The perfect apartments for people who prefer a peaceful, traditional rural setting away from the hustle bustle of the city, while at the same time only a few miles from the centre of San Sebastian.

 This is a very quiet and tranquil area at night-time.

The long promenade with pretty gardens along the Ondarreta Beach is a landmark here. At the end of this walk we find the famous sculpture of Eduardo Chillida, the Peine del Viento (Wind’s comb), one of San Sebastian’s symbols.

The westernmost spot of this beach is marked as the starting point to the climb of the Igeldo Mountain. From here you can get the funicular to the Igeldo amusement park, or take the road to the Igeldo neighbourhood.

The Miramar Palace is situated at the easternmost point of the Ondarreta Beach and it appears as a natural frontier between the Antiguo, Aiete and the Centre neighbourhoods. This palace and its surrounding gardens facing the bay, are like a banner for the city as it was here where the former Royal Family used to spend their summer holidays at the beginning of the 20th Century. Thanks to these prestigious visitors San Sebastian became a very fashionable city among the elite tourism. Nowadays, the Miramar Palace houses the High School of Music of San Sebastian. You will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the bay from here.

Another important and lively spot in the Antiguo neighbourhood is the Matia Street. There are both modern supermarkets as well as traditional shops in this area. Once a month, a street market of typical products is set up here too. As in other parts of the city, there are several well-known pintxo bars along this street.

A recently built residential area called Benta Berri is found at the end of the Matia Street. It is a quiet area where young families have set up their homes among parks and all sort of shops. The Basque Country University Campus is also located here.

Thanks to a modern and wide network of public transport, the Antiguo is very well connected to the other city neighbourhoods. For more information on public transport you can visit the official webpage: http://www.dbus.es/es/usuarios/lineas-horarios

Feelfree Rentals Team

If for your next visit to San Sebastian you are looking for a vacation home offering you the best in comfort and location, then the holiday apartment Reyes is what you were looking for.

The holiday accommodation Reyes is situated at the very centre of the city. La Concha Beach is a five minute walk from this vacation apartment, and the Old Town is just a little bit further away.

It is a pedestrian area known as Reyes Catolicos where lots of shops, bars and restaurants can be found. Reyes is an elegant holiday accommodation located on the third floor of a romantic style building with a lift.

Hondarribia, also known as Fuenterrabia, is a tourist resort situated just 18 kms from San Sebastian. It is a beautiful small seaside town, once a traditional fishing village. It has become with a population of nearly 16,000 inhabitants, one of the most important tourist areas in the Basque Country.

At Feelfree Rentals we manage several apartments located in the same building so this could be the perfect option for those coming in a large group.

For example, the holiday accomodation Hondarribi 4H is located on the fifth floor of a recently built (2011) luxurious block of apartments. The building is situated facing the sea, just opposite the Txingudi Bay to be precise. This is the natural border between the Basque-Spanish town of Hondarribia and the Basque-French town of Hendaia. There is a boat service during the day and the crossing takes just five minutes.

The penthouse style vacation apartment is distributed in 155 square metres. It also has a fabulous 110 square metres terrace that surrounds by one side the apartment, which faces the sea.

There are 4 spacious double bedrooms. Three of them have two twin beds each (110cms. wide) and the main bedroom has a king size bed and an en-suite bathroom. There is also a double sofa-bed in the living room.

The four bedrooms have large built-in wardrobes. There are two more bathrooms with shower in the apartment.

However, the gatherings for lunch or dinner can also be organized in the terrace where there are two tables and chairs. This way you can plan unforgettable reunions with friends and family enjoying spectacular views over the sea.

From the terrace, you can enjoy gorgeous views over the sea and at the back the beautiful French town of Hendaia.

This magnificent terrace has wooden floors and side-walls all over, and all along there are extending large canopies to protect the inside of the apartment from the sun and the heat during the midday hours. The canopies work by remote control.
For those who love sunbathing there are comfortable deckchairs too to lie under the sun.

