BASQUE COUNTRY
Coastal charm
Gastronomic paradise
Cultural gem
Discover San Sebastián, the jewel of Spain's Basque Country! A vibrant cultural scene, stunning beaches, and exquisite cuisine make holidays to San Sebastián a popular travel choice. Take a stroll along the golden sands of La Concha Bay, explore the charming Old Town, and sample the city's famous pintxos.
San Sebastián's crescent-shaped bay is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There is nothing like walking along gorgeous La Concha beach surrounded by the azure waters of the Cantabrian Sea. Surfers will adore the waves at Zurriola beach.
The perfect city break destination for food lovers, San Sebastián (also called Donostia-San Sebastián) is a city that knows how to cook, and its food is legendary. Try some pintxos, the traditional Basque tapas, in the city’s many Old Town bars and enjoy the freshest seafood in its restaurants. Want to treat your tastebuds? Head for San Sebastián's renowned Michelin-starred restaurants.
Be sure to soak up the atmosphere of the Old Town, or Parte Viaja. Its labyrinthine cobblestone streets are lined with charming historic buildings and you'll feel instantly transported back to the past. Discover this area on foot and take your time to uncover all it has to offer.
If you’re looking for an adventure, there is plenty to do. Explore the beautiful hills of Monte Igueldo and Monte Urgull on either side of the bay, take a boat trip out to Isla Santa Clara or immerse yourself in Basque culture with a visit to the captivating San Telmo museum.
With incredible beaches, gorgeous food, and many things to see, San Sebastián is an exciting city break destination, so what are you waiting for? You can easily get to San Sebastián by ferry as it's less than an hour and a half's drive from our port in Bilbao!
Things to do
Things to do in San Sebastián
Start planning your trip
Secure the best sailings and onboard accommodation that suits you. With options available for every travel style and budget, you're sure to find the perfect choice for you. Plan your Northern Spain adventure.
Things to do
Experience San Sebastián
Getting there
How to get to San Sebastián by ferry
Explore our three ferry routes to Spain, all close to San Sebastián. Choose the one that suits you best!
From
Bilbao from £139More about this route33h Ferry journey from Portsmouth to Bilbao Sailing type 2-night sailing Sailing season All year round Frequency Up to 2 sailings a week Santander from £139
To
Jan.
Celebrate the iconic Tamborrada
In January, daytime temperatures in San Sebastián can reach a pleasant 18°C, offering a refreshing escape from the winter chill. Despite the cooler weather as night falls, January brings vibrant Tamborrada parades. Embrace the festive spirit and immerse yourself in this captivating Basque cultural experience, surrounded by the rhythmic beating of drums, lively music, and joyful revelry.
Feb.
Carnival season begins
Join in the fun of the Carnival celebrations in San Sebastián. The streets come alive with music, dance, and traditional costumes. While February brings a moderate amount of rainfall, the occasional light showers feed the lush, verdant landscapes that make San Sebastián so picturesque.
Mar.
San Sebastian's spring weather
As spring approaches in March, San Sebastián bursts into life. Mild temperatures and low humidity make it a great time for walking the city's scenic coastline. Explore the lush, exotic greenery of Monte Urgull, which offers panoramic views of the Cantabrian Sea, and experience the beauty of springtime in San Sebastián's natural wonders.
Apr.
Enjoy spring in San Sebastián
April brings the delights of spring in San Sebastián, including April showers, with precipitation chances averaging between 55-65%. Despite the rain, the city offers numerous events to enjoy, such as the Spring Fair, where you can soak up the local culture and traditions. For food lovers, the Basque Fest Gourmet offers a taste of the region's delicious delicacies.
May.
Delightful weather in San Sebastián
May is a great time to visit Spain and the Basque region with sunny days and up to 13 hours of daylight. Drink in the lively atmosphere and natural beauty of San Sebastián during this top travel season. The Olatu Talka festival in May celebrates Basque culture and identity, highlighting the city's spirit.
Jun.
Summer bliss
In June soak up the sun San Sebastián's beaches as temperatures rise to between 16°C and 21°C. Dive into the Olatu Talka festival and St. John's Eve festivities. Explore the Old Town, savouring pintxos and Txakoli wine and embrace the summer vibes of this coastal city.
Jul.
Celebrating summer in San Sebastián
July in San Sebastián is sunny and warm with temperatures from 19°C to 24°C. Enjoy long days of sunshine listening to smooth jazz performances and concerts at the Jazzaldia festival. Walk along the beaches, soak up the summer atmosphere, and get lost in the timeless, captivating sounds of jazz music.
Aug.
Vibrant summertime in San Sebastián
August in the Basque region brings warm and sunny weather, ideal for visiting San Sebastián. Enjoy temperatures from 23°C to 28°C during the day and 15°C to 19°C at night. Relax on beautiful beaches like La Concha and Zurriola, and experience cultural celebrations with outdoor concerts and festivals highlighting the Basque region's rich heritage.
Sep.
Pleasant weather in San Sebastián
September is an excellent time to visit San Sebastián. Mild temperatures make it easy to enjoy the glamour of the iconic San Sebastián International Film Festival, where Hollywood stars walk the red carpet. In September, the sea temperature reaches a comfortable 21°C that's perfect for swimming. The UV index is also high so don't forget to bring sun protection with you.
