San Sebastian Car Hire

Geography

Spain's Basque Autonomous Community is home to the city and municipality of San Sebastián, often known as Donostia-San Sebastián or just San Sebastián. It is located on the shore of the Bay of Biscay, about 20km from the French-Spanish border.

Climate in San Sebastian

In San Sebastián, the climate is oceanic, with warm summers and cold winters. San Sebastián, like many other places with this kind of climate, sees cloudy or overcast weather for most of the year, with occasional rain. Annual precipitation in the city averages 1,650 mm, which is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. However, during the summer months, the city is much dryer and brighter. In January, the average temperature is 8.9°C, while in August, the average temperature is 21.5°C.

Culture

And San Sebastián is regarded as the cultural hub of the Basque Country. Although the city's jazz and "musical fortnight" events strive to connect with the local population, the city's food is the most profoundly steeped in Basque culture.

Things To Do in San Sebastian

Enjoy the Playa de la Concha

The amazing white sands beach, the Playa de la Concha, is one of the most beautiful views to witness in San Sebastián. The well-kept beach with brilliant blue waves spans for more than a kilometre and is located in a safe harbour where guests may enjoy swimming and sunbathing. Aside from fishing expeditions and picturesque boat rides, you may participate in a variety of watersports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. A magnificent coastal promenade with elegant railing and street lighting is also available for a pleasant walk. Queen Maria Cristina designated the Playa de la Concha as a "Royal Beach" in 1868, and San Sebastián grew to prominence as a luxurious summer resort. The contemporary La Perla thalassotherapy complex lies on the beach, while the stately Palacio de Miramar is perched on a slope above the shore.

Take the funicular trip up to Monte Igueldo

Located at the western end of La Concha Beach, the funicular journey at Ondarreta beach up to the summit of Monte Igueldo will enchant you with stunning panoramic views of San Sebastián's coasts and mountains. When you reach the peak at 184 metres, you are welcomed with breathtaking views of Monte Urgull, which is located directly across Monte Igueldo, as well as La Concha Bay and the Bay of Biscay. It is a fantastic alternative to explore with your family since there is an amusement park at the top that includes adorable carousels and a classic wooden roller coaster. Gourmet dining is also available at the Mercure San Sebastián Monte Igueldo, which specialises in Basque cuisine. Later, on the slopes of Mount Igueldo, prepare to be astounded by the Peine del Viento (Windcomb), one of the most renowned sculptures by local Basque artist Eduardo Chillida.

Learn about the Museum of San Telmo

History aficionados would enjoy visiting the Museo de San Telmo, which depicts Basque country's cultural past. The museum structure is a unique example of Gipuzkoa architecture, combining Gothic and Renaissance styles. Arts, history, archaeology, and ethnology are the four disciplines covered in the collection. Over 26,000 historical objects, including paintings by El Greco, Rubens, Moran, and Basque painters such as Ugarte, Zuloaga, and Echague, will captivate you here. Ceramics, coins, and pre-Columbian artefacts are among the items on display in the archaeology department.

Eating Out

San Sebastián has more Michelin-starred restaurants per square metre than Paris. Mugaritz is one of the most popular ones, serving an eclectic menu with Basque and Latin American flavours made from local ingredients. Enjoy meals such as trompe l'oeil olives and beer or a well-grilled pig. The restaurant of Casa Urola is situated upstairs and contains a pintxo bar. The greatest vegetables in town can be found here, as well as Basque delicacies like cod kokotxas and line-caught squid that will make you drool. Arzak makes the list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants, which is not unexpected. Try the tasting menu, which includes some of the restaurant's most popular dishes, such as capa de bogavante, a lobster salad decorated with wildflowers.

Transport

Airport

San Sebastián is serviced by San Sebastián Airport (EAS), which handles domestic flights. Bilbao Airport (BIO) and Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ) are the closest international airports, approximately 117 km and 32 km away by car, respectively.

Getting Around San Sebastian

San Sebastián has an excellent public transportation system that includes the Dbus company's municipal bus service. The San Sebastián Card and the Basque Card may be purchased through tourist bureaus. The city also features 30 kilometres of bike lanes known locally as 'bidegorris,' which are one of the most convenient ways to explore the city on wheels. There are several bike rental establishments accessible, taxis are also available 24 hours a day, and hire cars are also a popular option among tourists.