La Concha Beach, San Sebastián

A perfect shell-shaped bay of golden sand in the heart of San Sebastián (Donostia), often called the best city beach in Europe, with the little island of Santa Clara in the middle of the bay. The white railings of the promenade that curves around it are a symbol of the city.

Swim, walk the promenade at sunset, or take a boat to Santa Clara island in summer. Ondarreta beach continues to the west, and Zurriola, across the river, is the surf beach. In mid-August, the Semana Grande festival brings concerts, Basque rural sports and a famous international fireworks contest over the bay every night.