It is possible to access the terrace from the lounge, the dining room or even from the kitchen. The three rooms have large French windows which make this holiday accommodation a very bright place and in our opinion, a very inviting vacation apartment.

The fully equipped modern kitchen is situated next to the dining room. It is has been fitted with top of the range electrical appliances so that you will not miss anything during your holidays.

The Hondarribi apartment has the perfect finish of a luxurious holiday accommodation including heating by under floor radiant heating system, lift with direct access to the garage, weekly cleaning… Besides, you can always get in contact with Feelfree Rentals if you wish to contract other services. We will do our very best to sort out your requests.

The vacation apartment also offers the possibility to rent a space in the parking located underneath the building. This way, if you come on holidays by car you will avoid the hassle of finding where to park, which it can get very difficult during holiday time.

Another advantage of the Hondarribi 5 apartment is its location. It is situated in a quiet area of the village but at the same time, next to all services such as shops, bars and restaurants.

GPS:
43.3668434
-1.7932248

These exclusive vacation apartments are located in a recently refurbished modern building at the heart of San Sebastian, in the main shopping and pedestrian area of the city.

The best equipment and materials were used in its construction. This is why you will find that this is a well-appointed holiday accommodation with the latest technology.
Feelfree Rentals offers several apartments within the building, so it is the perfect option for large groups and families coming to San Sebastian for their holidays.
The vacation apartment Bergara Suite 1 is situated on the second floor and has everything you may be looking for in order to enjoy a great and comfortable holiday break in San Sebastian.

The 70 square metres vacation apartment has been decorated in a sober and minimalist style, and pale tones predominate all around. It is equipped with first class modern furniture all over.

There is a bright open plan lounge-dining area, with a windowed balcony and two large French windows giving access to another two balconies, so this is a room filled with light and fresh air. In the lounge area, there is a comfortable sofa-bed which makes it possible for up to 6 people to stay at the apartment.

The kitchen, which can be hidden away from the lounge-dining room thanks to a sliding door, is fully equipped with top of the range electrical appliances, so you will be able to enjoy delicious meals with friends and family while on your holidays in San Sebastian.
The vacation apartment Bergara Suite 1 has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The main bedroom has a king size bed and an en-suite bathroom with shower cubicle. The other bedroom has two twin beds (trundle bed). Both bedrooms have built-in wardrobes. In the corridor, between the two bedrooms, there is a second bathroom with a shower cubicle too.

There is air-conditioning all over the holiday accommodation, as well as radiant floor heating and Wi-Fi Internet system. There is also the possibility of contracting parking too.

La Concha Beach is a five minute walk from this vacation apartment, and the Old Town is just a little bit further away. It is a pedestrian area known as Reyes Catolicos where lots of shops, bars and restaurants can be found.
Buen Pastor is an elegant holiday accommodation located on the third floor of a romantic style building with a lift.

The typical sandstone used on these types of buildings in San Sebastian has also been kept in the inside. This feature together with the wooden details on the walls and the ceilings give the apartment a warm and rustic atmosphere.

On the whole, it is a modern apartment which has a cozy open plan lounge-dining room. In the sitting area there is a comfortable double sofa-bed and a windowed balcony facing the street. Thanks to these large windows, this room is very bright.
From the dining area a door gives you access to the fully equipped kitchen with top of the range electrical appliances and kitchenware. This way you will be able to enjoy great meals during your holidays in San Sebastian.

The vacation apartment Buen Pastor has a double bedroom with a King size bed, TV and a small balcony onto the street.
There is also a fully equipped bathroom.

At Buen Pastor you will enjoy all comforts of a great holiday accommodation; TV, DVD player, music player and Wi-Fi Internet system. It is also possible to contract parking with this apartment.

By staying at this vacation apartment you will enjoy the pleasure of being in the very centre of the city and you will be able to walk all over, admiring all the attractions offered by this amazing city.

GPS:
43.315688106830585
-1.9801515340805054

If for your next visit to San Sebastian you are looking for a vacation home offering you the best in comfort and location, then the holiday apartment Kasino is what you were looking for.

