Our Environment
Donostia
San Sebastián
San Sebastián is the capital of Basque luxury par excellence. Once a retreat for the upper bourgeoisie and aristocracy, it has managed to sustain and nurture its status over the centuries, elevating it to another level: a perfect balance between culture, the art of living, and hospitality. Past, present, and future come together here, making our city a unique place.
Classic of the
Donostiarra Capital
There are places no visitor should miss. Perhaps not all are listed, but every one of them is a must-see:
La Concha, one of the most famous and recognizable beaches in Spain, fascinating at any time of the year.
Monte Urgull, located at one end of La Concha Bay, offering one of the most spectacular views in all of San Sebastián. It is home to Castillo de La Mota and its museum, the old cannon batteries that once defended the city, and the well-known Cementerio de los Ingleses.
El Peine del Viento, a sculptural ensemble by Eduardo Chillida, even more striking when the sea is rough.
Plaza de la Constitución, a neoclassical square and a gathering place for the city’s culinary scene. Fun fact: the balconies are numbered because they once served as viewing boxes during bullfighting festivals held there.
There are places no visitor should miss. Perhaps not all are listed, but every one of them is a must-see:
La Concha, one of the most famous and recognizable beaches in Spain, fascinating at any time of the year.
Monte Urgull, located at one end of La Concha Bay, offering one of the most spectacular views in all of San Sebastián. It is home to Castillo de La Mota and its museum, the old cannon batteries that once defended the city, and the well-known Cementerio de los Ingleses.
El Peine del Viento, a sculptural ensemble by Eduardo Chillida, even more striking when the sea is rough.
Plaza de la Constitución, a neoclassical square and a gathering place for the city’s culinary scene. Fun fact: the balconies are numbered because they once served as viewing boxes during bullfighting festivals held there.
High-level Gastronomy
San Sebastián’s 18 Michelin stars are just a glimpse of the city’s extraordinary culinary excellence. But beyond these prestigious restaurants, there are hundreds of hidden gems—many proudly tucked away from the eyes of outsiders—that make dining in San Sebastián a sublime experience. Our reception will be delighted to offer recommendations.
One of the most iconic specialties, crafted uniquely in every establishment, is the internationally renowned pintxos, small masterpieces of culinary craftsmanship. Some of the region’s most traditional dishes include baked txangurro (spider crab), hake kokotxas in green sauce, Donostiarra-style line-caught hake, and the increasingly rare Aguinaga elvers.
Two simple tips: eat what’s in season and trust your waiter’s recommendations—you’re unlikely to go wrong.
Gipuzkoa and
Surroundings
Gipuzkoa is a wonderful region waiting to be explored. If you’re traveling by car or have the chance to rent one, don’t just stay in San Sebastián—there’s so much more to see. Here are some recommendations, all less than an hour away.
For Nature Lovers
The Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park, located in the Goierri region, is a hiker’s paradise year-round. This highland area is a mix of green pastures, where Latxa sheep graze, mountains, and small medieval-style villages. One of the most breathtaking spots here is Peñas de Aia.
On the opposite side, in Urola Kosta, you’ll find the Basque Coast Geopark (Geoparkea)—a 13-kilometer stretch of dramatic cliffs featuring Flysch rock formations that reveal more than 60 million years of Earth’s history. This incredible landscape can be explored by land or sea, and the visit pairs perfectly with a stop in the charming town of Zumaia.
Charming Towns
San Sebastián is surrounded by picturesque towns that are well worth a visit. Just 15 minutes away, you’ll find Pasaia, known for its colorful houses along a natural bay. Hondarribia is often considered the most beautiful town in the province, famous not only for its stunning architecture but also for its delicious pintxos. Getaria, just 30 minutes from the city, is renowned for its excellent Txakoli wineries.
Heading north across the border, Biarritz awaits—a former royal holiday destination that still exudes timeless glamour. Lastly, for an immersive dive into Basque art, visit Hernani, home to the Chillida Leku museum—a place where you can wander through enchanting forests and admire the works of the legendary sculptor Eduardo Chillida.
Looking for a private tour or exclusive excursion? Feel free to ask at our reception desk.