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Palace · San Sebastián, Basque Country
Palacio de Miramar
A 1893 palace in the English country house style, built for Queen Maria Cristina on the hill that separates the beaches of La Concha and Ondarreta, with gardens open to the public.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Palacio de Miramar
Miramar Palace was built between 1889 and 1893 for the regent Queen Maria Cristina of Habsburg, who turned San Sebastián into the court’s seaside resort. The project was by English architect Selden Wornum, in the English country house style, with brick, timber, pitched roofs and tall chimneys.
The palace stands on top of a small hill, Pico del Loro, which separates the beaches of La Concha and Ondarreta. The royal family spent summers there, and the presence of the court brought aristocracy, diplomats and the casino to the city.
After passing through various owners, the palace was bought by the city council in 1972. The halls host the university’s summer courses and events; there is no regular tourist access to the interior.
The gardens, with sloping lawns, trees and benches, are open to the public and offer wide views of the bay, with Santa Clara Island opposite. A tunnel under the palace links the two beaches.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour, in the gardens.
Best time
At late afternoon, to see the bay and Santa Clara Island in low light. Check the gardens’ opening times.
How to get there
It sits between the beaches of La Concha and Ondarreta, about 1.5 km from the centre, roughly a 20-minute walk along the promenade. City buses stop in front.
Tip
Go up to the gardens while walking the promenade to the Peine del Viento. The interior is usually open only for events; check the schedule.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palacio de Miramar
Can you go inside the Miramar Palace?
The gardens are open to the public. The interior is used for courses and events and does not have regular tourist visits.
For whom was the palace built?
For Queen Regent Maria Cristina, who spent her summers in San Sebastián.
Where is the Miramar Palace?
On the hill between La Concha and Ondarreta beaches, in the middle of the bay.