Mount Urgull from La Concha beach
Nothing says holiday quite like a beautiful beach, does it? San Sebastián is an ideal location for lovers of sand and surf, with a wide range of gorgeous beaches to choose from.
Whether you’re holidaying with family, on a solo surfing trip, or after a quiet spot to beach comb, we’ve put together a handy guide of the best beaches within 30 minutes of San Sebastián.
San Sebastián’s Concha Bay comprises two beaches, La Concha and Ondarreta. So named for the bay’s quintessential shell shape, when the coastline is viewed from a bird’s eye view it appears to mimic the very marine life it harbours.
Popular with tourists and residents alike, each beach makes an incredible spot for those looking to relax, picnic, build sandcastles, and so on.
La Concha bay's golden beaches © @donostiaturismoa
The iconic La Concha Beach was named one of the top 20 beaches of 2023, thanks in part to its fine, golden sand, stretching over 1,300 metres, and crystal-clear waters.
You will enjoy spectacular views of nearby Santa Clara Island, and you’ll be able to choose from any number of nautical activities - including boat hire, canoeing and even fishing.
Dogs are welcome on the beach from 1st October to 30th May, so your four-legged companion can join you if you’re visiting outside of the peak bathing season.
Santa Clara island from Ondarreta beach
As La Concha is located in the city centre, there’s plenty to do nearby, too.
Bordering the beach is The Real Club Náutico de San Sebastián. Built in 1929 by architects José Manuel Aizpurua and Joaquín Labayen, the building was designed to look like a boat moored at the wharf. Recently designated a Site of Cultural Interest, it’s well worth walking along La Concha to check out its stunning architecture.
From the beach, you’ll also be able to see San Sebastián’s stunning City Hall, built in 1887, with the merry-go-round of Pierre Ducasse’s Alderdi Eder Gardens spinning close by. (If you’ve got young kids, prepare to embrace the dizziness.)
La Concha is beloved for a reason - a beautiful backdrop for an early morning jog, and an equally romantic setting for a sunset stroll, this scenic spot never disappoints.
Mount Urgull and the Old Town from La Concha
At low tide, you can walk from La Concha to Ondarreta beach. Simply follow the path through the rocky area separating the two beaches, known as the ‘Pico del Loro’, or ‘Parrot’s Beak’.
With Mount Urgull on one side and Mount Igueldo on the other, Ondarreta’s waters are well-protected, making it a perfect spot for rowing, canoeing and paddle boarding.
Again, dogs are allowed on the beach from 1st October to 30th May. If you’re planning to visit with a furry friend in tow, make sure you bear this in mind!
Ondaretta beach sits below Mount Igeldo
Should you fancy travelling across to Santa Clara Island, Ondarreta is the best beach to depart from.
There are small ferry boats to hop on, or, as the water is so calm and the crossing is only half a kilometre, many people even swim across. There are plenty of resting platforms, or gabarrones, on the way, equipped with trampolines and slides for kids.
If your idea of a holiday doesn’t include exercise (and honestly, we don’t blame you), Ondarreta also makes a great spot to chill out with a book. Its gently lapping waves and gorgeous views of both Santa Clara and San Sebastián make for a truly charming beach.
Vintage-style beach tents at beautiful Onderetta beach
Just a short 20-minute drive from San Sebastián is Antilla Beach, situated next to the estuary of the river Oria and at the foot of the Kukuarri mountain. For those travelling to Bilbao via the GI-2 or AP-8, Antilla can be found en route.
A great choice for families, the beach boasts a playground, campsite, sea promenade and three popular restaurants. It’s also a savvy choice for water sports enthusiasts, as activities like canoeing, surfing and windsurfing are all on offer.
The Antilla beach and coastline
Antilla’s breakwater can be relied upon to supply great waves for surfers, who can find especially exhilarating peaks in the central area of the beach. Home to a local surf club, Antilla is a must for any surfers visiting San Sebastián - especially if you’re looking to find like-minded friends!
Windsurfing is a popular sport at Antilla
Just five minutes’ drive from Antilla, down the GI-2 or AP-8, you’ll find Zarautz Beach. A less crowded spot, it’s a wide, sandy beach, surrounded by plenty of restaurants (be sure to check out our in-depth guide to the best restaurants in San Sebastián).
Zarautz beach is popular with surfers
Also known as the ‘Zurri’ by locals, Zurriola Beach is arguably the liveliest beach in San Sebastián. Popular with youngsters and surfers looking for a social vibe, people travel from all over the world to come together on this idyllic coastal stretch.
You’ll find activities like surfing classes, volleyball, football and beach-tennis matches hosted daily on this vibrant beach, and dogs are welcome on the beach from 1st October to 30th May, too.
A surfer in action at Zurriola © @donostiaturismoa
Remodelled 15 years ago, the beach sits between architect Rafael Moneo’s striking Kursaal buildings - designed to look like a pair of beached rocks - and Mount Ulia, the city’s best hillwalking destination, which boasts a historic whale-spotting lookout.
With so much to do in and around Zurriola, it’s no wonder it remains one of the city’s most beloved hangouts.
The golden sands of Zurriola beach
If you are heading out of San Sebastián and towards the French border, drive just 30 minutes down the Jaizkibel Hiribidea to arrive at Playa de Kalaburtza - a beautiful, discreet beach located in the town of Pasai San Juan, Guipúzcoa.
This hidden gem boasts crystal clear, calm waters, and a tranquil atmosphere that’s perfect if you’re looking to unwind in peace.
Ría de Pasaia from Kalabortza beach
Ideal for bathing in the summer, the water’s mild and it’s not uncommon to spot fish swimming in the clear waters.
The beach also offers impressive views of San Pedro, the Mendiola mountain, and the lighthouse nearby. Just a three-minute walk from the beach there’s a bar and grill to stop for a bite at.
Do keep in mind that accessibility to the beach for people with reduced mobility is complicated but not impossible. If you’re able to, making the trip to Playa de Kalaburtza is well worth the effort.
Kalaburtza beach is small but perfectly located
The Plage d’Hendaye is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from San Sebastián. Taking the AP-8 towards Biarritz, you’ll cross the border into France to find this jaw-droppingly picture-perfect beach.
Should you prefer a day off from chauffeuring the family, hop on the train from San Sebastián to Hendaye, instead. It operates every day of the week, departing at 3 and 33 minutes past the hour, from 5:33 am until 10:33 pm. You can’t reserve tickets, but they’re easily available at the station and kids under 6 years old go free.
Hendaye is a short drive from San Sebastian
Hendaye's a paradise for swimmers and surfers. The temperature of the water reaches 23 degrees Celsius in the height of summer and you can enjoy gorgeous views of the Bay of Txingudi, bordering Spain.
With plenty of space to run, relax or build sandcastles, this is a truly family-friendly spot. The beach offers facilities such as tent and deck chair hire, as well as beach clubs for children - a real treat for parents in need of a holiday.
The beach stretches over several kilometres, spanning from ‘Les Deux Jumeaux’, or ‘Twin Rocks’, to a southerly point where you can spot the Spanish towns of Fontarabie and Hondarribia.
Family-friendly Hendaye beach in Aquitaine
There’s no shortage of beaches surrounding San Sebastián, and you should absolutely spend a day at one of the spectacularly scenic spots situated within the city or nearby. Explore our range of ferries to Spain with Brittany Ferries 澳洲幸运10十168体彩开奖网.
Plan out the rest of your trip to this stunning part of the magnificent Basque Country by checking out the rest of our guides to San Sebastián.
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