District by district
Amara and Riberas de Loiola
These neighbourhoods are the essence of everyday life in San Sebastian. During the day, they are busy with the hustle and bustle of the shops and offices, while their bars and sidewalk cafés come to life as people enjoy the traditional poteo (bar hopping) as the sun goes down.
A neighbourhood of parks and large avenues
Amara is a lively and spacious neighbourhood, perfect for walking and relaxing. The promenade along the River Urumea and Araba Park are ideal spots to walk and relax. Its two large avenues also mark the pace of life in the neighbourhood: Sancho el Sabio, the widest avenue in the city, which ends at the Plaza de Pío XII square, and Avenida de Madrid, which runs to Anoeta Stadium, the true football mecca of San Sebastian.
Plaza Easo, the heart of the neighbourhood
One of the city’s squares with more of a local feel. You can sit and rest in the shade or have an aperitif at one of the sidewalk cafés. It is often the venue for activities including second-hand markets, concerts in the bandstand in the centre of the square, and stalls selling flowers.
A neighbourhood excelling in sport
Amara is home to the city’s main sport amenities: football, Basque pelota, basketball, cycling, swimming and ice hockey.
Anoeta Stadium, renovated with 40,000 seats and with over a 100 years of history, is centre stage.
And if you want to learn about the most deep-rooted tradition, the Atano III Basque pelota court continues to be the major venue for the game.
Anoeta Stadium, renovated with 40,000 seats and with over a 100 years of history, is centre stage.
And if you want to learn about the most deep-rooted tradition, the Atano III Basque pelota court continues to be the major venue for the game.
Modernity by Rafael Moneo
Riberas de Loyola is one of San Sebastian’s youngest and most modern neighbourhoods. Its main symbol is the Parish Church of Iesu, a white church designed by Rafael Moneo and opened in 2011; it is striking for its minimalist style and the light filtering inside. The Memorial Garden, a quiet place full of significance to honour the victims of violence and terrorism, is nearby.
Restaurants and accommodation
Amara is a gastronomic paradise with numerous terraces and restaurants in streets such as Isabel II and Sancho el Sabio. In addition, pintxo-pote is a weekly event held from Wednesday to Friday, ideal for tasting pintxos at accessible prices. If you’re looking for local products, the gourmet shops and Arcco shopping mall are excellent options. For accommodation, you can choose between 3 and 4-star hotels such as the Silken Amara Plaza, hostels or apartments. Its proximity to the centre and its quiet streets makes it the ideal choice to unwind after a day exploring the city.
You can easily access these districts from any point of San Sebastian. Bus lines 17, 26, 28 and 43 will take you there directly, and the night buses B4 and B9 ensure a convenient return after a night out. If you prefer the train, Euskotren has stops in Amara and Anoeta. For those you coming by car, there are car parks available in Pío XII, Arcco and Easo.
You can easily access these districts from any point of San Sebastian. Bus lines 17, 26, 28 and 43 will take you there directly, and the night buses B4 and B9 ensure a convenient return after a night out. If you prefer the train, Euskotren has stops in Amara and Anoeta. For those you coming by car, there are car parks available in Pío XII, Arcco and Easo.
What do you want to eat today?
San Sebastián has restaurants of all colours and tastes. You can eat from puchero to pintxos, seated or standing, in an elegant restaurant or a popular tavern.
Hotels in Amara and Riberas de Loyola
There are accommodation options for all budgets. Whatever your choice, you’ll be a stone’s throw from the city’s main attractions.
