residents of Donostia / San Sebastián are called donostiarras. The term is used in both Spanish and Basque, so feel free to use it to sound like a local!
Que visiter à Saint-SébaWhat can I see in San Sebastián in one day?stien en 1 journée ?
For an unforgettable day in the city, here’s a perfect plan: Start your morning with a stroll along the world-famous La Concha bay, one of Europe’s most beautiful city beaches. For lunch, head into the vibrant Old Town (Parte Vieja) to dive into the heart of our food culture: a pintxos crawl! In the afternoon, ride the historic funicular railway up Monte Igueldo for the breathtaking panoramic view of the city you’ve seen in photos.
What are the absolute must-sees in San Sebastián?
In San Sebastián, it’s all about the experience. You absolutely can’t miss getting lost in the lively streets of the Old Town (Parte Vieja), hopping from bar to bar sampling pintxos (our gourmet, bite-sized version of tapas), relaxing on our iconic beaches like La Concha, and heading up Monte Igueldo for that perfect postcard shot.
How much time is needed to see San Sebastián?
A weekend (two to three days) is the perfect amount of time to see the main highlights without rushing. This gives you enough time to explore the key sights and, more importantly, to truly soak up the local atmosphere and fully indulge in our unique culinary scene.
Why is San Sebastián considered expensive?
San Sebastián’s reputation is built on its exceptional quality of life, and the prices reflect that. It’s a highly sought-after destination, famous for its world-class culinary scene (it has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars per capita in the world!), stunning natural setting, and its role as a key city in the prosperous Basque Country. This quality and popularity influence the cost of accommodation, services, and dining.