The vacation apartment Kasino is situated on the fifth floor of a building with a lift. It is located just opposite the spectacular Convention Centre and Auditorium, the amazing building designed by the admired architect Rafael Moneo. It is at the same time, next to the liveliest beach in San Sebastian, La Zurriola, where most of the youngsters gather.
Just crossing the bridge situated next to the building, you will be in the Old Town and the city centre.

This recently refurbished holiday accommodation has been able to keep some of the original features such as the high ceilings, the treated old wooden floors and the restored radiators, which at the same time, are its best qualities.

Both the lounge as well as the bedrooms face the sea and have a balcony, so it is possible to enjoy wonderful sunsets.

The vacation apartment Kasino is a bright and spacious holiday home which gives you the impression of being even larger thanks to the mentioned high ceilings and the big windows.

There is a comfortable leather sofa in the minimalistic and sober style lounge.

Both bedrooms are quite large. The main bedroom has a king size bed and an en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom has two twin beds. There are also two extra single beds at the apartment which can be placed in any of the bedrooms.

There is a second modern bathroom fitted with a shower cubicle too.

This holiday accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen with top of the range electrical appliances and kitchenware. This way you can be certain to enjoy great meals with your friends, partner or family during your vacation in San Sebastian.

The Kasino apartment has Wi-Fi Internet system and offers you the possibility to contract parking.

The apartment gets its name from the old casino which was situated opposite the holiday accommodation, just where the Auditorium Kursaal is nowadays. It is known as “Kursaal cubes” and all the crème de la crème used to be seen around here at the beginning of the 20th Century.

GPS:
43.323725947436245
-1.9786334037780762

Approach roads

Depending where you are coming from, there are various alternatives.

If you are travelling from Madrid (or the South of Spain), we recommend the A-1 dual carriageway and then the AP-1 motorway.

If on the other hand, you are travelling from Barcelona, it is easier. You should take the AP-2 motorway which links directly Barcelona and San Sebastian without turning off onto any other roads.

However, if you are coming from Valencia (or Levante) then we suggest you take the A-23 which links both cities.
And finally, if your departure point is in France, then you should follow the road passing by Biarritz, A-63, and direction San Sebastian. Once you cross the border, continue along the A-8 motorway and turn off at junction 12, where you will join GI-20 to junction 7. Then follow the signs to the city centre.

Approximate times and distances:

Madrid: 452 Km, 4h 46min.
Barcelona: 570 Km, 5h 43min.
Valencia: 572 Km, 5h 57min

By train

The train station in San Sebastian is located on the river bank, at the very centre of the city, opposite the Maria Cristina Bridge. All intercity trains in Spain belong to the company RENFE.

If you travel from Madrid, you should take the ALVIA train. It leaves from Madrid-Chamartin station and the journey takes around 5 hours 21 minutes.

If you come from Barcelona, again the train you should take is ALVIA. It leaves from Barcelona-Sants and the journey takes 5 hours 33 minutes approximately.

However, if you are planning to come from Valencia, unfortunately there are no direct trains to San Sebastian, so you should change. Your alternatives are;

-Take the AVE from Valencia to Madrid and then the ALVIA train already mentioned.

-Take the EUROMED to Barcelona and then the ALVIA train.

-You could also take the TALGO train to Tarragona and then the ALVIA.

Finally, if you are travelling from France it is best if you check the French Railway Network. There are no direct trains to San Sebastian.

The best option is to get to Hendaye and from there take a local train to San Sebastian (Euskotren). The French railway station is just a minute away from the Euskotren train station. There are daily trains between Hendaye and San Sebastian, in fact there is a train every half an hour, and the journey takes about 35 minutes. You will arrive at the Amara train station, in Plaza Easo, and this is just 7 minutes away from La Concha beach.

By coach

The coach company ALSA links Madrid (from the transport interchange at Avenida de America) and San Sebastian at various times on a daily basis. It is also possible to get this route at Madrid-Barajas Airport (T4). The time the journey takes it depends on the taken route. The shortest is around 5h 15minutes and the longest is 6h 25minutes.