Oct.
Mild autumn weather in San Sebastián
In October, the autumnal atmosphere descends upon San Sebastián. Temperatures begin to cool down, and rainfall increases; nevertheless, the city still offers pleasant conditions to explore its vibrant atmosphere. Attend the annual Gastronomika culinary festival, which brings together top chefs and culinary experts from around the world.
Nov.
Outdoor adventures
Discover San Sebastián in November with its gentle sea breeze and delight in chilly weather that's perfect for outdoor adventures. Hike to the charming fishing village of Pasaia, where stunning cliff-top views await amidst lush vegetation. It's a great time to discover San Sebastián's captivating natural beauty.
Dec.
Enjoy the festive season
San Sebastián transforms into a magical winter destination during the holidays. December is typically the coldest month in San Sebastián, with temperatures ranging from between 6°C and 11°C. Wander through the lovely Christmas markets by the ocean and enjoy the fresh sea wind. For surfers, the Bay of Biscay has an outstanding forecast with powerful waves in winter.
Inspiration
Top articles on San Sebastián
Inspiration
Wonders next to San Sebastián
Inspiration
Take in the sights
A dog enjoys the view of Zurriola beach and Mount Urgull © @donostiaturismoa
Vintage-style beach tents at beautiful Onderetta beach
Scenic view of San Sebastián City Hall from La Concha beach
An elegant, narrow street in San Sebastián's bustling Old Town
Peace Dove statue by Nestor Basterretxea
Boats in the harbour area of San Sebastián © @donostiaturismoa
View of the bay of La Concha from the viewing point on Mount Igueldo © @donostiaturismoa
View of Maria Cristina bridge over the river Urumea © @donostiaturismoa
Construcción Vacia sculpture by Jorge Oteiza © @donostiaturismoa
Couple sitting on San Sebastián's harbour walls © @donostiaturismoa
Picturesque Cristina Enea park and the Tabakalera cultural centre © @donostiaturismoa
Surfer riding the waves at Zurriola beach © @donostiaturismoa
Surfers on Zurriola beach at sunset © @donostiaturismoa
Where to stay
Best hotels in San Sebastián
Chosen by our travel experts
Ferry experience
Why choose ferry travel?
There are so many reasons to travel by ferry instead of other forms of transport. So step on board and relax - getting there is part of the holiday
Ferry experience
Set sail in style with Brittany Ferries 澳洲幸运10十168体彩开奖网
FAQs
What is San Sebastián best known for?
San Sebastián is famous for many things that make it a fantastic holiday destination. The stunning bay of La Concha is home to three beautiful beaches that are perfect not only for sunbathing but have also made San Sebastián a surfing hotspot. It has an incredible gastronomy scene with Michelin star restaurants, and it is home to the famous Basque tapas called pintxos.
How do I get to San Sebastián from Bilbao or Santander?
San Sebastián is an easy drive from Bilbao or Santander. Arrive by ferry in Bilbao for a drive of less than an hour and half or take the ferry to Santander for a drive just over two hours. San Sebastián can be reached from nearby airports but taking the ferry is the best way to travel for a relaxed arrival. It's easy to take a memorable road trip from Santander via Bilbao to San Sebastián or enjoy a day trip from Biarritz to San Sebastián and enjoy all the great things to see and do along the way.
What is the best time to visit San Sebastián?
If you love the bustle of a busy city and want to enjoy its hottest weather, the best time to visit San Sebastián is from June to August. This is the most popular time for visitors who want to enjoy the fine weather as well as summertime events and festivals.
In September, the San Sebastián International Film Festival means you can spot some Hollywood stars and the weather is usually still quite warm at this time of year. But there’s never a bad time to visit San Sebastián with exciting events throughout the year, mild winters and, of course, the restaurants and bars are always open!
Is San Sebastián expensive?
Visiting San Sebastián during the summer months can be expensive but you'll find better hotel deals outside of peak season. If you're on a budget, make sure to take advantage of free attractions like the beaches and parks.
Food can be expensive as San Sebastián is known for its gastronomy scene but you don't have to dine out at Michelin star restaurants to get truly great food. Embrace pintxo culture to get a filling meal at a relatively low cost and especially take note of the popular pintxo-pote offer in bars when you see it. Pintxo-pote is usually available for a couple of hours on certain days and allows you to enjoy a pintxo and a drink for just a couple of euros.
How many days do you need to see San Sebastián?
If you're on a tight schedule you can see a lot of San Sebastián's best sights and get a real taste of the city in a couple of days, making it perfect for a weekend break. To really immerse yourself and enjoy all it has to offer we'd recommend 4-5 days for a break in San Sebastián.
There are lots of places around to explore too with cities like Bilbao, Pamplona and even Biarritz in France that are perfect for day trips out. Take a week or more to discover the best of the Basque Country with San Sebastián as a base for your holiday.
Is it Saint Sebastian, San Sebastion, San Sabastien, San Sabastian or San Sebastian?
It’s San Sebastián! You’ll hear it called Donostia by the locals, which is its name in the Basque language, and the city is also sometimes known as Donostia-San-Sebastián.
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