10 Best Beaches in San Sebastian

San Sebastián’s La Concha Beach is considered to be one of the best beaches in all of Europe. The crescent-shaped shore has golden sands that attract visitors from across the globe. The water is deep, blue and calm. The views are stunning with awesome mountains and Santa Clara Island off in the distance. Services include sunshades, bathrooms, showers and lockers.  

La Concha Beach is in the centre of town and is always filled with people enjoying the sun. The 1,300-metre beach is good for swimming, paddling, diving and yachting. Take a long swim or charter a boat out to the island for the afternoon. Or swim out to the gabarrón, a floating pontoon with slides and diving boards.  

Of San Sebastián’s 3 main beaches, Ondarreta is the least well known, making it a little quieter and less populated than the others. This hidden gem is the perfect beach for families and even has a playground on the sand to entertain the little ones. When the tide is low, you can walk to this beach from nearby La Concha. 

You’ll find people playing volleyball or football and building castles on the golden sands. It’s also a popular spot for paddling as the water is peaceful. Some brave holiday-makers venture on a long swim to the nearby island. Make sure you stroll through the surrounding sculpture gardens after your beach visit.   

If you are a surfer or want to learn, then head to La Zurriola Beach. Formerly known as Gros Beach, it attracts a younger crowd looking to socialise and enjoy themselves. Surfing is the most popular activity at La Zurriola, and there are plenty of surf shops along the shoreline to rent a board or book a lesson. Games of volleyball, football and tennis are also common. 

La Zurriola Beach is located between the mountains where the Uremea River empties into Biscay Bay. Autumn and winter are the best time of year for the biggest waves, when they can reach nearly 2 metres. Visitors also like to climb the nearby hill to take in the view and spot whales. 

Hendaye is a town near San Sebastián just across the border into France, and it makes for a peaceful day trip as it’s only about a 30-minute drive east. If you are hoping to avoid crowds, then you’re in luck as the coast here tends to be quiet and relaxed. 

Hendaye Beach is about 3 km long and known for its relatively calm waters and small waves, which makes it the perfect place to learn how to surf or bodyboard. The white sand, clear blue sea and gorgeous seaside town views add to the tranquil atmosphere. Sunshades and tents dot the flat beach, providing lovely spots for family picnics.  

Plage Hondarribia Hondartza is in the urban area of Hondarribia, about a 30-minute drive east of San Sebastián. The beach is popular in the summer months, when tourists flock to enjoy the sun. The location makes it a prime spot for a day trip or overnight visit from the surrounding areas, especially as there are plenty of hotels and restaurants nearby. 

Families with young children often come here because the waters are calm and the beach is wide, allowing for lots of opportunities to run around and play. The soft sand and crystal blue water make it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. You’ll find ample parking at this beach, and amenities include sunshades, lounge chairs and bathrooms.  

One of the longest beaches in Spain’s Basque country, Zarautz Beach is about a half hour drive west of San Sebastián. It’s a magnet for surfers thanks to its consistent waves and hosts a surf competition each September. It’s a picture-perfect beach, with 2 km of golden sands and inviting blue waters. The range of bars, coffee shops and restaurants along the promenade will have you spoilt for choice. 

Zarautz Beach has a chill vibe year round but gets particularly lively in the summer months. Its centre is mostly a surfer beach, but the calmer western section provides more than enough space for families and sunbathers. The eastern section attracts those who prefer to sunbathe without clothes.  

As one of the best places in San Sebastián to watch the sunset, Sagues is a wonderful place to gather with friends and family. It’s located at the foot of Monte Ulia, at the end of La Zurriola Beach, and overlooks the gorgeous bay. Perch on the wall and watch surfers shredding waves before the sun goes down. 

Popular with locals and visitors alike, the promenade is full of opportunities to socialise. You’ll know you are in the right spot when you see the awe-inspiring The Dove of Peace sculpture, one of San Sebastián’s most iconic works of art. It provides a unique backdrop for your sunset selfies and photos. 

About 20 minutes west of San Sebastián in the town of Orio, you’ll find the picturesque Antilla Beach, the meeting point for the mountains, river, and sea. As you stand on the shore, you’ll be surrounded by nature. The Oria River empties into the ocean, and the Kukuarri Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the scene. 

The 3.5 km long beach has clear blue waters, perfect for a refreshing dip after sunbathing. This quiet beach also regularly sees fishing and paddle sports, amongst other relaxing pastimes. A thrilling playground provides fun for families and there’s no end of beachside restaurants to refuel after a day in the sun.  

Travel about 30 minutes east of San Sebastián to Praileen Hondartza, a mysterious hidden spot in the town of Hondarribia. This small, secret cove on the tip of the peninsula is sheltered and doesn’t get a ton of sunlight but it does have clear blue waters that are perfect for snorkelling. The area is extremely rocky with little sand, so water shoes are a must.  

Near Praileen Hondartza is the historic Cape Higuer Lighthouse, built in the 1800s to mark the most northeastern point on Spain’s Atlantic Coast. It’s worth a look while you’re soaking up the sun in this little slice of paradise. 

Playa Pequeña, which is Spanish for ‘small beach’, is a compact and cosy beach located on an inlet between Hondarribia and the western side of Hendaye. The shore is a rocky one so it’s not great for sunbathing, but treasure-hunters both young and young at heart will love spending the day scavenging for rocks and seashells. 

The stone wall along the coastline is perfect to sit on with a good book or to watch sailboats glide by. Playa Pequeña might be off the beaten path, but there are restaurants, bars, and hotels nearby with tasty seafood, refreshing drinks and a place to stay waiting for you. Take yourself here for some quiet reflection and escape the crowds.