Is San Sebastian Spain worth visiting?

So, is San Sebastian worth visiting? YES, and you’ll need several days, we suggest 3 days in San Sebastian! San Sebastian is one of our favorite Spanish cities! It features one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe, an incredibly unique culture, and well… the best pintxos in the world!

Is San Sebastian a good holiday destination?

San Sebastian (or Donostia to the Basque) is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. It’s got beautiful churches and buildings and a wide sandy beach described as one of the best in-city beaches in Europe.

How many days should you spend in San Sebastian?

How much time should you spend in San Sebastian? Two full days is the perfect amount of time to stay in San Sebastian. You’ll have enough time to explore the city at a relaxed pace, without feeling like you’re missing out on the highlights, and you’ll have enough time to see other parts of Spain.

Is San Sebastian Spain safe to visit?

Being aware and respectful of the region’s dramatic recent past is incredibly important when visiting San Sebastian in a responsible way. Today, the charming streets of San Sebastian are peaceful and safe.

Is San Sebastian Lively?

San Sebastian Old Town is a very lively place after dark. It’s filled with pintxo bars and cool clubs, from which we’ve selected 3 recommendable venues. For a lively local experience, go to Bar Zeruko on Calle Pescaderia.

Is San Sebastian expensive?

San Sebastian is an expensive city, but by avoiding the Michelin-star restaurants we’ve managed to eat in fabulous style and meet our budget – give or take a few marinated anchovies. Avoid the Michelin-starred restaurants and you can still eat well on a budget.

Is San Sebastian crowded?

San Sebastián may be a small town at heart, but it is rich with must-do experiences for all types of traveler. From pintxos to art museums to the Bay of La Concha, San Sebastián has plenty to keep visitors busy.

How do people dress in San Sebastian?

You don’t need a huge, heavy coat when visiting San Sebastian in spring, but a lighter leather or denim jacket will keep you warm and stylish. Good walking shoes: Spring is one of the best times of year to explore San Sebastian’s gorgeous landscape! A pair of comfortable shoes or boots for hiking is a must.

Do you need a car in San Sebastian?

And driving is a great option if you want to explore the nearby mountainous region or the other seaside towns that dot the Basque Country. However, having a car in San Sebastian is not necessary. You’ll find walking to be much easier, and the city’s bus network covers a lot of ground.

Why is San Sebastian expensive?

For 12 years, San Sebastián in Spain’s northern Basque Country region has been the city with the highest property prices in Spain. … Politicians and real estate experts agree that tourism is the main factor driving up the cost of property.


Do they speak English in San Sebastian?

You will find people in bars, restaurants and hotels will generally speak English. You will also hear a lot of Basque being spoken.

Do they speak Spanish in San Sebastian?

Basque and Spanish are the official languages in Donostia/San Sebastian and in the Basque Autonomous Community as a whole.

Is San Sebastian safe at night?

The Safety Rate of Walking Around San Sebastian

With or without company, there’s little risk of getting involved or falling victim to crimes as you explore the city while the sun is out. At nightfall, the safety rate simply drops to 89.30%, still a lot safer than other cities’ safety rates during the day.

What is San Sebastian Spain known for?

San Sebastian is famed for its beaches, quaint Old Town and first-class restaurants. … The Old Town hosts a great scene of local eateries, markets and shops, as well as many landmarks around an impressive cathedral. From La Concha Beach to the Aquarium, there are plenty to see and do in San Sebastian.

Does San Sebastian have good nightlife?

This is a place where partying and making merry is very much part of the lifestyle. If you choose to sample the nightlife, you won’t be disappointed. The main watering holes for a good night out in San Sebastián are in Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

What food is San Sebastian known for?

The best typical foods in San Sebastian
  • Anchovies and the “Gilda” pintxo. The nearby Cantabrian Sea is home to some of the world’s best anchovies, and San Sebastian knows exactly what to do with them. …
  • Fresh foie gras. …
  • Salt cod. …
  • Txuleta. …
  • Kokotxas de merluza. …
  • Whole roasted hake, sole, or turbot. …
  • Idiazabal cheese.

Does San Sebastian have a beach?

San Sebastian’s beaches are one of the greatest summer attractions. Each one has its own personality: the Concha, the best known, and Ondarreta, a family favourite, make up the Concha Bay.

How many Michelin stars does San Sebastian have?

Take a compass and place it on a map of San Sebastian. Point the arrow towards the City Hall and draw a 25-kilometre radius. Do you know how many Michelin stars there are within that small circle, within just a ten-minute drive? There are 18 Michelin stars.

What is the nearest airport to San Sebastian?