This same company also offers coach journeys from Santander city centre and from Santander’s Airport. The trips take between 2h 25minutes and 3h 50minutes.

The company VIBASA makes the journey between Barcelona (Sants) and San Sebastian in about 7-8 hours.
BILMANBUS on the other hand, makes two trips daily between Valencia and San Sebastian. The journey takes 8h 30minutes.

Finally, PESA links Bilbao and Bilbao’s Airport Loiu with San Sebastian. The journey takes 1h 15minutes, and there are buses every half an hour from 07:45 until 23:45. This same company has a daily service between Biarritz’s Airport and San Sebastian. The journey takes 45minutes.

The local company EKIALDEBUS offers services between San Sebastian and its airport located at Hondarribia.

By plane:

Biarritz’s Airport (France) is just 48.8 km away from San Sebastian. It merely takes 40 minutes by car although it is also possible to take from there a taxi or a bus.

San Sebastian’s Airport (Spain) is 21.4 km away from the city centre, about 25minutes by car. It is possible to go by taxi or bus too.

Bilbao’s Airport (Spain) is 100 km away from San Sebastian. The journey takes about 1h 10 minutes by car although it is recommended to go by bus.

Santander’s Airport (Spain) is 192 km away from San Sebastian, about 2h by car. There is a bus service from there to the city centre.

By taxi

It is possible to book this service through our web page. See the section “Completing your reservation”.

Transport within San Sebastian

The local public transport is managed by the company Dbus and offers routes all over the city and linking the different neighbourhoods with the centre. They run weekdays from 7 in the morning until 10 at night (depending on the route). On Fridays, Saturdays and days prior to Sundays and Bank Holidays the company also offers a night service called owls.

The company Lurraldebus allows you to travel between San Sebastian and most of the villages within the province. While the company Euskotren takes you from San Sebastian to the coastal villages of Orio, Zarautz and Zumaia.

Hiring a car

If hiring a car during your stay in San Sebastian is an option, we recommend the company AVIS for its quality and good service. You can check their rates on our web page under the section “Completing your reservation”.

In this post we try to present useful information for the practice of different sports in San Sebastian as well as a bit of sport history, without forgetting those who only enjoy watching.

BIKE

San Sebastian is the birthplace of many great professional cyclists such as Peio Ruiz Cabestany or the world champion Abraham Olano; the famous mountain rider Marino Lejarreta and even the five times Tour de France champion Miguel Indurain, who in spite of being born in Navarra has always been closely linked to San Sebastian.

The riders have always felt the warmth of devoted fans in the Basque Country, fans who are considered to be some of the best and most respectful in the world. It is not a coincidence then that the Tour de France has chosen San Sebastian on several occasions as the start or finish of a stage.

A very important cycling competition here is the “Clásica de San Sebastián”. This takes place at the end of July and attracts thousands of fans who want to see some of the best cyclists in the world competing to get first to the Boulevard.

In a city with so much cycling tradition, it is not difficult to find all necessary means to pedal all around. It may be using a Dutch bike over the extensive cycling paths network (check out our blog on this topic; San Sebastian’s bike paths – Bidegorris) or perhaps riding on a mountain bike around the hills which surround the city.

If you are a bike lover, you will find that it is possible to practise any style in San Sebastian.

Here you are some useful facts and links;

• Renting a bike in San Sebastian – Avenida de la Zurriola, 22. Tel.: 943.29.08.54
• Information on cycling paths network.
• Green Services: bike guided tours around San Sebastian and its surrounding area. There are cultural routes or routes on a mountain bike. Tfn.:943.26.05.98 / 600.44.56.97
• Mountain biking tour: Donostia – Aro – Donostia

RUNNING

For those who like jogging, San Sebastian also offers many possibilities. There are more and more locals and also foreigners, who train or relieve their tension every day running along the various standardized stretches around the city. These are some of the safe and very beautiful routes along the city;

1. La Concha: from the Club Náutico to the Pico del Loro. Distance 1.8 Km
2. La bahía: from the Club Náutico to the Peine del Viento. Distance 2.7 Km
3. The three beaches: from Sagües to the Peine del Viento. Distance 4.2 km (taking the Boulevard) / 6.1 km (taking the Paseo Nuevo)

And if you like taking part in competitions, in the autumn you will be able to participate in any of the famous events, which not only they are very traditional and with large numbers of people running but they are also known for the careful preparation that goes into them.

