Fulfilling almost every idea of how a perfect city beach should be formed, Playa de la Concha (and its westerly extension, Playa de Ondarreta) is easily among the best city beaches in Europe. Tanned and toned bodies spread across the sand throughout the long summer months, when a fiesta atmosphere prevails. The swimming is almost always safe. At night, the view of the bay's twinkling lights and illuminated monuments is magical.
@Carlos Sanchez/iStock
Playa de la Concha
Top choice in San Sebastián
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
10.82 MILES
Although Getaria is mainly about sun, sand and seafood, don't miss a visit to the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa. Local boy Cristóbal became a giant in the…
0.55 MILES
Fear for your life as huge sharks bear down behind glass panes, or gaze at otherworldly jellyfish. The highlights of a visit to the city's excellent…
1.12 MILES
Stretching 800m in front of Gros, from the Kursaal to Monte Ulía, 'Zurri', as it's known locally, has some excellent waves that draw surfers from near and…
-
17.3 MILES
The plain façade of France’s largest and finest Basque church conceals a splendid interior with a magnificent Baroque altarpiece. It was in front of this…
-
28.57 MILES
The twin towers of Bayonne's Gothic cathedral soar above the city. Construction began in the 13th century, and was completed in 1451. Above the north…
-
Musée Basque et de l'Histoire de Bayonne
28.74 MILES
If you're still getting to grips with the complex culture and history of the Basque region, this excellent ethnographic museum is a great place to start…
0.91 MILES
Designed by Rafael Moneo and opened in 1999, the Kursaal is one of the city's most striking buildings. Consisting of two cubes made of translucent glass…
13.71 MILES
Running from Zumaia west to Deba and Mutriku, this narrow coastal strip encompasses meadows, forests, caves and, most importantly, 13km of dramatic cliffs…
Nearby San Sebastián attractions
0.4 MILES
When a royal family comes to the seaside, they need a suitable summer beach pad. For Maria Cristina and family, that was the Palacio Miramar. It was built…
0.41 MILES
Overlooking Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, the grassy lawns of the Jardines de Miramar slope gently down to the ocean and are a popular place…
3. Catedral del Buen Pastor de San Sebastián
0.49 MILES
The dominant building of the new town is the city cathedral, overlooking a busy plaza. Built from slate and sandstone quarried from Monte Igueldo, the…
0.5 MILES
Set in a grand neoclassical building dating from the 1890s, this cultural centre has a packed line-up of art exhibitions, book launches, discussions and…
0.5 MILES
One of the most attractive and enjoyable little outdoor spaces in San Sebastián, the Parque de Alderdi Eder is actually more of an elongated plaza shaded…
6. Real Club Náutico de San Sebastián
0.51 MILES
Up by the harbour at the northeastern end of the beach, the Real Club Náutico de San Sebastián was built in 1928 in a rationalist style. Appropriately…
0.52 MILES
San Sebastián's town hall is an impressive configuration of belle époque towers and domed ceilings that stands proudly at the meeting point between Playa…
0.54 MILES
Playa de Ondarreta, the western extension of the renowned Playa de la Concha, has a less glam, more genteel atmosphere. It's long been popular with the…