Car Rental San Sebastian

With a cobblestoned old town, a vibrant pier and some of the best beaches in the whole of Spain, San Sebastian is well worth exploring.

Driving through San Sebastian is easy to do once you get the hang of the winding roads throughout the city. There are plenty of parking lots around the harbour, and by La Concha Bay, which means you can explore comfortably on foot. The speed limits may vary locally, but you’ll find that the maximum is generally 50kmh in built-up areas, unless otherwise indicated.

The city is on the picturesque Bay of Biscay, around half an hour from the French border. Its great location, near to three major road networks, means that with car rental in San Sebastian, you have the opportunity to explore as much of northern Spain as you wish.

Renowned for its world-famous summer festivals, Pamplona can be visited by taking the A-15 south. For a city full of Basque flavour meanwhile, head to Bilbao, just over an hour’s drive away along the AP-8. At the iconic Guggenheim Museum on the banks of the River Nervion, you can admire work from the likes of Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons and Robert Motherwell. Further along the AP-8 route lies the bustling coastal city of Santander – approximately two hours and 20 minutes’ drive away. 

If you do venture out of the city, you’ll find that speed limits will be sign-posted clearly but will vary depending on what road you’re on. Typically on the major highways (known as ‘autopista’) the speed limit is 120km/h. Many of these are also toll roads, so it is a good idea to have some local currency on you. 

With a mountainous landscape where nature flourishes, San Sebastian offers more than just its beautiful beach.

Discover art and history in its museums and ascend to the mountaintop for rides and attractions. There’s so much to do in this historic city, and beyond.

Explore La Concha Bay

The beautiful bay is just waiting for your arrival, with cafes and attractions lining the promenade, and the golden sands of three beaches – bookended by Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo – to sink your toes into. Take in the picturesque setting and enjoy the waves here.

Playa de la Zurriola is popular among surfers, while the quaint Isla de Santa Clara is the perfect retreat for relaxing. Discover the lighthouse by strolling up through the walking paths – you can easily spend a whole afternoon here.  

To the west of the bay, where the impressive Mount Igueldo towers above you, you’ll find the retro funicular railway. Its hand-painted, wooden cog carriages were first installed in 1912, and now act as a symbol for the city’s heritage. But you can also enjoy the ride up to the summit – where it’s not just spectacular views across the bay that await you.

With more than 20 rides and attractions at the theme park here, you can whirl around the roller coaster, get soaked on the log flume or take a leisurely ride on a vintage carousel, all backed by unparalleled panoramas.

Visit cultural attractions

The city’s aquarium has something for the whole family. Both historic and entertaining, this was Spain’s first ever natural science museum when it first opened back in 1928.

Inside, there are hundreds of species of fish from all around the world. Walk through the 360-degree tunnel where sharks, manta rays and tropical creatures swim right up next to you. There’s even a small maritime museum where you can discover more about the history of the Bay of Biscay.

Another fantastic museum is the San Telmo Museoa. With more than 100 years of art and archeological artifacts from the Basque Country on display, there’s so much of the past you can unearth. Its crowning glory is the 11 scenes of San Telmo – a series of treasured canvases dating back to 1874, which depict important scenes from the region's history.

Marvel over the cathedral 

No visit here is complete without a trip to see the most exceptional local building.

Known locally as the Buen Pastor or ‘Good Shepherd’, San Sebastian Cathedral dates back to 1897 and is an architectural wonder. Constructed in a multitude of design styles, from French and German to Gothic and Baroque, the inside of the structure continues to amaze – with a giant organ and its 10,000 whistles taking centre stage.

Located within the Centro neighbourhood, the cathedral can be seen towering over the rooftops with its tall spires, and is the final resting place of the city’s eponymous saint.

With fantastic sights to see around the city and in the landscape beyond, rent a car from San Sebastian to explore it all.