Beach
La Concha Beach
San Sebastián, Spain
A curved city beach in a shell-shaped bay, with a classic seafront promenade.
City · Spain · Basque Country
San Sebastián
An elegant seaside city on a scallop-shaped bay, famous for pintxos bars and serious gastronomy.
about 5 h
For storytellers
Why San Sebastián matters
San Sebastian, or Donostia in Basque, is a seaside resort with a very serious relationship with food. The bay is shaped like a shell, with a soft city beach and a green hill at each end. In the old town every bar counter is piled with pintxos, small bites on bread, and you move from bar to bar with a glass of cider or txakoli. Even the surfers and the Michelin chefs seem to agree that eating well is the point.
Talking points
- The city is also called Donostia, its Basque name, and you will see both on signs.
- Pintxos are the Basque cousin of tapas, served on a slice of bread with a toothpick.
- The city has a surprising number of Michelin-starred restaurants for its size.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
What to see in San Sebastián
Food and drink
Parte Vieja Pintxo Bars
San Sebastián, Spain
The old town's tightly packed bars, with counters piled high with Basque pintxos.
Viewpoint
Monte Igueldo
San Sebastián, Spain
A hill with a funicular, an old-fashioned amusement park and the best view of La Concha bay.
Monument
Peine del Viento
San Sebastián, Spain
Eduardo Chillida's steel sculptures gripping the rocks at the end of the bay, where the sea crashes.
Park
Monte Urgull
San Sebastián, Spain
A wooded hill above the old town, crowned by a fortress and a statue of Christ.
Beach
Zurriola Beach
San Sebastián, Spain
The city's surf beach, with a younger, more relaxed vibe than La Concha.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.