10 Best Things to do in San Sebastian: Surfing, Pintxos & More
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Last Updated: June 2026
San Sebastián is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Spain, known for its beaches, food scene, and relaxed Basque charm. If you’re looking for the best things to do in San Sebastián, this guide covers my top experiences from surfing and beach days to viewpoints, Old Town wandering, and unforgettable pintxos. If you want the full travel guide with the logistics like how to get here, when the best time to visit is, and what restaurants had the best meals, check out my ultimate San Sebastian travel guide.
1. Hike Monte Ulia to Pasaia
Monte Ulia is an iconic hike for sunset, so if you don’t feel like hiking all along the coast, you can also get a great view by doing the shorter Monte Ulia hike. See both variations below. If you have the time, the coastal hike to Pasaia was a very enjoyable and peaceful experience for me and I found it to be one of the best things to do in San Sebastian.
Monte Ulia Hike
Time: 1-2 hours return
Length: ~ 5km
Monte Ulia has a beautiful view over the city and is not a very hard hike for the reward. This west facing view will probably be the least busy of the three peaks in town (Urgull, Ulia & Igueldo). If you’re feeling up for it, you can hike along the coast to the nearby town of Pasaia (see #3), or continue on the trail as long as you want before turning back.
Monte Ulia & Coastal Hike to Pasaia
Time: 2-4 hours one way
Length: ~8-10km
I did this coastal hike my first time in San Sebastián by myself, and I loved getting out in nature and walking along the coast. The views are incredible and dramatic with the cliffside waves. The trail is easy to follow and ebbs in and out of shaded trees so that you don’t get too hot. I saw enough people on the trail to feel safe, but it was pretty quiet and I got to have most of it to myself. It was not too strenuous either.
Logistics:
From Gros/Zurriola area, you are going to head towards Monte Ulia. You can plug this into your Google Maps easily to start you off. Once you’ve made it to this viewpoint, you just continue on the trail. Along the way, it will split but always choose the route that is closest to the ocean to stay on the cliffside trail. If you feel yourself getting pulled too far into the forest/away from the coast, don’t panic as there probably will be another split where you can return to our trail. Look for white-and-red painted stripes (GR-121 / coastal route markers) on rocks, trees, or posts to ensure you are on the right path!
Once you have reached Pasaia you will start to descend and end up at sea level beside the water hugging a pathed path into town with the inlet to your left separating you and the houses across the bank. To get back to San Sebastián, search “Pasai San Pedro” on your phone to get to the bus stop. If you want to extend your hike and explore the town, take a one minute ferry (€2 at ItxasZerbi) across the inlet and grab a bite in the old town before taking the bus back from “Pasai Donibane“. All of these locations are pinned on my free downloadable map below!
2. Eat pintxos or do a food tour
San Sebastián is famous for pintxos, small bites served in bars all over the Old Town. The best way to experience them is to go bar hopping, trying a couple of dishes and drinks at each stop. Each bar has its own specialties so every place feels different. It can be a bit crowded and overwhelming at first when you can’t find a table or get to the bar to order, but that is part of the experience! If this sounds a bit stressful for you or if you are travelling solo, I strongly suggest a food tour! We started with this one our first night in town and it was an absolute blast where we drank into the night with the others on the tour long after it ended. My first time in SS I was alone, and I didn’t even get to experience the pintxo culture because I was too shy to go do all the bar hopping by myself (it is a social thing) so just book the food tour and you’re guaranteed friends!
3. Go Surfing at La Zurriola Beach
San Sebastián is one of the best surf spots in northern Spain, and La Zurriola Beach is where it all happens. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already comfortable on a board, this is the place to get in the water. The waves here are consistent year-round, which is why you’ll see surf schools lined up along the promenade offering lessons and board rentals for all levels. Free Surf is a great little surf shop. Even if you’re not surfing, it’s worth coming down just to watch the energy in the water, especially at sunset when the light hits the bay and the whole beach comes alive. It’s a huge part of local life in SS and easily one of the most fun ways to experience the city beyond the old town and food scene.
4. Take a ferry to Santa Clara Island
A short ferry ride from the city takes you out to Santa Clara Island, a small green escape right in the middle of the bay. It’s the perfect place to slow down for a couple of hours, with rocky swim spots, calm waters, and panoramic views back toward San Sebastián. There’s a little walking path that leads up to a viewpoint, plus a casual spot to grab a drink if you want to linger. It feels like a mini adventure without ever leaving the city, especially on a warm day when the bay is full of boats and swimmers. Ferries run regularly from the main port, usually every 30 minutes, and you can choose a scenic coastal route (blue line) or a direct crossing (red line) depending on the line you take. You can get your ticket at the ferry, or if you want to just enjoy and not worry about logistics I would book this tour here.
5. Ride the funicular to Monte Igueldo
One of the most iconic things to do in San Sebastián is taking the funicular up Monte Igueldo. It’s a short but charming ride that feels like stepping back in time, and the views only get better the higher you go.
At the top, you’re rewarded with beautiful views of the bay and the city below. There’s also a small amusement park that would be great for your kids and teens.
It cost about five euros for an adult return trip to the top and back, and was worth it for the experience and the views. We took a public bus to the base of Monte Igueldo, and it seems like there are multiple routes that take you there.
6. Lounge at the beach
Sometimes the best thing to do in San Sebastián is nothing at all. La Concha Beach is perfect for just slowing down, whether that’s sunbathing on the soft sand, reading by the water, or taking an easy swim in the calm bay. The setting is what makes it special, with the curved shoreline, elegant promenade, and mountains framing the city in the background. Grab a spot early in the day, bring snacks or a drink, and just settle in for a few hours of pure beach time right in the middle of the city.
7. Hike Monte Urgull
Monte Urgull
Time: 30-60 mins return
Length: ~ 3 km
Monte Urgull is the forested hill located smack dab in the middle of the two main beaches in town. It will only take you about 30-60 minutes to get to the top, where you can see a beautiful sunset and get views to the east and the west. The path loops around the hill, so you’re always rewarded with new views as you go!
8. Eat Basque Cheesecake
This gets a point all on it’s own!! We went back to La Vina for cheesecake three different times and I still haven’t been able to find Basque cheesecake anywhere else in the world as delicious as it was here. Go as much as you can while you’re there for me :’).
9. Explore the old town (Parte Vieja)
San Sebastián’s Old Town, or Parte Vieja, is full of narrow streets, buzzing pintxos bars, and constant energy. It’s the best place to wander without a plan, hopping between plazas, local shops, and busy food spots as you go. One of the standout landmarks is the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus, known for its beautiful facade and tall clock tower tucked right into the heart of the streets. Every corner feels alive, especially in the evening when the bars fill up and the streets spill over with people. This is where you’ll find most of the city’s pintxos spots, so it naturally turns into a food crawl without even trying.
10. Walk the La Concha promenade to Ondarreta
One of the nicest things to do in San Sebastián is walking the promenade that connects La Concha Beach to Ondarreta Beach. It’s an easy coastal stroll with constant views over the bay, elegant railings, and the city’s classic architecture behind you. Along the way you’ll often find buskers adding music to the atmosphere, plus plenty of benches where you can stop, rest, and people watch as locals and visitors pass by. As you move west, the vibe gets a bit quieter and more local, making it a perfect slow walk at any time of day.
Interactive San Sebastian Map
Save this interactive San Sebastian map to your Google Maps
