7 Best Views in San Sebastian to See the Beauty of the Basque Country
Donostia-San Sebastian is an amazing destination in Spain. Blessed to be found on the northern shores of the Bay of Biscay, surrounded by rolling mountains, San Sebastian is one of the Basque region’s most beautiful coastal cities.
Some of the best views in San Sebastian are found steps away from the Old Town. Stroll on the long promenade that lines the city to walk on sandy beaches encompassed by green hillsides. The scenic bay has one small rocky island, Santa Clara Island that can be visited during the summer months.
Those who love mountains will not be disappointed either. San Sebastian has three urban mountains, that provide hiking trails, observation decks, and landmarks to see. Monte Urgull, Monte Igueldo, and Monte Ulia also are home to some of the best views in San Sebastian.
Almost all of these viewpoints mentioned in this San Sebastian guide are free to visit. Only one will have a small entrance fee.
From the sea to the mountains, make sure to savor at least one sunset in San Sebastian.
Here are some of my favorite viewpoints in San Sebastian.
Table of Contents
- La Concha Beach
- Monte Urgull (Mount Urgull)
- Fishing Port of San Sebastian
- Miramar Palace
- Monte Igueldo (Mount Igueldo)
- Zurriola Beach
- Monte Ulia (Mount Ulia)
- More Incredible Places and Views Near San Sebastian
- Conclusion | Best Views in San Sebastian
1 | La Concha Beach
Shaped like a seashell, La Concha Beach continues to top the list of Europe’s best beaches. The beach is home to a large sandy beach. La Concha is an ideal place to swim since it’s located in a protected bay.
While the beach is fantastic, the promenade that runs parallel to the beach is a delight to stroll. The promenade connects the Alderdi Eder Park to the Miramar Palace. One of my favorite features are the large white ornamental light posts that line the walkway.
Along the scenic promenade find a Ferris Wheel, benches, and fountains. This is a great place to people watch or gaze off into the distant sea.
In the morning head to the privileged cafe, Café de La Concha for a coffee or tea with a view. They also offer a great breakfast menu.
Swim in the sea or feel the sand between your toes strolling the beach.
With its prime central location, La Concha Beach and the promenade is one of the best places in San Sebastian to watch the sunset.
2 | Monte Urgull (Mount Urgull)
Monte Urgull is the San Sebastian mountain located only steps away from the Old Town of Donostia-San Sebastian. The iconic white statue of Jesus, Sagrado Corazón, sits at the top of the hillside and stands almost 40 feet tall.
Monte Urgull can be accessed from the city from multiple locations and is free to visit. The pathways twist up the hillside and lead to numerous attractions and viewpoints of San Sebastian.
Urgull Mountain historically was a fortress that dates back to the 12th century. Evidence of the fortress can be seen at the Baluarte del Mirador and the Batería de Santiago.
For me, one of the best views of San Sebastian comes from the Batería de Santiago with epic views of the Bay of La Concha, Santa Clara Island, and Monte Igueldo.
On a clear day, it doesn’t get any better than this!
Don’t miss the views at the top of Castilo de la Mota. The Mota Castle offers a chance to get up close to the old canyons from its fortress days. There is also a chapel and the House of History Museum.
Monte Urgull has plenty of things to see and do, including an old English Cemetery, La Bateria de la Damas viewpoint, and a secret bar that showcases stellar views.
Monte Urgull is a must-visit spot to see when visiting San Sebastian.
3 | Fishing Port of San Sebastian
A quick walk from the city gate of San Sebastian’s Old Town (Parte Vieja), the fishing port also is a worthwhile place to see.
For one of the best views of the San Sebastian harbor, stroll to the top of the old gate.
The Basque Country has always been well connected to the sea, attributing San Sebastian as one of the best food destinations in Spain.
The area around the fishing port is lined with benches and is a popular place for families and locals to gather to socialize. If you like, walk alongside the port to the Aquarium. There is an observation area to the left of the Aquarium that follows along a jetty.
4 | Miramar Palace
The city of San Sebastian is charming in its own right and was heavily influenced by the Royal Spanish Family. One of the best places to see their influence is the Miramar Palace. This was the summer residence for Queen María Cristina from 1887 until she died in 1929.
Miramar Palace is blessed with incredible views of San Sebastian’s Bay of La Concha. This iconic building is sandwiched between Ondarreta Beach and La Concha Beach.
While the palace is not open to the public, the grounds and gardens are spectacular and are worth a stroll.
