District by district
Gros
San Sebastian’s liveliest neighbourhood, where surf, culture and culinary experiences can be found along La Zurriola, the city’s wildest beach. From the iconic Kursaal Palace to the green Mount Ulia, this neighbourhood is a magnet for surfers and lovers of the urban live style.
A day on the beach
If you like surfing, La Zurriola Beach is your paradise. ‘La Zurri’, as it is known locally, is always a feast of waves, where there is a constant stream of surfers from around the world who flock here to enjoy the sea and also the local vibe.
Along with the surfers and their boards, whole families out for a walk or groups of friends enjoying the sunset from the Sagüés wall are often seen there. It is also a popular spot with local residents to ride their bikes, go running, play basketball or go skateboarding. In Gros, sports and beach go hand in hand.
Along with the surfers and their boards, whole families out for a walk or groups of friends enjoying the sunset from the Sagüés wall are often seen there. It is also a popular spot with local residents to ride their bikes, go running, play basketball or go skateboarding. In Gros, sports and beach go hand in hand.
The icon of contemporary architecture in Donostia
The architect Rafael Moneo has transformed two translucent glass cubes into one of the greatest expressions of contemporary architecture and a hallmark of Donostia/San Sebastian’s identity: the Kursaal Conference Centre This building was presented the Mies van der Rohe Award for contemporary architecture, the most important awards in Europe.
Architecture and nature
Gros is home to one of the city’s most famous buildings: the Kursaal Conference Centre, designed by Rafael Moneo. These emblematic cubes host international events such as the San Sebastian Film Festival and exhibitions in the Sala Kubo Kutxa, a benchmark in contemporary art. If you’re more into nature than cement, Mount Ulia offers trekking routes with impressive views, picnic and games areas, the perfect experience for families.
The Kursaal, a symbol of neighbourhood renewal
The Kursaal Palace will be the first thing you see if you come from the city centre; it is one of the leading examples of the contemporary architecture and a hallmark of San Sebastian. Designed by Rafael Moneo, it consists of two cubes that evoke two rocks washed ashore and are known as Moneo’s Cubes. The Kursaal is the venue for conferences and large events throughout the year, along with hosting Zinemaldia –-the San Sebastian International Film Festival – and the Jazzaldia jazz festival.
Sagües: The city’s best sunsets
Sagüés is at the end of the beach, at the foot of Mount Ulia.- Sit on the wall there and enjoy one of the most spectacular sunsets in San Sebastian.
You will also find one of the city’s most iconic sculptures there: Nestor Basterretxea’s The Dove of Peace, which symbolises the power of the word over violence.
Mount Ulia, one of the green lungs of the San Sebastian, is easily reached from Sagües. Walking along its paths and the cliff tops makes you feel as if you are far from a city.
You will also find one of the city’s most iconic sculptures there: Nestor Basterretxea’s The Dove of Peace, which symbolises the power of the word over violence.
Mount Ulia, one of the green lungs of the San Sebastian, is easily reached from Sagües. Walking along its paths and the cliff tops makes you feel as if you are far from a city.
Urumea River
The Art Deco bridge
The bridges that cross the Urumea River tell the story of Donostia/San Sebastian from an architectural perspective. On the edge of the district of Gros there is the Zurriola, built in 1921 and notable mainly for its striking Art Deco streetlamps designed by Víctor Arana.
Gros: vibe, shopping and pintxopote
After a walk along the coast, make your way to the heart of Gros to discover its real spirit. Pedestrian streets such as Peña y Goñi and Zabaleta capture the lifestyle in the neighbourhood, with their many pintxo bars and sidewalk cafés. Plaza Cataluña, a square with a park and trees, is another meeting point. Gros is home of some of the city’s most cutting-edge establishments and is packed with people, particularly on Thursdays during the famous Pintxopote (when you get a pintxo with your drink at a reduced price). It is also a shopping paradise: local designer boutiques, art galleries and shops selling surf fashion; there is something for everyone.
Gros is perfectly connected with the rest of the city. You can get there on foot from the centre by crossing the Kursaal Bridge or by public transport with bus lines such as Line 14 or by train stopping at the commuter station.
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 Gros
You’ll find accommodation options for every budget. Whatever you choose, you’ll be just steps away from the city’s main attractions.
