Photographing San Sebastian
An elegant Belle Epoque beach resort with a celebrated culinary reputation.
Where to shoot
- La Concha Bay — the famous shell-shaped beach and promenade, seen at its best from Monte Igueldo at sunset.
- Parte Vieja — the old town's tight streets lined with pintxos bars, lively in the evening.
- Monte Urgull — a wooded hill topped by a fortress and a statue of Christ, with views over the bay and old town.
- Peine del Viento — Eduardo Chillida's iron sculptures anchored into the rocks at the bay's western end, dramatic in heavy surf.
- La Concha bay — a near-perfect crescent of golden sand and a balustraded promenade, seen best from the Monte Igueldo funicular
- Monte Urgull — a wooded hill above the old town topped by a statue and fortress, with views over the bay
- Parte Vieja — the old town, a warren of narrow streets crowded with pintxos bars
- Peine del Viento — Eduardo Chillida's wind-comb sculptures anchored into the rocks at the western end of the bay, thrilling in rough seas
When to go
July and August are warmest for the beaches and host the famous film and jazz festivals, but visit in June or September for pleasant weather and thinner crowds.
What to eat
Pintxos crawled through the old town, grilled turbot and the burnt Basque cheesecake that originated here.
Where to stay
Stay in the Centro or near the old town for beach access and the densest concentration of pintxos bars.
Ride the historic funicular up Monte Igueldo near sunset for the postcard view of the entire La Concha bay.
Read more in Spain: northern coasts, golden stone cities & Atlantic light and the Basque Country: bays, Bilbao & Rioja vines.
