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San Sebastian

San Sebastian, Spain

San Sebastian, renowned for its stunning beaches and world-class cuisine, offers a blend of Basque tradition and modern vibrancy. Its scenic landscapes and cultural richness make it a must-visit destination for travelers.

Location Overview

Timezone

Europe/Madrid

Local Time

03:49 PM

Population

187,000

Best Time to Visit

Temperature:

64-79°F (18-26°C) - Warm and humid; occasional thunderstorms.

Best Time

May-Sep

Connectivity

Power

230V

Port

Type C, Type F

Internet

Great

Airport Info

BIO

Bilbao Airport

Distance

Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car, 100 km via AP-8.

Description

Bilbao Airport is a major hub in the Basque Country offering modern facilities, dining, and shopping outlets. It is accessible via the AP-8 highway.

San Sebastian, or Donostia in Basque, captivates visitors with its sweeping beaches like La Concha, acclaimed culinary scene typified by Michelin-starred restaurants, and vibrant cultural events, including the renowned Jazz Festival. The charming Old Town brims with pintxos bars, showcasing local flavors. Take in panoramic views from Monte Igueldo, or explore the Basque culture at San Telmo Museum. The city's lively atmosphere, coupled with a rich history and beautiful coastal scenery, offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking cultural enrichment and natural beauty.

San Sebastian Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating

Very Safe

Exercise standard precautions.

Local Laws

Travelers should be aware of local laws regarding alcohol consumption and noise levels, especially in residential areas.

Crime Rates

San Sebastian is considered a very safe city with low crime rates. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in tourist areas.

Health Risks

San Sebastian has a good healthcare system with several hospitals and clinics. There are no significant health risks specific to the area.

Natural Disasters

San Sebastian is not prone to natural disasters. However, occasional heavy rains can lead to minor flooding in low-lying areas.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement is visible and effective in San Sebastian. The local police are approachable and responsive to incidents.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in San Sebastian is generally safe and reliable. Buses and trains are well-maintained and monitored.

Solo Travelers

San Sebastian is a welcoming city for solo travelers, with a friendly local population and a vibrant cultural scene.

Recent Developments

There have been no significant recent developments impacting safety in San Sebastian.

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San Sebastian Monthly Weather Overview

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Best season to visit

Current Conditions ():

Best Time to Visit San Sebastian

Summary: The best time to visit San Sebastian is from May to September, where the temperatures range from 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F). These months offer pleasant weather and host numerous cultural and gastronomic events.

❄️

January

Temperatures range from 43°F to 55°F (6°C to 13°C). It’s relatively quiet and great for experiencing the Tamborrada Festival.

💘

February

With temperatures between 45°F to 57°F (7°C to 14°C), it's the start of the city’s gastronomic calendar.

🌱

March

Temperatures rise to 48°F to 61°F (9°C to 16°C), marking the beginning of spring blooms.

🌸

April

With mild temperatures between 50°F to 64°F (10°C to 18°C), it’s a pleasant time to explore the Old Town and beachfront.

🌷

May

Best

Averages 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C). It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and fewer crowds.

☀️

June

Best

With temperatures moving from 61°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C), it’s ideal for beach outings and festivals.

🏖️

July

Best

Experiences warm weather at 64°F to 81°F (18°C to 27°C), perfect for the Jazz Festival.

🌞

August

Best

Sunny days ranging from 64°F to 81°F (18°C to 27°C) make it perfect for swimming and festivals.

🍂

September

Best

Averages 61°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C), featuring the San Sebastian Film Festival.

🍁

October

With temperatures between 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C), the fall scenery is stunning.

☔

November

Temperatures range from 50°F to 63°F (10°C to 17°C), good for museum visits.

🎄

December

Cooler, with temperatures between 45°F to 57°F (7°C to 14°C); enjoy the festive lights.

Seasonal Events in San Sebastian

January 20

San Sebastian Day

Celebration marked by the Tamborrada, featuring vibrant parades with drummers and locals in traditional dress.

San Sebastian Tourism

September

San Sebastian International Film Festival

A prestigious film festival attracting filmmakers and stars worldwide.

San Sebastian International Film Festival

August

Semana Grande

A week-long summer festival featuring fireworks, music, and cultural performances.

San Sebastian Tourism

July

Jazzaldia

The city's Jazz Festival, hosting renowned jazz artists across various venues.

Jazzaldia

Popular Foods in San Sebastian

Pintxos

Small, elaborate snacks typically served in bars, showcasing a variety of local ingredients.

Txuleta

A Basque-style bone-in ribeye steak, known for its quality and flavor.

Cod Pil Pil

A traditional dish made with cod, olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers in an emulsified sauce.

