La Concha Beach
In San Sebastián, Spain .
More places to visit in San Sebastián
Discover more attractions and things to do in San Sebastián.
Monte Igueldo
Monte Igueldo offers some of the best panoramic views of San Sebastián, but what makes this spot even more unique is its historic funicular railway, which has been in operation since 1912 . At the summit, visitors will find a small vintage amusement park, a rare relic from the early 20th century, featuring attractions that have remained unchanged for decades. One of the biggest surprises is the presence of an ancient lighthouse, which dates back to the 18th century and still functions today. A lesser-known secret is that the mountain was once used as a defensive fortress against pirate invasions, and some of the original military structures are still partially visible along the walking trails. If you explore carefully, you might even stumble upon a forgotten bunker that was used during the Spanish Civil War but is now covered in ivy and often overlooked by visitors.
Old Town (Parte Vieja)
San Sebastián's Parte Vieja is a vibrant maze of narrow streets filled with pintxo bars, historic buildings, and hidden courtyards. The area was almost completely rebuilt after the devastating fire of 1813 when British and Portuguese troops burned the city to the ground. One of its most striking landmarks is the Basilica of Santa María del Coro , whose elaborate Baroque facade hides a fascinating fact—inside, a secret passage connects it to the old defensive tunnels of Monte Urgull. The neighborhood is also home to Plaza de la Constitución, which was once a bullfighting ring. If you look closely at the balconies, you'll see numbered boxes where spectators used to sit. Many visitors don't realize that one of Spain's oldest gastronomic societies, Gaztelubide , operates discreetly here, where locals cook traditional Basque dishes in a secretive, members-only setting.
Peine del Viento
The Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind) is one of San Sebastián's most iconic sculptures, created by renowned Basque artist Eduardo Chillida. The three massive iron structures are embedded into the rocky coastline at the edge of Ondarreta Beach, where they are constantly battered by sea winds and waves. What many people don't know is that the design was partially inspired by ancient Basque whaling harpoons, symbolizing the connection between the people and the sea. There's also a hidden acoustic feature—when the waves hit just right, the hollow structures create an eerie, almost musical sound. Engineers have also placed underground wind tunnels here that blow air through holes in the pavement, creating a surprising and playful effect for visitors standing nearby.
San Telmo Museoa
Located in a former 16th-century Dominican convent, the San Telmo Museoa is the oldest museum in the Basque Country and showcases the region's unique cultural identity. Many visitors are surprised to learn that the building incorporates sections of the city's original defensive walls from the 1500s. Inside, the collection includes artifacts from prehistoric times, such as ancient Basque funerary steles, and a remarkable series of murals by José María Sert, which were once considered controversial due to their nationalist themes. A lesser-known part of the museum is its secret underground vault, which holds delicate manuscripts from the Middle Ages, many of which are still being studied by historians today.