Car Rental San Sebastian Airport

San Sebastián Airportis situated just a few miles from the town itself, adjacent to Hondarribia.It’s connected to San Sebastián by the Autopista AP-8, a major freeway that crosses the Basque Country from east to west. This route links Bilbao to the border with France, so with a rental car you will find many destinations easily accessible from San Sebastián.

Driving in San Sebastián is relatively easy. As a small destination, it doesn’t have too much in the way of heavy traffic, although this can change in the busier periods, such as summer and Christmas. If you are driving in the center of San Sebastián, you will find some areas of the historic old town are off-limits to cars to preserve the treasures within. However, there is plenty of parking available around the city where you can leave your rental car to explore this compact area on foot.

There are some great scenic drives throughout the Basque Country, thanks to its mountainous landscapes. Renting a car is the best way to explore the region at your own pace, with colorful coastal towns such as Irun and Getaria within easy reach. Further afield lies the coastal city of Santander, capital of the Cantabria region. Head further inland to the heart of the Basque Country and you will find its capital Vitoria-Gasteiz, home to a charming medieval quarter, historic cathedral and fine arts museum.

There are also several major cities that you can access from San Sebastián. To reach Pamplona, capital of the Navarre province, it’s just a 50-mile journey south via the A-15. Barcelona is a 350-mile drive along the A-15 and A-2, while the Spanish capital Madrid is 284 miles away along the A-1 and A-5. Drivers in Spain, like most countries in Europe, use the right-hand side of the road. Many of Spain’s major highways, or autopistas, are toll roads, but most of the other main roads, known as autovias, are free. Speed limits in Spain range from 120km/h (81mph) on the freeways to 40km/h (25mph) or 60km/h (37mph) in built-up areas and on local roads.

With its fantastic beaches and extraordinary cuisine, San Sebastián offers an authentic taste of the Basque Country. With a rental car, you can explore further afield, taking in numerous vibrant coastal towns and mountain scenery at every turn on the winding roads. 

Urban beaches

San Sebastián is home to three main beaches, all of which are easily accessible from the city center. The most well-known is Playa de la Concha, widely renowned as one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe, making it well worth a visit. Stretch out on the pristine sands and enjoy the sun in one of the most beautiful settings around. It lies at the heart of the city, with the town hall at one end and the rocky outcrop of Pico del Loro at the other.

This small peninsula separates Playa de la Concha from a smaller, quieter beach known as Playa de Ondarreta. Both beaches are popular, so get there early to secure a good spot for sunbathing. For those who prefer to take a dip, the calm blue waters off the beach are ideal for a spot of swimming.

One of the highlights of the area around Playa de la Concha is Santa Clara, a small island in the bay just 400 meters from the beach. Reserve a boat trip for an up-close view of the stunning little island – confident swimmers can be seen making their own way there. Once ashore, wander up the winding path to reach the terrace, from where you can enjoy unbeatable views of the city and the mountains that frame it wonderfully.

For watersport fans, the best beach in San Sebastián is Playa Zurriola. The waters here are a bit rougher, too strong for swimmers, but it is hugely popular among surfers thanks to its excellent waves. And, of course, you’ll find many excellent cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the scenery in serene surroundings.

Mountain walks

At the north-eastern end of La Concha bay, you will find Monte Urgull, a hill with several hiking trails among its shaded slopes. It’s a peaceful retreat and at the summit you will find the Castillo de la Mota, a 12^th-century fortress originally built to defend the city. Today, you can explore its fascinating museum and view the mysterious Monte Urgull English Cemetery, a haunting tale of the past where unidentified soldiers were buried.

Gourmet paradise

Aside from its beaches,San Sebastián is perhaps most famous for its food scene. Head to the Parte Vieja neighborhood, one of the oldest parts of the city, where you will find an array of tapas and pintxos bars. You can spend a whole evening moving from place to place, sharing tasty small plates in the Basque Country style.

As well as classic dishes such as patatas bravas and tortilla española, some of San Sebastián’s specialities are based around seafood, with sardines, mussels and calamari all high on the locals’ list of favorite dishes. And with a rental car, you can explore further afield to discover more of the region’s gastronomic highlights. Head just a few miles outside the city to Bilbao and you’ll find a huge number of eateries around the Calle Ledesma area, the perfect place for an evening of excellent food. All this and more is easily accessible with a rental car in San Sebastián.