Apartments in San Sebastian

Why Rent an Apartment in San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is a vibrant coastal city in northern Spain where golden beaches meet a lively old town filled with culture, cuisine and charm. Visitors staying in an apartment in San Sebastian can stroll along La Concha promenade, relax on the soft sand or explore the historic streets lined with pintxo bars, cafés and boutiques. Hills surrounding the city offer panoramic views and gentle hiking trails revealing the bay and cityscape from above. Museums, theatres and cultural centres showcase Basque art, music and history for those looking to immerse themselves in local traditions, adding depth to any stay.

You could also of course rent apartments in Madrid to enjoy a cosmopolitan city break with iconic landmarks and world-class museums. For a more coastal vibe, booking a holiday letting in Bilbao provides access to the famed Guggenheim museum and vibrant food scene, perfect for combining city exploration with Basque culture.

What Are the Apartments in San Sebastian Like?

Many apartments in San Sebastian offer a charming blend of traditional Basque architecture combined with modern interiors that provide comfort and style. Ranging from historic buildings in the old town to contemporary complexes near the beach, these accommodations suit a variety of tastes and budgets. Some of the affordable apartments in San Sebastian are found close to the city centre, making it easy to walk to attractions such as Parte Vieja and Monte Urgull.

However, for guests seeking a different type of accommodation with more privacy and larger spaces, you might consider villas in San Sebastian, which typically come with gardens and offer tranquil settings while still being close to the city action.

San Sebastian apartments come with a wide range of amenities designed to enhance your stay, including:

• Private parking
• Air conditioning
• Wi-Fi
• Balconies with ocean views
• Fully equipped kitchens
• Modern furnishings

San Sebastian for Food Lovers

Food lovers renting a city centre apartment in San Sebastian can wander through the bustling streets of Parte Vieja, moving from bar to bar to sample world-famous pintxos like grilled octopus, gildas, foie gras with apple compote and txuleta steak. Markets such as Mercado de la Bretxa offer displays of Basque cheeses, freshly caught seafood, seasonal vegetables and local txakoli wine. Along La Concha and Ondarreta, cafés serve pastries like pantxineta and artisan ice creams perfect for seaside strolls. Restaurants in the Gros district showcase creative cuisine, from charcoal-grilled fish at traditional asadores to innovative tasting menus in Michelin-listed spots. Evenings bring lively crowds, clinking glasses and the aroma of sizzling seafood drifting through narrow lanes. Be sure to browse the stunning selection of holiday lettings in Madrid if you are interested in exploring the lively food and tapas scene of Spain's capital.

San Sebastian for Nature Enthusiasts

Nature lovers enjoy following the coastal trail around Monte Urgull, passing lookout points over La Concha Bay and quiet coves near the old fortifications. The path around Monte Igueldo offers sweeping views of the Cantabrian Sea and leads to hidden spots like the cliffs above Ondarreta Beach. Walks through the Miramar Palace gardens reveal terraced lawns, eucalyptus groves and views stretching toward Isla Santa Clara. Those exploring the Añorga or Ulía areas can wander pine forests and follow trails that open up to dramatic cliffs and small beaches such as Cala Murgita. Kayakers setting out from La Zurriola Beach often spot fish and seabirds while paddling toward the rugged coastline of Mount Ulia. San Sebastian invites exploration, connection with nature and peaceful escape from urban life. Choose to rent a private apartment in San Sebastian for easy access to both city bustle and tranquil natural spots.

1. Stroll La Concha Beach
2. Explore the Old Town (Parte Vieja)
3. Climb Monte Urgull
4. Discover Local Markets
5. Walk Coastal Promenades
6. Visit Museums and Cultural Spaces
7. Explore the Old Harbour

1. Stroll La Concha Beach

La Concha Beach curves from the steps of the Náutico building to the rocks beneath the Miramar Palace, offering a long stretch of soft sand perfect for walking or swimming in the sheltered bay. Early mornings bring quiet moments near the La Perla spa, where gentle waves leave patterns in the sand and the island of Santa Clara glows in the first light. As you walk, you'll spot small shells near the Paseo de La Concha, tidal pools forming by the Pico del Loro rocks, and reflections of the ornate promenade railings on wet sand. Continue toward Ondarreta for wider sands and views of Monte Igueldo rising above the bay.

