Beaches · San Sebastián · Spain
The best beaches in and near San Sebastián
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Tabakalera, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is La Concha (In the city centre). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in July–September.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 5
- Swimming season
- July–September
- Warmest sea
- 22°C (72°F)
The beaches
In the city centre · Families, swimming and sunset walks
1.La Concha
The sheltered city beach in front of Centro and the Parte Vieja, with calm water, a famous promenade and floating swim platforms in summer.
About 2 km from the old town · Families with young children
2.Ondarreta
The western continuation of La Concha below the Miramar Palace and Monte Igueldo, calmer and more family-oriented, with tennis club and beach games.
10 minutes' walk from the old town · Surfing and beginners' lessons
3.Zurriola
Gros's open Atlantic beach with consistent surf, surf schools and a younger crowd; stronger currents than the bay.
About 30–40 minutes by bus · Surfing and long beach walks
4.Zarautz
A long, sandy surf beach backed by dunes and a promenade, about 25 km west along the coast.
About 35–45 minutes by bus · Calm swimming and families
5.Hondarribia
A wide, sheltered beach at the mouth of the Bidasoa facing Hendaye, close to the old walled town.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C (55°F) | 12°C (54°F) |
| February | 12°C (54°F) | 12°C (54°F) |
| March | 12°C (54°F) | 15°C (59°F) |
| April | 13°C (55°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| June | 18°C (64°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| July | 21°C (70°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
| August | 22°C (72°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| September | 21°C (70°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| October | 18°C (64°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| November | 16°C (61°F) | 15°C (59°F) |
| December | 14°C (57°F) | 13°C (55°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for families, quiet stays, couples and beach
Antiguo and Ondarreta
At the western end of the bay, Antiguo sits behind Ondarreta beach, the Miramar Palace gardens and the lower station of the Monte Igueldo funicular. It is calmer and more residential than the centre, with family-friendly beach days and a flat seafront walk to Chillida's Peine del Viento sculptures at the end of the bay.
- Good
- Calm, family-oriented beach; Near Igueldo and the Peine del Viento; Quiet at night
- Watch out
- About 30 minutes' walk to the Parte Vieja; Fewer bars and restaurants
- Nearby
- Ondarreta beach, Miramar Palace, Peine del Viento, Monte Igueldo funicular
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — Dbus runs frequent red-and-white city buses, including to Monte Igueldo, Miramón and Amara; Lurraldebus coaches serve the rest of Gipuzkoa, including Hondarribia, Getaria and the airport.
- Train — Euskotren suburban trains run east to Pasaia, Irun and Hendaye on the French border and west towards Bilbao; Renfe trains use the main Donostia station in Egia.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in July–August. The busiest of those is July, so book early.
Beach safety
San Sebastián is generally low-risk for visitors, but pickpockets and bag thieves work the crowded Parte Vieja bars and the beaches in summer. At Zurriola and other open beaches, rip currents can be strong; swim between the flags and respect red flags. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does San Sebastián have beaches?
Yes: La Concha, Ondarreta, Zurriola, Zarautz and Hondarribia.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in San Sebastián?
Usually July–September, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near San Sebastián?
La Concha: The sheltered city beach in front of Centro and the Parte Vieja, with calm water, a famous promenade and floating swim platforms in summer.