Port of San Sebastian

Like any good coastal city, San Sebastian has a port. A small, cosy harbour that has left trade and fishing behind to focus on leisure and sport.

The port of Donostia is right next to the Old Town, protected by Mount Urgull, and forms a triangle that closes off La Concha Bay to the east. If we follow La Concha, we will inevitably reach it. Similarly, if we follow the Urumea River and continue along the Paseo Nuevo, we will also reach the port. Or if we walk the entire length of the Alameda del Boulevard. We could say that many roads end at the port, and what a great place to end up.

In the past, the port was known as La Jarana (The Party), because it was where sailors spent their nights drinking and partying while waiting for the city gates to open the following morning. Today, there is little left of party, but we can still visit it and imagine what it was like back then, or enjoy it as it is today.

What to see in the port of San Sebastian

The port, although small, is one of those places in the city that you have to visit. Not only because it is part of San Sebastián’s history, but also because there are several things to see.

Portaletas and remains of walls

Leaving the Old Town, following the street called Puerto, we will cross the Portaletas gate, the old entrance to the city for all those who came here by boat. On either side, the great wall that separates the port from the rest of the neighbourhood are the few remains of the wall that surrounded old Donosti that are still standing. You can walk over them and over Portaletas, reaching the stairs that climb up to Mount Urgull. From here, you will have a wonderful view of the port and La Concha.

Church of Saint Peter the Apostle

Built at the end of the 19th century as a burial place for the family who commissioned it, this small neo-Gothic church is usually closed to the public, but if you are lucky enough to find it open, take advantage of it, as its interior surprises with its balcony in the style of Basque-French churches, its paintings dedicated to the work of the sea and its hanging boat, typical of maritime churches. And yes, what you see at the top of the building are dwellings.

Monument to Aita Mari

Aita Mari (José María Zubia) was a fisherman from Zumaia who lived in Donosti, and who on stormy days helped sailors arriving in San Sebastian to reach port safely. He could be said to have been one of the first people to carry out maritime rescue operations. Unfortunately, one night, while helping some colleagues during a gale, the sea claimed his life to compensate for all those he had saved. This monument honours his memory and thanks him for everything he did.

Basque Maritime Museum

As you would expect, a museum dedicated to the Basque maritime world had to be located in the port. This small museum hosts very interesting temporary exhibitions, always on maritime themes. The building formerly housed the Consulate of the Sea and was one of the few buildings outside the city walls.

Aquarium

San Sebastián has Spain’s oldest oceanographic museum. Opened in 1928, it was also Spain’s first museum dedicated to natural sciences. In addition to marine animals, you can visit its interesting permanent exhibition on the relationship between the Basques and the sea. Its enormous main aquarium is crossed by a glass tunnel where you can see all the animals and plants it houses perfectly. Ideal for visiting with children, or anyone who wants to learn.

Breakwaters

The port is enclosed by two arms from which you can enjoy some of the best views of the port and Urgull, as well as La Concha Bay. Sitting on the wall and breathing in the breeze with the beach in the background is one of the main pastimes in San Sebastian and something anyone can do.

Port festivities

The Carmen festivities, or Karmengo jaiak in Basque, are held around 16 July and are one of our favourite festivals in the city. The atmosphere is fantastic and there are dozens of activities planned for both adults and children, with something for everyone. It is an authentic festival, organised by the people of the port and the Old Town themselves, which helps to bring back memories of the days of La Jarana.