Aerial view of San Sebastian set on the beautiful azure bay.

Luxury San Sebastian Tours made for you

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Enjoy the best of San Sebastian with a journey designed just for you

The shimmering Basque coast

Madrid, Barcelona and Seville may be more famous, but the sophisticated and shimmering city of San Sebastian in the north of the country has quickly become the Spanish city of choice for those in the know, especially travellers guided by their taste buds.

This Basque seaside town sits at the mouth of the River Urumea, looking out onto the Bay of Biscay, with the natural beauty of Mount Urgull, Mount Ulia, Mount Adarra and Mount Igeldo at its back. Its covetable position has given rise to a lively beachfront that includes Playa de la Concha, renowned as one of the best beaches in Europe, and Playa de la Zurriola, a champion surfing destination. But it’s the city’s fabled elegant architecture, spacious plazas and plentiful green parks that have led to its moniker as the ‘Pearl of Northern Spain’.

San Sebastian, or Donostia as it’s known in Euskara, is where you’ll experience the unique and rich Basque culture, deliciously expressed in its cuisine. While you’re here, begin your feast with a large helping of pintxos, heavenly morsels of various dishes ranging from Spanish omelette to scampi, ham, chillies and risotto squares, traditionally, but not always, served resting on a slice of baguette. Next, you have the enviable task of deciding whether to go for a dish of the freshest seafood, Basque-style fore rib of beef or ‘Alubias de Tolosa’, a savoury, comforting bean broth.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our destination specialists

Take a surf lesson

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Surf on Playa de la Zurriola

Bar hop in the Old Town

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Eat your share of pintxos

Laze on Playa de la Concha

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Lounge on Playa de la Concha – renowned as one of the best beaches in Europe

Delve deeper into Basque culture

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Visit the San Telmo Museoa of Basque culture and society

Take the funicular up Monte Igueldo

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Get an aerial view of the city from the summit of Monte Igueldo

Explore the city's history on Mount Urgull

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See the 18th century cannons and fortifications on Mount Urgull

A word from one of our experts

San Sebastian offers a captivating blend of golden beaches and world-renowned culinary delights, making it a paradise for both sun-seekers and food enthusiasts. Its picturesque old town, vibrant festivals, and breathtaking coastal views provide an unforgettable experience.

Meg Simpson headshot
Meg Simpson

Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in San Sebastian

There are many incredible places to stay in San Sebastian. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Why book with Jacada?

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Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our San Sebastian example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

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Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your San Sebastian tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Where to go

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Andalusia

Andalusia possesses the most-varied terrain in all of Spain and boasts both a Mediterranean and an Atlantic coastline.

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Barcelona

Barcelona caters to every type of traveller, from honeymooners and beach lovers to art aficionados, foodies and culture hunters.

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Bilbao

Sophisticated, cosmopolitan, and vibrant, Bilbao is the modern face of the Basques.

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Catalonia and the Costa Brava

Along Catalonia’s rugged coast, the Costa Brava, secluded beaches are punctuated by fishing towns.

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Duero Valley Wine Region

With more than 300 wineries, there’s no chance of going thirsty. Each and every winemaker is immensely proud of their product and have their own secrets.

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Granada

Granada is as famous for its beautiful gardens and charming narrow streets as for its tavern-style nightlife and Flamenco-skilled gypsy artists.

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La Rioja Wine Region

Tucked away between the Basque Country, Navarre and Castilla y Leon, northern La Rioja may be small, but it’s full of spirit.

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Madrid

The Spanish capital is bursting with life and passion and through its well planned streets course Madrilenos, the city’s inhabitants.

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Malaga and the Costa del Sol

Malaga is best known for the Costa del Sol, a stretch of sandy coastline punctuated by Marbella and Puerto Banus Marina, as well as sleepier fishing villages.

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Mallorca

Beloved by Chopin, George Sand, Joan Miro, and other such luminaries, the largest of the Balearic Islands is nothing short of inspiring.

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Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is one of the country’s most culturally and historically significant cities.

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Seville

Seville has resurrected itself as the capital and largest city of Andalusia, full of Spanish grandeur.

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Meet your Europe team

When to visit

San Sebastian is a year-round destination, but for your best chance of catching some sun, it’s best to go in the summer months (May to August).

Go hiking

June and September

Wine tasting

June

Calcot season

November–April

When Is the Best Time to Visit Spain?

When Is the Best Time to Visit Spain?

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Plan your trip to San Sebastian

Whatever you want from your adventure in San Sebastian, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Start Planning

Don't take our word for it

Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.