San Sebastian holidays

1. San Sebastian boasts more Michelin stars per capita than any other city in Europe. If you want something more local, then bar hopping is a must to sample its pintxos. These tapas-type treats are best savoured Basque-style: bar by bar, bite by bite, and all washed down with some local txakoli wine.
2. You’ll be in for some serious star spotting if your visit coincides with San Sebastian’s September film festival, Zinemaldi. The turnout’s not bad for a city that was razed to the ground and raised from the ashes multiple times. Thankfully, the only thing on fire this time is the stellar line-ups that grace the film festival, which have included the likes of Cate Blanchett, Penelope Cruz and Andrew Garfield.
3. One of San Sebastian’s most loved beaches is La Concha. Start off strolling its promenade with ornate railings and vintage lampposts, soaking in the bay-side scene. Discover the former royal haunt, Miramar Palace, and lap up gorgeous gardens that peer over the bay. You can even hop a boat to tiny Santa Clara Island and enjoy its bar, beach and natural seawater pool – the adventurous swim here James Bond-style.
4. Semana Grande or Big Week is one of San Sebastian’s best attractions. You can join the city in chorus with its many concerts and fireworks in mid-August. If you’re a music lover, come in the third week of July for Spain’s oldest jazz festival, Jazzaldia. It comprises more than 100 concerts spread across San Sebastian, and you can take in some freebie sunset rifts by the beach.
5. Monte Igueldo has a wonderfully nostalgic feel. Take its vintage funicular up the hill, which has been clattering along the same track for more than a century and soak up views of San Sebastian beneath. Then head to the quirky old-school Monte Igueldo Amusement Park, which seems like it’s been plucked from bygone years. Ride its old-school roller coasters and wooden carousel, then explore its lovably kitsch house of horrors.
6. Experience two ends of a timeline. For a taste of the past, head to San Telmo Museo. Partly housed in a 16th-Century Dominican convent, it’s all about art and culture of the Basque people. For something new, venture to the former tobacco factory, Tabakelera. Now the International Centre for Contemporary Culture, it’s jammed with art exhibitions, film screenings and creative workshops.

The beaches add a special touch, and the crowning glory is the golden arc of La Concha. Stretching from the old-town harbour in Parte Vieja round the rocky outcrop, it’s perfect for paddleboarding and sunsets. On a calm winter’s morning, La Concha is a magnet for cold-water swimmers, and it becomes a glamorous backdrop to the luminaries during the film festival in September. Quieter and slightly more relaxed is Ondarreta, which sits at the western end of the bay with more of a family feel – great for paddling and picnics. The hip Zurriola remains a favourite with surfers and the young crowd, since it has consistent waves, beach volleyball and music blasting from portable speakers.

Hit a tour round the Rioja wine region. Explore its wineries, taste the best varieties paired with the local cuisine and soak up the scenic surrounds. The region predominantly produces reds, made from Tempranillo grapes. If you fancy an amble across the border, check out the French Basque towns of Biarritz or Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

You’ll find a maze of narrow streets packed with bars, old-churches and lively markets in Parte Vieja, the Old Town. History rubs shoulders with hedonism here, so expect lots of tasty bar snacks… but don’t expect much sleep. If you head just beyond the Old Town, you’ll reach Centro district. It’s got elegant Belle Epoque architecture, upmarket boutiques and peaceful leafy plazas. It’s a great spot for seafood, too.

Fancy a hip ending to your evening? Head to Dabadaba, San Sebastian’s trendy hotspot that attracts an eclectic crowd, where anything goes. Check out its line-up that includes acoustic indie sets to all-out flamenco. They also host theatre, exhibitions and presentations, and they pride themselves on inclusivity.

If you want a top-notch playground where the royals once holidayed, then the upmarket west district of Antiguo could be just your thing. Home to Ondarreta Beach and the funicular which trundles up Monte Igueldo, the whole place has old-school charm with the soundtrack of lapping waves. 

Experiencing San Sebastian hotels on the beach is one of the best ways to catch a breeze and a bite. For an upbeat, buzzy beach, head to Zurriola to mingle with hip and happening surfers – then head to nearby Gros for its laid-back bars. La Concha is perhaps the prettiest with its iconic golden crescent, framed by mountains. San Sebastian even offers a more laid-back third beach, Ondarreta, with calm waters and adjacent garden that are perfect for your ‘pequenos’.