2024-09-29
They often say that San Sebastián Donostia, in the Basque Country, is the city of three mountains and three beaches. The mountains are Monte Urgull, Monte Igueldo, and Monte Ulia, while the beaches are Playa de la Concha, Playa de Ondarreta, and Playa Zurriola.
This article focuses precisely on these three beaches, which attract so many tourists to this corner of the Basque Country every summer.
You will discover the characteristics of each beach, which ones are suitable for surfers or families, and which is closest to the city center.
An important point: Playa de la Concha, Playa de Ondarreta, and Playa Zurriola are located in San Sebastián, and you can reach all of them on foot from the city center. In other words, there’s no need to take a car.
Discover the Three Beaches of San Sebastián
In my opinion, the Basque Country coast is one of the most beautiful and diverse regions in Spain.
It stretches along the Cantabrian Sea, featuring landscapes that range from sandy beaches to dramatic cliffs, not to mention the small villages that dot the extensive green vegetation.
San Sebastián is a city renowned for its magnificent beaches, which have the unique characteristic of being located close to the city center.
Thus, they offer excellent access for those who just want to walk to the beach!
Here, you’ll find all the information you need to make the most of La Concha Beach, Ondarreta, and Zurriola.
👉La Concha Beach is one of Spain’s 12 Treasures, along with the Cathedral of Córdoba, Altamira Cave, Seville Cathedral, Alhambra, Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, Teide National Park, Roman Theatre of Mérida, Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, City of Arts and Sciences, Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia, and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
La Concha Beach (Playa de la Concha, Kontxa Hondartza)
La Concha Beach is the most famous beach in San Sebastián! It is also the closest to the city center.
This beach has an extensive sandy area shaped like a shell, hence its name. It features calm and transparent waters, perfect for swimming, with shallow waters extending into the sea.
The view from La Concha Beach is simply magnificent, with Monte Urgull on one side and Monte Igueldo on the other!
I recommend including a walk along the Paseo de la Concha and spending some time in the cafés and terraces along the way.
Additionally, the La Concha promenade, with its characteristic balustrade, is very popular with both locals and visitors. If you don’t feel like walking, sit on one of the seaside benches and enjoy the breeze.
La Concha Beach has been frequented by various famous figures over the years.
Personalities such as Queen Maria Christina of Austria, who helped popularize the city as a tourist destination, and actor Woody Allen, a regular visitor, have enjoyed this spot.
Finally, for those who love hiking, there are trails on Monte Igueldo and Monte Urgull, and if you still have time, add exploring Santa Clara Island to your list of things to do in San Sebastián, which is accessible by boat.
Ondarreta Beach (Playa de Ondarreta, Ondarretako Hondartza)
Ondarreta Beach, in San Sebastián, is the smallest of the city’s three main beaches, but it is sought after precisely for its charm and tranquility.
Located in the westernmost area of La Concha Bay, Ondarreta offers a quieter beach experience compared to La Concha and Zurriola.
In short, Ondarreta Beach is ideal for families and those looking to enjoy a day at the beach without large crowds.
But don’t think that this beach falls short compared to the others in San Sebastián, as its sandy shore is long with fine, golden sand.
Moreover, during low tide, the beach expands, providing more space for activities such as beach volleyball or spreading out a towel.
As mentioned, compared to La Concha Beach, Ondarreta is quieter and less crowded. This is because La Concha is larger and more centrally located, attracting many tourists due to its proximity to the historic center.
However, I believe that the tranquility of Ondarreta offers a perfect alternative for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the bay without the hustle and bustle.
On the other hand, Zurriola Beach is a paradise for surfers. Located in the eastern part of the city, Zurriola has stronger waves and is often chosen for surfing competitions. It is also a meeting point for young people and sports enthusiasts.
In contrast, Ondarreta maintains a calmer and more family-friendly vibe, with generations of surfers enjoying the same space.
Zurriola Beach (Playa de la Zurriola, Zurriolako Hondartza)
Zurriola Beach is located next to the Kursaal Congress and Auditorium Palace. It is an open beach with strong waves, which makes it less safe for swimming.
However, it is the favorite beach for surfers in San Sebastián.
In fact, surfing is very popular in San Sebastián, with multiple generations within the same family often practicing this sport. It’s not uncommon to see grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren all surfing the waves at Zurriola.
And it’s not just a summer activity; surfers take advantage of San Sebastián’s beaches to surf year-round.
There is a surf school in San Sebastián where children learn to surf from a young age.
The therapeutic benefits of the waters of San Sebastián
The beaches of San Sebastián are known not only for their beauty but also for the therapeutic benefits of their waters.
In fact, La Concha Beach, a symbol of Donostia/San Sebastián, is often recognized as the best beach in Europe and one of the best in the world.
Since 1845, when Queen Isabel II popularized the beach for its therapeutic benefits, San Sebastián has transformed into a haven of elegance and distinction.
This aristocratic beach has solidified the city’s reputation as the “Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea” and one of the most beautiful urban beaches in the world.
Moreover, besides being an elegant destination, it seems that the waters of San Sebastián possess unique therapeutic properties. Bathing in the waters of La Concha not only promotes relaxation but also improves blood circulation and alleviates muscle and joint pains.
Therefore, for those considering vacationing in San Sebastián, I believe the benefits of its beach waters are yet another reason to explore the region.
You May Also Like:
- Best Things To Do and Visit in Bilbao
- 15 Interesting Facts About Bilbao I Bet You Didn’t Know
- Discovering the Charm of Vigo in Spain: A Traveler’s Guide to Galicia’s Largest City
We are a Family traveling around the world and sharing our journey and experiences at passaportenobolso.com. Here you can find plenty of family budget travel tips as well as practical information about numerous destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia and America. We have visited 30+ countries and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Follow our adventures on YouTube / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter / Facebook.
