San Sebastián, Spain
San Sebastián beaches: La Concha, Ondarreta and Zurriola
PicoloThere are few cities in Europe where the beach is so woven into daily life as in San Sebastián. In the morning people jog along the promenade, at lunchtime office workers eat on the sand, and in the evening the whole city gathers to watch the sun sink behind Monte Igueldo.
The city has three beaches, each with its own personality. Here is a guide to all of them, and to the hotels where the sea is right outside your door.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
La Concha: the bay that gave the city its face
La Concha is San Sebastián’s signature, a shell-shaped bay of golden sand and calm water, sheltered by Santa Clara island at its mouth. Along the beach runs the famous promenade with its white railings, and behind it stand the Belle Époque buildings that recall the days when the Spanish royal family spent their summers here.
The beach is central and often busy in summer, but long enough that you can almost always find a spot. The water is usually calm, and the bay is good for swimming.
La Concha beach and promenade. Photo: Picolo
Ondarreta: calm beneath Monte Igueldo
West of La Concha, past the gardens of the Miramar Palace, the beach continues as Ondarreta. The mood here is calmer, with more families and locals, and at the end of the beach Eduardo Chillida’s iron sculptures, the Comb of the Wind, stand out in the waves.
Zurriola: the surf beach in Gros
On the east side of the Urumea river lies Zurriola, the city’s surf beach. Here you meet the waves of the Bay of Biscay, and the beach is full of surfers from morning to night. Behind it lies Gros, with coffee bars, surf shops and pintxos bars filled mostly with locals.
Santa Clara: the island in the bay
In the mouth of La Concha bay lies the small island of Santa Clara. In summer, boats run there from the harbour, and the island has a small beach, footpaths and views back towards the city.
The Miramar Palace and its gardens
Between La Concha and Ondarreta stands the Miramar Palace, built as a summer residence for the Spanish royal family in the late 19th century. Its gardens are open to the public and offer some of the finest views over the bay.
The Kursaal bridge by Zurriola. Photo: Picolo
When is the best time to swim?
Swimming season is at its best from late June to September, when the water is mildest and the days longest. The Bay of Biscay is fresh, even in summer. Spring and autumn bring quiet beaches and lovely walks, and the surf season at Zurriola lasts much of the year.
Sunset over the bay
One of the finest moments in San Sebastián is sunset. Climb Monte Igueldo, or sit on the railing by La Concha, and watch the sky change colour over Santa Clara island. Afterwards, the pintxos bars of the old town are just a ten-minute walk away.
Hotels by the beach with sea views
If you want to wake to the sound of the waves, stay along La Concha or Ondarreta. See also our guide to where to stay in San Sebastián, neighbourhood by neighbourhood.
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra: on the La Concha promenade
A classic hotel with rooms looking straight out over the bay and Santa Clara island.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Hotel Niza: on the beach
A beachfront hotel with a restaurant, and one of the more affordable places with sea views.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Niza
Hotel Ezeiza: by Ondarreta
A beachfront hotel at the end of Ondarreta, close to the Comb of the Wind.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Ezeiza
Zinema7: by Zurriola
A boutique hotel by the Kursaal, a short walk from the surf beach.
Book your stay: See rooms at Zinema7
Frequently asked questions about San Sebastián beaches
Which is the best beach in San Sebastián?
La Concha is the best known and most central, with calm water. Ondarreta is quieter and family-friendly, while Zurriola is best for surfing.
Can you swim in San Sebastián?
Yes, the swimming season is best from late June to September. The water is fresh, but La Concha bay is usually calm.
Where can you surf in San Sebastián?
Zurriola in the Gros district is the city’s surf beach, with waves much of the year and surf schools on the beach.
Which hotels are on the beach?
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra and Hotel Niza are on the La Concha promenade, Hotel Ezeiza is by Ondarreta, and Zinema7 is close to Zurriola.