One of the best views in San Sebastian comes from the green hillside garden facing the sea.
5 | Monte Igueldo (Mount Igueldo)
If following the San Sebastian promenade along La Concha Beach past the Miramar Palace you’ll find yourself at the Ondarreta Beach. Take a wander into the lovely Antiguo quarter or head up the hillside of Monte Igueldo.
This stellar San Sebastian mountain is found on the west side of the Bay of La Concha and is home to a legendary amusement park. Either hike up the mountain or ride the funicular railway up the hillside. This cable car is the oldest in the Basque Country that is still in operation.
Monte Igueldo Funicular | Hours: Vary by Season, but typically 10:00 – 20:00, but later during the summer season | Cable Car runs every 15 minutes | Find it here: Funikular Plaza | Round-Trip Fare: €4.50 | Official Website and Tickets Online
For one of the best views of San Sebastian, head to the Monte Igueldo lookout. This viewpoint is included with the entrance ticket for the funicular ride. Inside the amusement park, find the Karrusel Gastro-Bar, the hotel Mercure Monte Igueldo, and 20 other attractions and rides.
Undoubtedly, the old lighthouse tower offers one of the best panoramic views of San Sebastian. The tower is a significant landmark as well because during its prime it was powered by firewood. Another unique way to soak in the views of Monte Igueldo is by riding Montaña Suiza, a rollercoaster that has been in operation since 1928.
Monte Igueldo is the only San Sebastian viewpoint in this guide with an entrance fee. Even if you opt to hike up the mountainside, there is a €2.50 fee to access the lookout.
6 | Zurriola Beach
Located in the hip Gros neighborhood, Zurriola Beach is another great place to relax and enjoy a different view of San Sebastian. This beach is more exposed so it’s an excellent place to watch surfers, especially during the winter months.
Zurriola Beach is found at the foothills of the Monte Ulia and has a completely different vibe than La Concha Beach.
The Zurriola Beach is also a fantastic place to watch the sunset in San Sebastian.
7 | Monte Ulia
Found to the east of San Sebastian’s Old Town is Monte Ulia. This sprawling mountain with a privileged natural area offers numerous hiking trails, viewpoints, and historical attractions.
With day hikes, multi-day treks, and pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago, Monte Ulia is the perfect San Sebastian mountain for hikers.
Monte Ulia is free to visit and explore. There are various viewpoints, from the stunning view of the city of San Sebastian to the jagged coastal views of the Bay of Biscay. The observation deck of Peña del Rey is a must. Don’t miss the old mill tower or the historical whaling watch tower.
At the top of Monte Ulia find the free Ulia Interpretation Center and the dining option of Merendero de Ulía. This mountain and natural space is accessible and all hours of the do, so find the sleeping option of the Ulia Youth Hostel.
More Incredible Places & Views Near San Sebastian
With a few days in San Sebastian, it is easy to appreciate all these amazing viewpoints and mountains in the city. If exploring the Basque Country more in-depth, add a few days to take nearby day trips from San Sebastian.
These are great villages and places near Donostia-San Sebastian that offer incredible views.
- Head to the village of Astigarraga to sip on Basque cider and see the orchards dotting the hillsides. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Bay of Biscay.
- Getaria is a seaside village famous for its fresh seafood restaurants that boast outdoor grills. After a hearty meal, head to Aldamar Park, a peninsula with views of the village, a lighthouse, and awesome views of the sea.
- Head east to the small village of Zumaia and walk the scenic Flysch Route to Deba. Both villages have incredible beaches, but the real treasure here is the unique rock formations and coastal views of this spectacular hiking trail.
- Bilbao is another popular city to visit in the Basque Country and is reachable within an hour and a half from San Sebastian. Take in views of the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, be in awe of the UNESCO Vizcaya Bridge in Getxo, or head to the Bilbao Funicular for sweeping city views at the top of Artxanda Mountain.
Conclusion | Best Views in San Sebastian
In short, this is a quick guide to some of the best views in San Sebastian. From the quaint fishing near the old city gate to sandy beaches and green hillsides, these are all of my favorite places to savor the beauty of this incredible Basque city.
Almost all of these viewpoints in San Sebastian are free to visit. In addition, I’ve included some worthwhile places near San Sebastian that also offer stellar views and the grandness that is the Spanish Basque Country.
Have you been to any of these viewpoints in San Sebastian? Which one was your favorite? Do you have a favorite place to watch the sunset in San Sebastian? Let me know in the comments below!
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