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Beach · San Sebastián, Basque Country
Playa de La Concha
A light-sand, shell-shaped beach in the center of San Sebastián, protected by the island of Santa Clara, with a promenade featuring a white railing and iron lampposts from the early 20th century.
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 Playa de La Concha
The Playa de La Concha occupies the central curve of the bay of San Sebastián, with about 1,350 meters of light sand between the Ayuntamiento and the Palacio de Miramar. The bay is almost closed by the island of Santa Clara and the hills Urgull and Igueldo, which keeps the sea generally calm.
The beach became fashionable in the 19th century, when Queen Maria Cristina began spending summers in the city and the European aristocracy followed. From that time remain the promenade, the Paseo de la Concha, with the white railing of curved design, known as the barandilla, and the cast-iron lampposts, as well as the bathing establishments, La Perla, now a thalassotherapy center.
The tide greatly changes the width of the sand, which almost disappears at high tide. In summer, the beach has lifeguards, showers and cabins. The rest of the year, the promenade is a daily stroll for locals.
The island of Santa Clara has a small beach, a lighthouse and a trail, with boats leaving the harbor in summer.
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 1 hour for the promenade to a full day at the beach.
Best time
From June to September for swimming, preferably at low tide when the sand is wide. The sunset on the promenade is beautiful at any time of year.
How to get there
It is in the center, a 5-minute walk from the Parte Vieja and 10 minutes from the train station. City buses run along the promenade.
Tip
Check the tide table before going to the beach. Walk along the promenade to the Peine del Viento at the end of Ondarreta. In summer, take a boat to the island of Santa Clara.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Playa de La Concha
Is the sea at La Concha calm?
It usually is, because the bay is sheltered by Santa Clara Island and the surrounding hills. On stormy days there are waves and a red flag.
What is the barandilla of La Concha?
The barandilla is the white iron railing along the promenade, from 1916, with a curving design; it is a symbol of the city.
Can you go to Santa Clara Island?
Yes. In summer, boats depart from the port at the foot of Urgull, in a few minutes' crossing.