The nearest airport to San Sebastian is San Sebastian (EAS) Airport which is 15.8 km away. Other nearby airports include Biarritz (BIQ) (40.2 km), Bilbao (BIO) (74.8 km), Pau (PUF) (127 km) and Santander (SDR) (149.3 km).

Where do you fly into for San Sebastian?

Only 20 kilometers from the city centre, San Sebastián Airport has connections to the major Spanish cities, Madrid and Barcelona. Bilbao Airport, with connections to all Europe, is 105km from the city, and Biarritz Airport, served by French and international low-cost companies, 47km.

Is San Sebastian worth visiting in December?

Basque traditions, familiar holiday celebrations and delicious food converge to create a winter wonderland here in San Sebastian in December. Most people might flock to the city’s sunny shores in the warmer months, but that just means that the beaches get packed and there are tourists everywhere you look.

How far is San Sebastian from Barcelona?

Trains travelling from Barcelona to San Sebastián cover a distance of around 251 miles (404 km) during the journey.

Are there Ubers in San Sebastian?

Uber. Uber is slowly navigating their way into Spain, although currently only available in Madrid. As for now, San Sebastian does not offer Uber.

Is there a high-speed train from Madrid to San Sebastian?

Is there a high-speed train from Madrid to San Sebastian? Yes, Alvia high-speed trains depart from Puerta de Atocha in Madrid and arrive at San Sebastian once a week without any transfers along the way and the travel time of about 5 hours.

Is there a fast train from Barcelona to San Sebastian?

The Alvia train is a high-speed train with direct service to San Sebastian, and one-way tickets start at $29 when booked in advance. … You’ll board the train at Barcelona-Sants station and arrive about five and a half hours later to the San Sebastian station.

How much is a beer in San Sebastian?

Cost of Living in San Sebastian
Restaurants Edit
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 13.00€
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 57.50€
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 8.00€
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) 2.50€

How much does it cost to go to San Sebastian?

Cost of a Trip to San Sebastian, ES &amp, the Cheapest Time to Visit San Sebastian. The average price of a 7-day trip to San Sebastian is $2,219 for a solo traveler, $3,985 for a couple, and $7,471 for a family of 4.

Is San Sebastian in Spain or France?

San Sebastián
San Sebastian Donostia (in Basque)
Country Spain
Autonomous community Basque Country
Province Gipuzkoa
Eskualdea Donostialdea

Who flies to San Sebastian from UK?

What are some of the most popular airlines flying from London to San Sebastian?
  • Vueling with 338 flights every month.
  • Iberia with 117 flights every month.
  • KLM with 112 flights every month.
  • Lufthansa with 78 flights every month.
  • TAP Air Portugal with 69 flights every month.
  • Air France with 60 flights every month.

Where should I live in San Sebastian?

Best Places to Live in San Sebastián
  • Antiguo.
  • Gros.
  • Old Part of San Sebastián.
  • Egia and Amara.

Why is Basque different from Spain?

Basque is one of the oldest living languages.

Basque is not related to any other Latin language, such as Spanish or French, and is completely unique. The language was spoken in most rural Basque areas until the end of the 19th century, even though they were part of Spain.

Does it rain a lot in San Sebastian?

There is a lot of precipitation in San Sebastián throughout the year compared to the rest of Spain. The summers are a little bit drier than the winter months, but there is a chance of rain year round.

Can you drink the tap water in San Sebastian?

In 2018, the best water could be found in places like Burgos, San Sebastian, and Madrid. The worst tap water could be found in Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Huelva. However, all in all, the water is perfectly safe to drink in most places in Spain, although not everyone might like the taste.

Is Basque difficult to learn?

Basque. In a study conducted by the British Foreign Office, Basque was ranked as the hardest language to learn. … Basque is written in the Roman alphabet and pronunciation is fairly easy, even with new consonant sounds like tx or tz.

How big is San Sebastian Spain?

Basque. In a study conducted by the British Foreign Office, Basque was ranked as the hardest language to learn. … Basque is written in the Roman alphabet and pronunciation is fairly easy, even with new consonant sounds like tx or tz.

What autonomous community is San Sebastian in?

Donostia–San Sebastián, Basque Donostia, Spanish San Sebastián, city, capital of Guipúzcoa provincia (province), northeastern Basque Country comunidad autónoma(autonomous community), north-central Spain.

Can you fly direct to San Sebastian from the UK?

No airlines currently offer direct flights from London to San Sebastian. Indirect flights are available through a number of airlines. British Airways/Iberia offer flights from London-Heathrow via Madrid, and Iberia offer flights from London-Gatwick via Madrid.

Is San Sebastian pretty?

Call it “San Sebastian” like the Spanish and the rest of the world, or call it “Donostia” like the folk from the Basque Country (Pais Vasco/Euskal Herria). We can argue about its name all day long, but what it really is is the most beautiful city in Spain.