1. Behobia – San Sebastian

• Distance: 20 Km
• Participation: 23 000 runners (the most popular event)
• Date: mid November

2. Clásica de San Sebastian

• Distance: 15 Km
• Participation: 5 000 runners
• Date: mid October

3. DKV San Sebastian Marathon

• Distance: 42.195 Km
• Participation: 2 000 runners
• Date: end of November

4. Cross of three beaches

• Distance: 10 Km
• Participation: 2 700 runners
• Date: Beginning of October

Nowadays, you can also have a tour around the city running. The city council offers the possibility to contract a Running Tour: a professional trainer will guide you around the most interesting places in the city while you jog. The cost is 12 Euros.

SURFING

This is one of the most popular sports in San Sebastian. And it is no wonder as the Zurriola beach is considered as one of the best for the practice of this sport.

It is nearly 1 Km long and offers different waves. From the powerful ones on the left against the wall of Sagües, where the advanced local surfers can be found, to the river breakwater, a more protected area where it is possible to see beginners or intermediate level surfers, as the waves are not so high.

Local, national and international championships are organized all around the year in San Sebastian.

In the last few years, people in San Sebastian have become more and more passionate about this sport. The city is experiencing a real boom and thousands of surfers from all over the world are coming to the Zurriola beach in order to surf here.

The beach is open up to the sea which guarantees the waves nearly 365 days a year. However, if you are new to the area it is best to ask the watch patrol or a local surfer about the currents as on a bad day these can be quite dangerous. A piece of advice; you should never paddle against the current even if it goes towards the beach and you want to get to the shore. You will exhaust yourself and you will not move forward. It is best to paddle perpendicular to the current to come off it.

If you are in San Sebastian just for a few days and want to have a go on this sport, you could always hire a surf board and neoprene (depending on the time of the year) for just 10 Euros each. And you could also take a short course with an instructor in any of the several Surfing schools.

GOLF

There are a great number of golf courses in San Sebastian and surrounding area, as well as around the French coast. Within less than 100 km there are more than 20 fabulous golf courses, all of different styles and for all levels and tastes.

The most well-known in San Sebastian are;

Real Nuevo Club de San Sebastian Basozabal: Just a few minutes from the city centre, this beautiful golf course was designed by the famous professional player José Mª Olazabal. It is located in a mountainous area and in a 360° outlook it is possible to see the most important mountains in the territory, such as Peñas de Aya, Jaizkibel, Adarra, etc. It is an exceptional place where the demanding round combines perfectly with a spot of great beauty.

Real Golf Club de San Sebastian: Founded in 1910, it is golf pioneered in the Basque Country and the third at national level. It is located in Hondarribia and it is possible to admire great views of that pretty little village, the Txingudi bay and Hendaye from its facilities. The Jaizkibel mountain is situated at the back, hence its name. It was designed by Pierre Hirigoyen over a rolling and uneven plot of land, what makes the players put a lot of effort, both technically and tactically speaking.

Recovering and enjoying as spectator

If after so much effort, you need to recover and relax your muscles, the Balneario de La Perla offers the best solution with a full program of specific treatments especially for sport players. A luxurious treat surrounded by unbeatable views.

And while we give our body a rest, or if you don’t enjoy practising any sport, we suggest some of the sport events regularly on offer, such as a football match with Real Sociedad in Anoeta, spending an afternoon at the horses at the racetrack, watching the famous rowing races Bandera de La Concha or cheer the best cyclists in the world as they participate in the Clásica de San Sebastian.

San Sebastian, a city on top form