
One of Spain's most elegant cities, famous for its shell-shaped La Concha beach, Michelin-starred restaurants, and pintxos culture. A world-class food destination and a major stop on the Camino del Norte.
San Sebastian (Donostia in Basque) is one of Spain's most elegant cities, set around the shell-shaped La Concha bay. The city is a world-class food destination, home to more Michelin stars per square metre than almost anywhere else on earth, and its pintxos bars in the Parte Vieja (old town) are legendary.
Pilgrims will find every service, from albergues and hotels to supermarkets, pharmacies, and hospitals. The old town, Monte Urgull, the Buen Pastor Cathedral, and the San Telmo Museum are all worth exploring.
San Sebastian demands at least a rest day. The pintxos crawl through the bars of the old town is an essential experience. The city also has excellent beaches and a vibrant cultural scene.
Every kind of bed in one place: online booking, direct-contact albergues, walk-ins and donativos. Live prices for your night.
The Camino through town, with prices where the beds are. Amber is the route; each pin is a place to stay.
How to reach your starting point from major cities and airports.
Renfe trains run from Madrid (5 hours), Barcelona (5.5 hours via high-speed), and Bilbao (2.5 hours). Euskotren commuter trains connect from Hendaye/France (30 minutes) and Bilbao (2.5 hours). The Renfe station is near the city centre.
San Sebastian Airport (Donostia) is 20 km east of the city with limited domestic flights. Bilbao Airport (1.5 hours by bus) and Biarritz Airport (45 minutes) are the main international options.
Alsa and Pesa run regular buses from Bilbao (1.5 hours), Madrid (5.5 hours), Barcelona (6 hours), and Pamplona (1 hour). The bus station is in the Amara district, near the centre.
Transfers from Bilbao and Biarritz airports are popular. Taxis within the city are readily available.
Your checklist for arrival day in San Sebastián (Donostia).
Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro in the Parte Vieja (Old Town) or the Diocesan Museum. San Sebastian's credential offices are well established for Norte pilgrims.
Our Koala Picks first, then donativos, albergues and hostels, hotels, and everything else. Within each group the best-reviewed places lead.
Loading places to stay…
Everything you need to know for your time in San Sebastián (Donostia).
Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro or the Diocesan Museum in the Parte Vieja
San Sebastian is expensive compared to most Camino towns. Budget accordingly. The pintxos scene is world-class. Allow extra time here if you can.