Where can I watch football in San Sebastian?

Best Sports Bars in Donostia-San Sebastian, Guipúzcoa, Spain
  • Pub Drop. 0.6 mi. $$ Sports Bars, Beer Bar, Pubs. …
  • Sportk. 1.8 mi. Spanish, Tapas Bars, Sports Bars. …
  • Red Café 24.0 mi. Sports Bars. …
  • Scanlanś Tavern. 35.5 mi. Irish Pub, Whiskey Bars, Sports Bars. …
  • Bar Chai Ramina. 28.0 mi. …
  • Mundaka. 37.1 mi. …
  • Café Moka. 28.2 mi.

What are tapas called in San Sebastian?

Spain is well known for its little snacks and most people are familiar with tapas. But in San Sebastian – here in the Basque region – they have their own unique way of snacking. It’s called ‘pintxos’ (pronounced pin-choss) and you’ll find it everywhere.

What time do people eat in San Sebastian?

Lunch and dinner times tend to be later than other European destinations. Restaurants usually serve lunch between 1.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. and dinner between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.. You are not obliged to leave a tip.

Do Basques speak Spanish?

Basque language

Basque is spoken by approximately a quarter of the population, especially in the area of Gipuzkoa, Bizkaia, northwestern Navarre and eastern French Basque Country. … All Basque inhabitants from the Spanish area speak Spanish and all Basque inhabitants from the French area speak French.

Is San Sebastian an island?

Santa Clara Island (Spanish: Isla de Santa Clara, Basque: Santa Klara uhartea) is an island located in San Sebastian, Spain, in the middle of the bay of Donostia.

What is the nicest beach in Barcelona?

Best Barcelona beaches
  1. Bogatell Beach. Bogatell Beach owes its name to an old stream that once ran from the uptown area of Vilapicina down the avenue of the same name all the way to the sea. …
  2. Sant Sebastià Beach. …
  3. Mar Bella Beach. …
  4. Nova Mar Bella Beach. …
  5. Llevant Beach. …
  6. Nova Icària Beach. …
  7. Barceloneta Beach. …
  8. Zona de Banys del Fòrum.

What is the water temperature in San Sebastian Spain?

The sea temperature ranges between 12 °C (54 °F) and 22 °C (72 °F). The sea is cool even in summer, although it is a little less cool than in Galicia and Asturias.

Which city in Spain has the most Michelin stars?

San Sebastián, a coastal town in Spain’s Basque Country, has the most Michelin starred restaurants per square meter in Europe.

Which city has most Michelin stars?

For more than a decade, Tokyo has maintained the accolade as the city with the most starred restaurants in the world, with its 212 Michelin starred restaurants split between 12 three-star, 42 two-star and 158 one-star restaurants.

What restaurant has the most Michelin stars?

Of his numerous outposts across the globe, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Alain Ducasse at Plaza Athénée and Le Louis XV tend to be the most well-known – and the most awarded, with each boasting the maximum three Michelin stars.

How many days should you spend in San Sebastian?

How much time should you spend in San Sebastian? Two full days is the perfect amount of time to stay in San Sebastian. You’ll have enough time to explore the city at a relaxed pace, without feeling like you’re missing out on the highlights, and you’ll have enough time to see other parts of Spain.

How long is the train journey from Bilbao to San Sebastian?

Bilbao to San Sebastián by train
Journey time From 4h 28m
Distance 48 miles (77 km)
Frequency 3 trains per day
First train 09:20
Last train 15:20

How much is the bus from Bilbao to San Sebastian?

Bus Bilbao San Sebastián summary
Bus ticket from 6.78€
Maximum coach ticket price 15.50€
Average bus trip duration 1h10m
Bus companies Pesa, alsa, BlaBlaCar
Distance 76 km

Is San Sebastian Spain expensive?

San Sebastian is an expensive city, but by avoiding the Michelin-star restaurants we’ve managed to eat in fabulous style and meet our budget – give or take a few marinated anchovies. Avoid the Michelin-starred restaurants and you can still eat well on a budget.

Is San Sebastian crowded?

San Sebastián may be a small town at heart, but it is rich with must-do experiences for all types of traveler. From pintxos to art museums to the Bay of La Concha, San Sebastián has plenty to keep visitors busy.

Is San Sebastian Spain safe?

Crime rates in San Sebastian, Spain
Level of crime 6.69 Very Low
Crime increasing in the past 3 years 18.80 Very Low
Worries home broken and things stolen 10.95 Very Low
Worries being mugged or robbed 7.76 Very Low
Worries car stolen 6.16 Very Low