Playa de la Concha
Playa de la Concha
San Sebastián’s Playa de la Concha is considered the best urban beach in Europe and is surely the most beautiful and symbolic place in the whole of the town. The beach lies to the west of the mouth of the River Urumea, separated from the town’s blue artery by Monte Urgull. La Concha’s fine white sand stretches 1,350 meters long and an average of 140 meters wide, changing with the rise and fall of the tides. This is one of Spain’s most unique and stylish beaches.
Stretching the length of La Concha Bay, the beach’s beauty is in perfect harmony with the town behind it. It’s a highly recommended spot for a coastal stroll, regardless of the time of year. You’ll always see someone walking along the sand irrespective of the temperature. When the sun shines, the beach fills with swimmers keen for a quick dip in the bracing waters of the Cantabrian Sea.
Playa de la Concha owes its name to its characteristic shell-like shape and is the most famous of San Sebastián’s beaches. At its western extreme is a small crag known as the Pico de Loro which separates Playa de la Concha from Playa de Ondarreta. This second beach is also part of La Concha Bay and runs almost all the way to the foot of Monte Igueldo. You’ll have several options beyond just sunbathing (weather permitting). You can swim or row, and part of the beach is reserved for sports including volleyball. If you feel like exploring the bay, why not hire a kayak. Those adventurous enough to swim out to one of the platforms anchored in the bay can have fun on the slides and diving boards. In winter, the locals use the beach for football.
