San Sebastian Travel Guide

La Concha is the postcard of San Sebastián — a crescent of golden sand cradled between Monte Urgull and Monte Igeldo, often called one of Europe's most beautiful urban beaches. Gentle waves suit bathing, while elegant belle-époque buildings and a seafront promenade frame the easy grace of this gastronomic city.

Monte Urgull is the green hill cradling the eastern arm of La Concha, its summit citadel and a giant Sacred Heart statue overlooking the city and bay. Paths wind through military ruins and meadows — a favourite for locals' morning runs and visitors' panoramas, and one of San Sebastián's classic postcard views.

Built in the late 19th century at the foot of Monte Igueldo on the shore of La Concha bay, the Palacio de Miramar is a fine English-style palace once used as a summer residence by the Spanish royal family. Made of red brick and stone with pointed roofs and towers, it faces the bay with open views. Today the main building mostly hosts conferences and cultural events and is generally not open inside, but the surrounding gardens and paths are open to the public, with terraces overlooking La Concha and the coast. Quiet and green, it is a good stroll while visiting Monte Igueldo or the bay.

Monte Igueldo rises on the western side of San Sebastian, guarding the mouth of La Concha bay and offering the classic high viewpoint over the seaside city. The hill is not high, yet a century-old funicular climbs from its foot to the top, opening wide views of the bay and city along the way. At the summit there is a viewpoint, a lighthouse and a small vintage amusement park that families love. From here the graceful curve of La Concha, Santa Clara Island and the skyline are all clearly visible, making it a favourite spot for panoramic photos and a good place to linger at sunset.