Despite the vast array of upscale dining and shopping possibilities, the city's atmosphere is quite relaxed and friendly - visitors and locals mix in many of the hangouts throughout town.

San Sebastian annually hosts two spectacular events: a Jazz Festival that is one of the best in Europe and an International Film Festival, deemed one of the four most important in the world. Many other cultural feasts celebrating dance, Basque folklore, sports, music and food, make San Sebastian a colorful and fascinating place to be year round.

Donostia has three beaches: Concha, the most famous, Ondarreta and Zurriola (also called Gros). Concha and Ondarreta are into a bay adorned with Santa Clara Island. The temperature is moderate all year, but rainy during the winter, maintaining an average of 22 ºC. The city is also famous for its International Film Festival held each year in September and the annual Jazz Festival, known as "Jazzaldia", held each July.

Located just outside of the city, you can find beautiful views from the mountains, and just 7 km west of the town is Monte Ulia, which offers superb views across the countryside and the Bay of Biscay. The art treasures found in the 13th-century Castle of Butron, near Bilbao, are also worthy a visit.

You will discover that two languages are infact spoken in the Basque region, Castillian spoken by nearly everyone and Basque which is spoken by about quarter of the population. A beautiful and interesting place to study Spanish.

Our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture and customs. Below are some of our recommended highlights. Some tours and packages can be organized when booking your program, please see the program price page for more information.

city tour
A wlak through the city is relaxing, why not start at Concha's Bay: one of the most known and carismatic areas of the city. Its walk is famous and a must do for all visitors, with its beautiful beach and historic buildings, sit and one of the many cafe's and watch life go by. walk from Igeldo mountain, until you reach the Real Club Nautico (Royal Nautic Club) and Urgull mountain.

beaches
The city has three: Concha, the most famous one; Ondarreta and Zurriola (also called Gros). Concha and Ondarreta are into a bay adorned with Santa Clara Island. Zurriola beach is at open sea. The temperature of the water during the summer is very good, from 19 C to 22 C. But during the January and February months it goes down to 9 or 10 C. All the beaches have life guards, and a flag code.

san telmo museum
Colection of Basque ancient utilities. It is situated in a monastery of the XVI century. Fundated, like a church of the Dominicos between the 1530-1550 years.

aquarium
Recently renovated, the Palace of the Sea has an aquarium, the oceanographic museum and the naval historic museum.

miramar palace
Miramar Palace, between the Concha and Ondarreta beaches. Inagurated in 1883.

igeldo mountain
Fantastic panoramic views of the bay and during the summer an old funicular runs up the mountain.

buen pastor cathedral
Located in the city square, inagurated in 1897, by the architec Manuel de Etxabe. It is the largest church in the city.

santa clara island
This little island, situated in the middle of the bay, becomes in the summer the fourth beach of San Sebastian. It is linked by a boat service during the summer.

casino
Casino de San Sebastian (in the Londres y de Inglaterra Hotel, Zubieta street, in front of Concha beach).

gastronomy
San Sebastian is very famous for its gastronomy and has a huge selection of restaurants.

parties and festivals
In mid August is the Aste Nagusia (Semana Grande, Great Week) with international fireworks competitions every night at 23:00, all kind of music on the streets, usually free of charge, sport events including the International cycle competition, bull flights, etc.
In the September there is the International Film Festival and in July, the Jazz Festival, known by the name Jazzaldia.