Gilda

A popular snack consisting of green peppers, olives, and anchovies.

Basque Cheesecake

A creamy cheesecake with a signature burnt top, offering a caramelized flavor.

Closest Airports to San Sebastian

Regional Airport

San Sebastián Airport (EAS)

San Sebastián Airport is a small regional airport with basic facilities. Located near the French border, it serves mainly domestic flights.

Approximately 20 minutes by car, 20 km via N-1 and GI-636.

Limited public transport options, consider taxi or car hire. Ensure to check flight schedules as service variability occurs.

EAS Website

International Airport

Bilbao Airport (BIO)

Bilbao Airport is a major hub in the Basque Country offering modern facilities, dining, and shopping outlets. It is accessible via the AP-8 highway.

Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car, 100 km via AP-8.

Consider using the Bizkaibus service for an economical ride. The airport offers free Wi-Fi and a variety of dining options.

BIO Website

Popular Trip Types

Gastronomy Tour

San Sebastian is renowned for its culinary scene, boasting a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants and pintxos (small tapas) bars. The city offers a delightful experience for food enthusiasts keen to explore Basque cuisine, with options for guided food tours, cooking classes, and visits to local markets.

Beach Getaway

Nestled along the stunning coastline of the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian is home to beautiful beaches like La Concha and Zurriola. These beaches provide excellent opportunities for sunbathing, surfing, and picturesque seaside strolls, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing beach vacation.

Cultural Exploration

San Sebastian is rich in Basque culture and heritage, featuring attractions such as the San Telmo Museum, the Kursaal Congress Centre, and the International Film Festival. Travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture through art exhibitions, music events, and historic architecture.

Couples Retreat

With its breathtaking landscapes, cozy old town, and inviting beaches, San Sebastian is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The city's luxury hotels and romantic dining options along with serene coastal views provide an intimate setting for rekindling love.

Outdoor Adventure

San Sebastian is surrounded by natural beauty with mountains and coastlines offering numerous outdoor activities. Hikers and bikers can explore routes in the nearby hills and nature parks, while water sports enthusiasts have access to surfing and kayaking, making it a great destination for adventurers.

Custom Language

Kaixo

Hello

Common greeting in Basque.

Eskerrik Asko

Thank you

Used to express gratitude.

Agur

Goodbye

Everyday farewell expression.

On egin

Enjoy (meal)

Said before eating, akin to Bon Appétit.

Barkatu

Excuse me

Used for apologies or getting attention.

Popular Sports & Teams in San Sebastian

Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad is a professional football club based in San Sebastian. They compete in La Liga, the top tier of Spanish football, and have a passionate local following.

Real Sociedad Official Website

Bera Bera Rugby

Bera Bera is a prominent rugby club in San Sebastian, known for its competitive performance in the Spanish rugby league.

Bera Bera Rugby Official Website

IDK Euskotren

IDK Euskotren is a women's basketball team playing in the top division of Spanish women's basketball, Liga Femenina.

IDK Euskotren Official Website

Atlético San Sebastián

Atlético San Sebastián is a multi-sport club with a strong track and field athletics team, participating in national and international competitions.

Atlético San Sebastián Official Website

Club de Tenis San Sebastián

A renowned tennis club in San Sebastian, offering excellent facilities and organizing various local and regional tennis tournaments.

Club de Tenis San Sebastián Official Website

Unique customs/traditions

Tamborrada

A traditional drum parade held on San Sebastian Day, reflecting the city's cultural pride.

Aste Nagusia

An annual week-long festival in August with fireworks, food stalls, and cultural performances.

Santo Tomas Fair

Celebrated in December, featuring rural produce, livestock, and traditional Basque music.

Cider House Season

A unique local tradition where visitors enjoy traditional cider along with special menus.

Kukuxumusu

Cultural humor and design festival reflecting the unique and playful Basque spirit.

Recommended Activities by Group Type

Parte Vieja

Visit to the Old Town

Cultural Walk (Half-day)

Strolling through the vibrant streets of Old Town offers families a glimpse of local culture with its eateries and shops.

Monte Igueldo

Hiking in Monte Igueldo

Outdoor (Half-day)

Families can hike to the top for panoramic views of the city while enjoying nature-friendly activities.

San Telmo Museoa

Museum (1-2 hours)

This museum offers exhibits that explain Basque history and culture, making it educational and engaging for families.

Hondarribia Cider House

Cider House Experience

Dining (Half-day)

Families can enjoy traditional Basque cider and local cuisine while learning about cider making.

La Concha Bay

Kayaking

Outdoor (2-3 hours)

Kayaking in the calm waters of the bay is a great family activity that allows exploration and adventure.

Ticket to travel

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