San Sebastián is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Here, you can marvel at its beaches and the delicious Basque cuisine offered in the area. If you’re doing the Camino del Norte, it is undoubtedly a must-stop.
The landscape is dominated by the Bay of La Concha and features a wide variety of monuments worth visiting. The collection of these monuments showcases the modern architectural development that began in the second half of the 19th century.
It is the perfect city to enjoy leisurely walks and choose walking routes to discover its incredible landmarks. Additionally, it has a charming urban layout with sea views. It is an innovative and avant-garde city that offers many benefits to tourists. It’s always an excellent choice to explore this Spanish coastal area.
Índice de contenidos
Enjoy the sea, the mountains, and the finest gastronomy in San Sebastián
San Sebastián is one of those places that must be on your travel itinerary, as it is a well-rounded destination in terms of tourism.
For pilgrims, there are many more options than just starting the Camino de Santiago from Sarria.
You can take the Camino del Norte and explore the La Concha promenade and Ondarreta gardens, popular spots in this Spanish town. Then, the pilgrim heads to the Monte Igueldo, one of the three peaks visible from the Bay of La Concha. Here, you’ll visit the Hermitage of San Martín before descending into the old town of the village of Orio.
What to see and do in San Sebastián
If you want to discover the most popular places in San Sebastián, here are 10 must-visit sites in the capital of the Guipúzcoa province:
La Concha Promenade
This is an essential seafront walk in San Sebastián. In fact, it’s one of the best things you can do in the area. It is the most beautiful urban beach in Europe.
The promenade stretches over a kilometre in length and ends at the Palacio de Miramar. Here, you can admire a white railing dotted with large lampposts that add a unique charm to the place.
It also features several Belle Époque buildings, when the Spanish royal family and European high aristocracy visited Donosti. They enjoyed places like the La Perla spa and the Town Hall.
During this walk, you’ll also see the small Island of Santa Clara, located in the middle of the Bay of La Concha, which has a small beach and a lighthouse.
Monte Igueldo
If you’re travelling with our Santiago Camino organiser agency, we will point out the best places to see and do in San Sebastián. The first on our list is the famous and iconic Monte Igueldo. As mentioned, San Sebastián has many viewpoints and observatories, but none quite like this one.
Monte Igueldo is located on the western side, at an altitude of about 190 metres. To reach the top, you’ll need to take the iconic funicular, inaugurated in 1912 by María Cristina of Habsburg.
Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views. You’ll have a panoramic view of the Bay of La Concha, and to your right, you’ll see the Bay of Biscay. To the left, you can spot the “Ratón de Getaria” and the Machichaco Cape.
The Wind Comb
This artwork is located at the end of Ondarreta Beach and was installed in 1977. It is one of the undisputed symbols you must see in San Sebastián. The work, created by renowned sculptor Eduardo Chillida, consists of three large sculptures made from solid iron embedded into the rocks.
It is fascinating to watch the Cantabrian Sea crashing against the sculptures. Additionally, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of La Concha.
Palacio de Miramar
Maria Cristina of Habsburg commissioned the construction of this palace at the end of the 19th century. It is an English-style complex that was designed for long stays in San Sebastián. While the interior isn’t particularly spectacular, its exterior is worth visiting. It’s magnificent and offers a unique perspective of the city.
Other architectural attractions associated with this historical figure include:
- The luxurious Hotel María Cristina, where Hollywood stars stay during the San Sebastián Film Festival.
- The Puente de María Cristina, which features four monumental obelisks at each of its ends.
The Cervantes Promenade
The Cervantes Square is a space you’ll love. This promenade was inaugurated in honour of the 300th anniversary of the publication of Don Quixote. In the 1970s, this monument was created featuring allegorical figures of Sancho Panza and Don Quixote.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Choir
It is considered one of the most important religious temples in the Basque city. Its baroque style presents visitors with an incomparable attraction. This construction is located in San Sebastián’s Old Town and was completed in 1773.
It’s worth stopping by to admire its beauty, despite the challenging angle and perspective it offers.
The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
This is an architectural and monumental gem. It is a religious temple with a beautiful exterior and stands out for its 75-metre-high tower. The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is one of the tallest buildings in Guipúzcoa.
You can also visit the Donostiarra expansion, which houses several interesting places, such as the Palace of Justice, the Provincial Library, and Gipuzkoa Square.
Monte Urgull and Castillo de la Mota
The Castillo de la Mota is located at the northern peak of the city, around 125 metres high. Monte Urgull has historically served as a true fortress protecting the city.
It’s a stone path, but an easy one to walk, and it offers fantastic views of the bay and Santa Clara Island. You’ll also be able to see the English Cemetery, the Santiago Battery, the Convent of Santa Teresa, and the Sea Wall.
San Telmo Museum
Next to Monte Urgull and San Vicente Church is the San Telmo Museum. It houses the most important art collection in San Sebastián. It was built in the first half of the 16th century and surprises visitors with its Renaissance style.
The exterior is spectacular, and the interior doesn’t disappoint either. Among its exhibits, you’ll find a sword attributed to Boabdil, the last Sultan of the Nasrid dynasty of Granada. Additionally, the museum’s collection is divided into five sections: archaeology, ethnography, fine arts, photography, and history.
The Bretxa Market
Here, you can see the Basque gardens and the Cantabrian Sea. This is a neoclassical-style market, built in 1870. Inside, you’ll find over 40 stalls selling fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, seafood, and preserves.
