9 must-see attractions in San Sebastian

In San Sebastian (Spanish: San Sebastián), you’ll find a vibrant and charming city that has something for every kind of traveler. From the beautiful La Concha Beach to the historic Old Town, there are amazing sights to explore around every corner. Take a stroll along the coastline and enjoy stunning sea views, or sample creative Pintxos in a local bar. Continue to the San Sebastian Attractions Guide below for more detailed information.

1. Santa Clara Island

Isla de Santa Clara is a small island in the Bay of San Sebastian, Spain, known for its natural beauty and tranquility. The island is small and is often used by tourists as a short break. The island is rich in vegetation and there are many trails to explore, making walking and light hiking the main activities on the island.

The most striking feature of the island is its beautiful sandy beach, which is especially suitable for swimming and sunbathing in the summer. In addition, Santa Clara Island also has a small lighthouse, which provides an excellent viewing point and a magnificent view of the entire bay. The way to visit the island is usually by ferry, which departs from the coastline of San Sebastian and arrives in just a few minutes.

Although the island itself is relatively simple, its tranquil environment and beautiful natural scenery make it an ideal short trip destination, especially for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether strolling on the beach or enjoying a quiet time on the island, Santa Clara Island can provide visitors with a great place to relax.

2. Good Shepherd Church

The Church of the Good Shepherd (Iglesia del Buen Pastor) is located in San Sebastian, Spain. It is a church known for its magnificent architecture and elegant interior. Built in the late 19th century, the church displays neo-Gothic architectural style and is particularly famous for its towering bell tower and exquisite stone carving details. The church’s appearance is solemn and majestic, and its towering spire can be clearly seen from a distance, becoming an important landmark of the city.

Entering the church, the spacious chapel is decorated with gorgeous stained glass windows, which not only bring soft light into the room, but also give the space a sacred atmosphere. The wooden benches and marble altar inside the church show exquisite craftsmanship, making the whole space full of tranquility and solemnity. The Church of the Good Shepherd is not only the center of religious activities, but also an important historical and cultural site in San Sebastian.

3. San Sebastian Old Town

San Sebastian’s Old Town (Parte Vieja) is the historic center of this city in the Spanish Basque Country and is known as the heart of the city. It is located between the Urmea River and the San Sebastian Bay. It is a lively and historical area, and the famous La Concha Beach is nearby.

The streets of the old town are narrow and maze-like, full of history. Once the site of a fishing village, the old town is now a paradise for food lovers, especially famous for its bars and restaurants, which offer a variety of delicious pintxos (tapas similar to snacks). This unique tapas culture attracts many food lovers and tourists, making this area a hotspot for socializing and eating.

In addition, the old town is home to many important historical buildings and cultural attractions, including San Vicente Church, Santa Maria Church and the San Sebastian History Museum, which reflect the rich history and cultural heritage of the area.

Every year, the old town hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals, the most famous of which is San Sebastián Day, when the city is immersed in a week-long celebration, including traditional drum performances, parades and other folk activities. These events not only showcase the traditions and culture of San Sebastian, but also provide visitors with an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and experience local culture.

4. Cruise

San Sebastian boat tours are a popular activity that allow visitors to enjoy spectacular views of this beautiful city from the sea. Tours usually depart from San Sebastian’s main harbour and offer trips of varying lengths, including short excursions around the famous La Concha and Ondarreta Beaches, as well as longer cruises to nearby coastlines and islands.

The boat tours offer visitors a unique perspective on San Sebastian’s Old Town (Parte Vieja), Monte Igueldo, and the modern part of the city. The boats offer a comprehensive commentary service that tells about the city’s history, culture, and the natural features of the coastline.

The boats are usually equipped with comfortable seats and beverage services to ensure the comfort and pleasure of tourists during the tour. In addition, some cruise ships also offer night cruises, where tourists can enjoy the night view of the city under the stars, adding to the romantic atmosphere.

Overall, a boat tour in San Sebastian is a great way to explore the city and its seaside charm, and is suitable for all types of tourists, including families, couples, and photography enthusiasts.

