La Concha Bay

La Concha, the shell, curves for about a kilometre and a half between Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo, with the island of Santa Clara sitting in the mouth of the bay and sheltering it, so the water stays calm and the tide runs a long way out over firm sand. The city grew around it after Queen Isabella II began coming for sea bathing in 1845 and the court followed, which is why the seafront is Belle Epoque in character. The white railing along the promenade, designed in the 1910s, is reproduced on souvenirs and in the city's branding. La Perla, a spa on the front, dates from the same period. Boats run to Santa Clara in summer, and the promenade continues around to Ondarreta beach.

What you actually see

• The bay curve - a kilometre and a half of sand between two hills.
• The white railing - the promenade balustrade that became the city emblem.
• Santa Clara island - a wooded islet closing the bay, reached by summer boat.
• The Belle Epoque front - buildings from the royal bathing era.

When to go

May, June, September and October for the promenade without August crowds; the September film festival fills the city. The Basque coast is wet, and rain is likely in any month.

Honest expectations

The beach is packed through July and August, with the tide taking much of the usable sand at high water. San Sebastian is expensive and accommodation is scarce in summer and during the film festival. Rain is frequent.

Nearby

Monte Igueldo and Monte Urgull close either end; the Peine del Viento is beyond Ondarreta.