2. Explore the Old Town (Parte Vieja)

San Sebastián's Parte Vieja centres around Plaza de la Constitución, where the numbered balconies once marked seats in the old bullring. From here, Calle 31 de Agosto leads past historic buildings that survived the 1813 fire and into a maze of pintxo bars such as La Cuchara de San Telmo, Borda Berri and Gandarias, known for dishes like beef cheeks, foie a la plancha and slow-cooked pork ribs. Calle Fermin Calbetón is lined with traditional shops selling Basque textiles, Idiazabal cheese and local cider, while Mercado de la Bretxa offers fish stalls piled with hake, cod and fresh prawns.

3. Climb Monte Urgull

Trails on Monte Urgull lead past shaded pine trees to historic fortifications such as Castillo de la Mota and the 12-metre Sagrado Corazón statue at the summit. Follow the path from Paseo Nuevo to reach old cannons, lookout posts and ruined walls that once guarded the bay. Stop at the Baluarte del Mirador to photograph sweeping views of La Concha, Ondarreta and the island of Santa Clara. Continue toward the English Cemetery to explore one of the hill's quietest historic corners. Pause at viewpoints above the Old Town to watch the light shift across rooftops and the harbour. Climb a little higher to enjoy the Atlantic crashing against the cliffs below.

4. Discover Local Markets

Mercado de la Bretxa in the Parte Vieja is the best place to watch San Sebastián's culinary world come to life, with stalls piled high with kokotxas, fresh txipirones, Idiazabal cheese, local peppers and perfect Basque pastries. Step into the fish hall to see vendors preparing hake, tuna and sardines caught that same morning in Pasajes. Walk toward the produce section where farmers from villages like Astigarraga and Hernani sell seasonal vegetables, apples for cider and bunches of fresh herbs. Cross to the nearby San Martín Market for artisan chocolates, cured meats and gourmet products used by many pintxo bars. Taste a slice of Idiazabal, breathe in the aroma of warm talo or chat with vendors who happily explain how to cook each ingredient.

5. Walk Coastal Promenades

Walk the coastal path from Zurriola Beach toward Sagüés and continue along the promenade that curves beneath Monte Ulía, where cliffs drop into the Atlantic and waves crash against the rocks below. Each turn reveals hidden spots like Moneo's rocky platforms, small tidal pools near Paseo de Salamanca, and sweeping views toward Jaizkibel Hill in the distance. Stop at the lookout terraces by the Ategorrieta cliffs or rest on benches facing the open sea at Paseo de Zurriola, perfect for watching surfers ride the break. As you continue, the textures of volcanic rock, shifting sand and foaming surf change with the afternoon light, offering strong contrasts and beautiful photo opportunities.

6. Visit Museums and Cultural Spaces

Visit the San Telmo Museoa in the heart of the Old Town, where exhibitions explore Basque history through archaeological pieces, traditional costumes and contemporary art installations set inside a former 16th-century convent. Step into its quiet cloister and the striking modern extension facing Mount Urgull, where changing exhibitions highlight local artists and cultural themes. Nearby galleries such as Kuboa, part of Tabakalera, or smaller independent spaces around Calle Mayor and Calle 31 de Agosto, offer photography, sculpture and experimental works by emerging creatives.

7. Explore the Old Harbour

The port of San Sebastián comes alive each morning as fishing boats return to the docks beside Kaiko Pasealekua, unloading their catch for the seafood stalls near Muelle de San Sebastián. Cafés along the waterfront such as Bar Txepetxa or La Mejillonera serve anchovies, mussels and pintxos that reflect the city's maritime roots. Walking the harbour path leads past restored 19th-century warehouses, the small San Sebastián Lighthouse at the end of the breakwater, and sculptures like Oteiza's Construcción Vacía overlooking the waves. Photographers can capture colourful boats, gulls circling overhead and the tides shifting against the stone quay. Fishermen chatting as they mend nets offer an authentic glimpse into port life. Booking an apartment in San Sebastian near the beach is a must for the perfect Basque holiday getaway.