San Sebastián is a city of perfect contrasts. It is the stately elegance of the Belle Époque and the wild power of the Cantabrian Sea. It is military history and architectural avant-garde.
At Descubre Donostia, I have compiled the iconic spots that define the city’s identity. If this is your first visit, these are the “essentials” you must mark on your map. If you already know us, I invite you to rediscover the hidden history behind each one.
La Concha Bay: The Elegant Heart
It is the image that has traveled the world. La Concha Bay is not just a beach; it is an architectural promenade connecting the City Hall to the end of the city, dotted with gems you cannot miss.
From the Alderdi Eder gardens, with their carousel and tamarisks, to the Comb of the Wind (Peine del Viento) sculpture, where Chillida’s iron dialogues with the waves. Walking here means traversing La Concha Beach (the queen of urban beaches) and Ondarreta Beach (more familiar and stately), always under the watchful eye of Santa Clara Island in the center of the bay.
Old Town, Port & Paseo Nuevo: Where It All Began
If the bay is elegance, this area is the soul and history. At the foot of Mount Urgull lies the Old Town (Parte Vieja), a labyrinth of streets full of life, gastronomy, and history.
Just beside the cobbled streets, the sea claims its spotlight. The Donostia Port maintains its fishing essence, the gateway to the fascinating Aquarium. From there, the Paseo Nuevo hugs the mountain, defying the sea (spectacular during high waves) until it returns you to the city.
The Three Guardians: Igueldo, Urgull & Ulia
San Sebastián is protected by three mountains, and each offers a totally different experience (and view).
The icon of vintage fun. Take the funicular up and enjoy the most famous views of the city from its amusement park.
Pure military history in the city center. Walls, cannons, and the Sacred Heart blessing the city from the summit.
The wildest one. Ideal for hiking, with vertigo-inducing cliffs and ancient whaling watchtowers. Living nature.
Gros & Modern Donostia
Crossing the Urumea River, the city changes rhythm. The Gros neighborhood is young, surfer-friendly, and dynamic. Here, the protagonist is Zurriola Beach, the epicenter of surfing, watched over by the illuminated cubes of the Kursaal Palace, the symbol of the city’s modern architecture.
The Green Lung
Not everything is sea and stone. Donostia hides romantic and palatial gardens where you can disconnect. The Parks of San Sebastian, like Cristina Enea or Aiete, are peaceful oases perfect for a stroll.
📂 Deep dive into all our articles
Introduction: when history mixes with the Cantabrian breeze In the heart of San Sebastián, right where the city overlooks the La Concha bay and embraces the Cantabrian Sea, rises a mountain that has been much more than a beautiful background for postcards. We talk about Mount Urgull, one of the most unique jewels of Donostia.…
Continue Reading Mount Urgull: living history of San Sebastián between fortresses, views and legends
The Bay of La Concha, located in San Sebastián, is one of the most iconic gems of the Cantabrian coast. Its characteristic semi-circular shape, framed by Mount Urgull and Mount Igueldo, and the presence of Santa Clara Island at its center, make it a uniquely beautiful landscape that has captivated locals and visitors throughout history.…
La Zurriola Beach (La Zurri), also known as Gros beach, is a hidden gem in the vibrant city of Donostia – San Sebastián. Located between the mouth of the Urumea River and Mount Ulía, this beach extends for about 800 meters, offering a natural spectacle that anyone will fall in love with. https://youtu.be/nPAzJB4y2Qo History To…
Continue Reading La Zurriola Beach: exultant surf refuge in Donostia
Introduction to Mount Urgull Located in the heart of San Sebastián, Mount Urgull is an essential destination for those who visit this beautiful city. This mountain not only offers impressive panoramic views, but is also steeped in history and culture. Its central location and easy access make it a perfect option for an excursion for…
Continue Reading San Sebastián from the heights: the magic of Mount Urgull and the Cristo de la Mota
A beach with its own identity The Playa de Ondarreta It is one of those places that define a city without the need for great fanfare. Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, the La Concha beach, Ondarreta has managed to maintain a solid identity over time, balancing history, natural beauty and a deep connection with…
Continue Reading Ondarreta Beach: history, charm and local life in Donostia
Explore Alderdi Eder in Donostia-San Sebastián: an urban oasis filled with history, art, and nature. Facing the City Hall and next to the bay of La Concha, this iconic park is the green heart of the city, where natural beauty and cultural secrets intertwine
Continue Reading Complete Guide to Alderdi Eder: Urban Oasis in San Sebastián
La Concha Beach La Concha Beach is one of the greatest emblems of Donostia / San Sebastián and one of the most precious jewels of the Basque Country. This urban beach, located in front of Santa Clara Island, is known for its scenic beauty, its fine golden sand, and its calm waters that make it…
Continue Reading La Concha Beach de San Sebastián: Among the Best Beaches in the World
Donostia-San Sebastián, a jewel in the Basque Country, is famous for its rich history, vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty. Today, I will take you on a virtual journey through three of its most emblematic attractions: the Fishing Port, the Aquarium and the Paseo Nuevo. Fishing port The Fishing Port of San Sebastián is located…
Continue Reading Discovering the Fishing Port, Aquarium and Paseo Nuevo
Introduction For many, Mount Igueldo is not just a place; it is a sensory experience that awakens fascination with every visit. From the very moment its imposing silhouette crowns the Bay of La Concha, a mix of excitement and nostalgia fills the heart. https://youtu.be/YPCTtUYDHb8 Climbing Mount Igueldo is embarking on a journey through time. The…
Continue Reading The Attractions of Mount Igueldo: Thrills and Dreamlike Landscapes
In the picturesque bay of La Concha in Donostia-San Sebastián, emerges Santa Clara Island, a small but significant natural refuge offering a unique experience for both locals and visitors. This oasis in the middle of the Cantabrian Sea is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered, providing panoramic views, tranquil beaches, and natural trails that…
Continue Reading Explore Santa Clara: The Best-Kept Secret of La Concha
At the western end of Ondarreta Beach in Donostia-San Sebastián stands one of Spain’s most iconic and powerful works of art: the Peine del Viento. This masterpiece, created by sculptor Eduardo Chillida in collaboration with architect Luis Peña Ganchegui, is more than an artistic intervention; it is a dialogue with nature, a meeting place between…
Continue Reading Peine del Viento: Echoes of Art in the Oceanic Vastness
In the heart of Donostia-San Sebastián, embraced by the blue of the Cantabrian Sea and protected by the majestic mountain Urgull, there is the Old Town, a network of cobbled streets and historic buildings that tell the rich history of this Basque city. This article invites you to explore its essence through a journey full…
Continue Reading Historic San Senastian: The Old Town and its ancestral charm
On the dazzling coast of Donostia-San Sebastián, where the Urumea River meets the Cantabrian Sea, stand two cubic beacons of culture and art: Moneo’s Towers, better known as the Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium
Continue Reading Kursaal: Icon of Culture in Donostia between Moneo Cubes
The La Concha Beach, located in the majestic city of Donostia-San Sebastián, is one of the most precious pearls of the northern coast of Spain. Its perfect arc of fine sand, the crystal-clear waters of the Cantabrian Sea and the emblematic promenade that borders it make La Kontxa (in Basque) a mandatory stop for any…
Continue Reading La Concha Beach: the beach that enchants San Sebastián