A Week-Long Family-Friendly Itinerary to San Sebastian

  • Day 1: La Concha Beach
    Central San Sebastian

    Start your trip to San Sebastian by taking a stroll along La Concha Beach. This crescent-shaped beach is one of the most beautiful in Europe and has calm waters that are ideal for a family day out. Take a dip in the sea and relax on the golden sand as you soak up the spectacular views.

  • Day 2: Monte Urgull
    10 minutes (2 miles) from La Concha Beach

    Take a hike up Monte Urgull to explore the fascinating history of San Sebastian. Located at the heart of the city, the hill is home to an ancient castle and a museum that tells the story of the city's fortifications. The views from the top are breathtaking.

  • Day 3: San Telmo Museum
    15 minutes (3 miles) from Monte Urgull

    This family-friendly museum is packed with interactive exhibits that showcase the art and culture of the Basque Country. The kids will enjoy learning about local customs, festivals, and musical traditions, while parents will appreciate the contemporary art installations and historical relics.

  • Day 4: Aquarium
    5 minutes (1 mile) from San Telmo Museum

    Explore the marine life of the Bay of Biscay at the San Sebastian Aquarium. The kids will love seeing the sharks, rays, and penguins up close, while parents can learn about the ecology of the local sea life. Be sure to catch the daily feeding shows.

  • Day 5: Tapas Tour
    10 minutes (2 miles) from the Aquarium

    No trip to San Sebastian is complete without sampling the local tapas, known as pintxos. Take a guided tour of the Old Town to discover the best bars and restaurants. Try the local specialties, such as grilled octopus, bacalao, and cider, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of San Sebastian's nightlife.

  • Day 6: Zurriola Beach
    15 minutes (2 miles) from Old Town

    Enjoy one of the best surfing spots in San Sebastian at Zurriola Beach. Taking a surf lesson is a great way to spend the day as a family, and the beach has plenty of cafes and shops to keep you entertained. If surfing isn't your thing, grab a volleyball or just relax on the sand.

  • Day 7: Chillida-Leku Museum
    20 minutes (3 miles) from Zurriola Beach

    Finish your trip with a visit to this incredible sculpture park, featuring works by the Basque artist Eduardo Chillida. Wander through the gardens and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, as you discover the artist's monumental sculptures and installations.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • La Concha Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Monte Urgull (2 hours, free)
  • San Telmo Museum (2 hours, adults €6, children under 12 free)
  • Aquarium (2 hours, adults €11, children under 12 €7)
  • Tapas Tour (3 hours, adults €60, children under 12 €30)
  • Zurriola Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Chillida-Leku Museum (2 hours, adults €12, children under 12 free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: €89 per adult, €37 per child

Transportation

San Sebastian is a compact city that is easy to navigate on foot, and most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. Taxis are available if you need them and are reasonably priced. There are also local bus services that run throughout the city, but they can be crowded during peak hours. Expect to pay around €2 per ticket.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby town of Hondarribia, which has a medieval Old Town and a beautiful harbor. If you have less time, consider skipping the Chillida-Leku Museum and spending more time enjoying the beaches of San Sebastian.

Airports

San Sebastian Airport (EAS) is located approximately 12 miles from the city center. There are regular flights to major European cities, such as London, Paris, and Madrid, as well as domestic flights to Barcelona and Bilbao. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to the city center, which takes around 30 minutes.

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