San Sebastian is one of the best places to take your partner for an unforgettable romantic couples’ holiday. With the architecture, picturesque landscapes and world-renowned food, you may never want to return home.
Spend your day walking through one of the city’s many gardens, visit the famous beaches along La Concha Bay or have an aperitif atop a scenic mountain. Whatever you and your significant other decide to do, you won’t forget this romantic trip. Here are the best things to do for couples in San Sebastian.
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San Sebastian Old Town
Shopping in the historic quarter
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San Sebastian Old Town is a quintessential spot to visit for local shopping, Basque history, and with plenty of places to get a tasty bite to eat. This centre of San Sebastian is well-known as the romantic area of the city for its unequivocal beauty.
Take a stroll through near-endless displays of picturesque gardens and beautiful architecture along the Urumea River. Stop at one of the many shops in the area or grab a fresh pastry from one of the many bakeries.
Locatie: Spain
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Good Shepherd of San Sebastián Cathedral
Visit an ornate cathedral
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Good Shepherd of San Sebastián Cathedral is a must-see landmark as the largest neo-gothic style cathedral in the city. Located on Ensanche de Amara, this gorgeous building is the work of a Basque architect named Manuel de Echave.
Visit this cathedral for the impressive architecture and exterior features like stained glass, gargoyles and pinnacles. Inside you’ll see an open crypt and the altar dedicated to the Buen Pastor. This is the perfect spot to stop on your romantic tour around San Sebastian.
Locatie: Urdaneta Kalea, 12, 20006 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Openingstijden: Daily from 8 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 8 pm
Telefoonnummer: +34 943 46 45 16
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Motako Gaztelua
Trek to the castle on the hill
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Motako Gaztelua, sitting on top of Urgull Mountain, is a 19th-century castle overlooking the city of San Sebastian. While at the castle you can also visit the Heart of Jesus statue. The trek up the mountain is an excellent opportunity to take in nature and the views along the way.
There are several sections of the castle to check out, including the observatory, the tower and some of the defensive walls that are still left standing. You can also visit the House of History of Urgull museum on site to learn about the area’s past.
Locatie: San Jeronimo Kalea, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Openingstijden: Daily from 11.30 am to 7 pm
Telefoonnummer: +34 943 48 15 47
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Palacio Miramar
Picturesque gardens
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Palacio Miramar, or the Miramar Palace, stands in the perfect spot between two beaches and is reminiscent of an old-English, noble country house. The palace is surrounded by extensive lush gardens, making it a great stop on a romantic getaway.
With the backdrop of La Concha Bay, rows of beautiful flowers and many ornamental trees, you won’t want to leave the palace grounds once you visit. Take a stroll around the pathways, enjoy the timely architecture or lie on the lawns during a nice picnic.
Locatie: Paseo Miraconcha, 48, 20007 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Openingstijden: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
Telefoonnummer: +34 943 21 90 22
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Beach of La Concha
World-famous beaches to see
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The Beach of La Concha is a gorgeous icon of San Sebastian that is well known as the best beach in not just Spain but all of Europe. Whether you’re looking to stop by for a quick walk on the beach or spend the whole day out in the sand and surf, this is the place.
Check out the view from the famous seaside railings on the promenade any time of day. If you’re looking for sport, this is also a great spot for rowing, canoeing, paddle boarding and more.
Locatie: 20007, Gipuzkoa, Spain
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Gipuzkoa Plaza
Get lost in a tiny forest
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Gipuzkoa Plaza is located right at the heart of San Sebastian and is like a tiny forest tucked away in the city. The square is lush with all kinds of plants, flowers, trees and more, with a small lake that is home to ducks and swans.
The park is located in front of the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council Palace, and you can find several important fixtures throughout. Find the clock made almost entirely out of flowers, the marble hour table or the statue of musician José María Usandizaga.
Locatie: 10, 20004 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Openingstijden: 24/7
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Igeldo Mountain Observatory
Mountaintop observatory and views
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The Igeldo Mountain Observatory offers one of the city's best views and is in one of the prettiest parts of the San Sebastian landscape. You’ll ride your way up the mountain and through the greenery on the vintage funicular railway.
From the lookout point, you can take some of the most beautiful photos of the city and the bay below. Visit the fairgrounds at the top of the mountain and make sure you taste the fantastic food along with the view from the mountaintop restaurant.
Locatie: Padre Orkolaga Ibilbidea, 44, 20008 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Openingstijden: Monday–Friday from 8 am to 8 pm (closed Saturday–Sunday)
Telefoonnummer: +34 943 21 07 59
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Couples' spa
Unwind at a spa
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A couples’ spa is a great way to wind down on a romantic holiday in San Sebastian. There are a number of them to choose from, and many offer unforgettable views of La Concha Bay and the surrounding landscapes.
Make sure to find a package with all the best options, from a relaxing bubble bath to an exotic massage for two. Many spas also offer gym options for couples that prefer to be more active. Whatever your preference, you and your partner may never want to leave.
Locatie: Spain
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Sunset cruise
Sunset views like no other
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A sunset cruise is the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of San Sebastian on your romantic couples' holiday. There are a handful of cruises to choose from, and each comes with fantastic evening views of the city and the ocean sunsets.
Spend a few hours kicking back on the boat and just taking in everything around you. Many of these cruises offer snacks and refreshments for an optimal experience. There’s nothing more Basque-like than spending your evening out on the sea.
Locatie: Spain
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Dinner at a Michelin restaurant
The art of Basque gastronomy
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Dinner at a Michelin restaurant is a well-known activity for couples on holiday in San Sebastian. This city has exquisite taste and fantastic cuisine, and there are dozens of Michelin-star-rated restaurants for your perfect evening out.
Nowhere else in the world has a greater concentration of Michelin stars, with 19 stars in a few-mile radius. Whether you’re looking for world-renowned traditional Basque cuisine or something a little more modern, you’ll want to spend more time in San Sebastian to try them all.
Locatie: Spain