5. Ondretta Beach

Playa de Ondarreta is a picturesque city beach in San Sebastian, Spain. Compared to La Concha Beach in the city center, Ondarreta Beach is quieter and suitable for those who seek to relax and avoid the hustle and bustle. The beach is about 600 meters long and has fine sand, suitable for swimming, sunbathing and family activities. The beach front has clear water and gentle waves, which is an ideal place for swimming and water activities.

The promenade along the beach offers stunning sea views, and there are rest areas and cafes on both sides of the promenade where visitors can enjoy a drink or snack and enjoy the sea breeze. There is a small port on the east side of the beach, which adds a bit of charm to the beach. The surrounding environment of Odreta Beach is quiet and comfortable, with green trees, which is very suitable for walking or family gatherings. It is an ideal place for people to relax.

6. Chillidarku Museum

Located in Hernány, in the Basque Country of Spain, the Chillida-Leku Museum is a museum dedicated to the work of the famous Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida. The museum is not only a place to display Chillida’s works, but also a unique space that combines art and nature.

The museum is located in a restored traditional Basque farmhouse, surrounded by a vast outdoor sculpture park, where visitors can admire many of Chillida’s important sculptures, most of which are made of steel and concrete, showing the sculptor’s unique abstract style and profound exploration of material form.

The museum’s interior spaces carefully preserve the original features of the farmhouse, while displaying some of Chillida’s smaller works and personal collections, including his manuscripts and sketches. These exhibits offer visitors an insight into the artist’s creative process.

The outdoor area of ​​the Chillida Museum is one of its most fascinating features. The garden is not only planted with a variety of plants, but also decorated with many large sculptures by Chillida. These sculptures coexist harmoniously with the natural environment, providing visitors with an ideal place to appreciate art and get close to nature.

The Chillida Lecu Museum is a must-visit for art lovers and nature lovers. It not only showcases Chillida’s artistic achievements, but also serves as an important window into Basque culture.

7. Shell Bay

If you come to San Sebastian and don’t visit Bahía de La Concha, you’ll be missing out on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Bahía de La Concha is a true symbol of San Sebastian, this large bay bordering the city of San Sebastian has a long and beautiful beach, perfect for relaxing. Right at the entrance lies the magnificent Santa Clara Island, which protects the beach from the waves, allowing you to enjoy a perfect moment of relaxation.

8. Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad is a football team based in San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain. Its games are full of passion and technique, often showing high-level football skills and strategic layout. Real Sociedad’s games are usually held at its home stadium, Anoeta Stadium, a modern stadium that can accommodate about 40,000 spectators.

In the game, Real Sociedad is known for its fast-paced, technical style of play, emphasizing teamwork and quick passing. Their game strategy often focuses on ball possession and ground passing, trying to pressure the opponent through continuous offensive and high-pressure strategies. The team is also known for cultivating young talents, and many local and academy-trained players have occupied important positions in the first team.

Real Sociedad’s games not only attract a large number of local fans, but also attract the attention of fans around the world for its unique playing style and emphasis on young players. On match days, the Antita Stadium is often full of vitality, and the cheers, singing and applause of the fans create a unique atmosphere, making each game a sporting event not to be missed.

9. Food in San Sebastian

San Sebastian’s cuisine is the essence of the Basque Country in Spain, known for its unique flavors and innovative dishes. The most representative is the “Pintxos”, which are similar to tapas or Spanish appetizers, but more sophisticated and creative. You can find a wide variety of Pintxos in the bars and restaurants in the old town, usually placed on the bar for guests to choose. These snacks are rich in ingredients, covering seafood, meat, vegetables, etc., with a variety of seasonings, and have distinct taste levels.

In addition to Pintxos, San Sebastian is also famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants and is a mecca for world-class food lovers. Local fresh seafood, such as cod, octopus and conch, is carefully prepared on the table, showing the fusion of traditional cooking techniques of the Basque region with modern innovation. Whether it is a high-end restaurant or street food, San Sebastian’s cuisine is unforgettable.