Zurriola Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand between the Urumea River and the mossy green Ulía mountain. It is the only one of three urban beaches of San Sebastian that doesn’t face Concha Bay, leaving it more exposed to larger waves that are ideal for surfing. Join skaters and joggers along the lively promenade that backs onto this exceptional stretch of sand.
Bring your family to swim in the designated area, which has been made safer here due to the addition of a breakwater in 1995. Although nudism is allowed here, you’ll find that most people wear bathing suits on the 0.5-mile (800-meter) long beach.
Rent boards from one of the surfing schools on the beach and take lessons on the waves, which tend to be bigger in autumn and winter. Take your kids out on boogie boards and go body-boarding beside swimmers. Many surfers like to sit on the eastern seawall with a drink at sunset.
Attend one of the occasional outdoor concerts that take place on the promenade. Among the annual highlights are the San Sebastian Jazz Festival in the third week of July and the Semana Grande festival in mid August.
Gaze up at the impressive modern behemoth of the Kursaal conference center that towers over the western side of the beach, where it meets the Urumea River. The complex, which was designed by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo in 1994, hosts the city’s famous film festival.
Cross the adjacent Kursaal Bridge and gaze up at its green-and-white pillars topped by gray balls. Arrive at De Okendo Plaza on the western side of the bridge and visit the Old Town district’s main attractions.
Zurriola Beach is on the eastern side of the Urumea River in the historic center of San Sebastian. Ride a bus to a stop along the coastal promenade. Consider driving here and leaving your car in the parking lot next to the Kursaal building.
Make sure to see other sights in the region, including De Lapurdi Plaza, the Okendo Cultural Center and De Cataluña Plaza.
