Playa de La Zurriola (Zurriola Beach), San Sebastian

Playa de La Zurriola (Zurriola Beach), San Sebastian

Located in the Gros district of San Sebastian, the Zurriola Beach is a lively and energetic surfing spot that attracts both local and international surfers. The beach stretches for 800 meters and is a hub for beach activity, including surfing competitions, daily surf classes, volleyball, football, and beach tennis.

The beach is situated on the other side of Monte Urgull and is different from the more famous La Concha Beach as it is a surfer's paradise, with waves that can reach up to 1.5 feet on a regular day. The best time to visit Zurriola Beach for surfing is during the fall and winter months when the waves reach their maximum height of 5 to 6 feet.

For those who are not interested in surfing, Zurriola Beach still has plenty to offer. There is ample space to stretch your legs and enjoy the sun, and the beach is entirely safe for swimming. However, due to the high number of surfers, the area of the beach dedicated to swimming may feel small compared to La Concha.

Zurriola Beach is also an excellent location for hillwalking, with Monte Ulía, a green area, only a moment's walk from the city centre. The hillwalking route follows part of the coastal route on the Way of Saint James and offers stunning sea views and relaxing spots along the way.

Crowning the easternmost end of the promenade is the Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium, a symbol of new modern architecture designed by Rafael Moneo. The building is the hub of San Sebastian's major festivals and cultural and congress activity.

Zurriola Beach is free and open 24 hours a day, but it's best to arrive early in the day to avoid crowded waters. Travelers who visited Zurriola's sands or rode its waves reported having a good time. Surfers complimented the conditions and recommended renting a board at one of the many nearby surf shops. Visitors can find Zurriola Beach in Gros, just across the Urumea River from Parte Vieja. Always swim when a lifeguard is present and don't venture too close to the water at night.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Sebastian. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Playa de La Zurriola (Zurriola Beach) on Map

Sight Name: Playa de La Zurriola (Zurriola Beach)
Sight Location: San Sebastian, Spain (See walking tours in San Sebastian)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in San Sebastian, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in San Sebastian

Create Your Own Walk in San Sebastian

Creating your own self-guided walk in San Sebastian is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Mount Urgull Walking Tour

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Mount Urgull is a promontory stretching out at the eastern end of La Concha Bay, surrounded by water on all sides, except the one linking it to the Old Town of San Sebastian. Historically, this mount, rising 123 meters above sea level, served as a strategic defense point for the city, attesting to which now are the remnants of old fortifications with cannons still in place.

From its elevated...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
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San Sebastian has long been well-known as a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful crescent-shaped urban beach, delicious Basque cuisine, and lively nightlife. The scenic La Concha Bay is like a perfectly shaped spa sitting beside the city.

Named after the monastery of San Sebastian, the city traces its history back to 1181, when the King of Navarre, Sancho VI Garces, granted the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles