SAN SEBASTIÁN
Plans for families
Plans for families
If you need some good ideas, here are some suggestions that you will love and with which you will create good family memories. We suggest the best family plans to do with your children in San Sebastian.
A walk through the city
The skeleton of the great whale, the tunnel through the oceanarium or ending the visit by touching the fish are irresistible temptations for children.
*We also offer a 10% discount for the aquarium when you stay with us; ask for it at our reception!
In front of the Town Hall and next to the Concha Bay, these gardens have swings, slides and even a ‘Belle Epoque’ style merry-go-round, all surrounded by Tamarinds, the most representative tree in Donostia. All surrounded by Tamarinds, the most representative tree in Donostia,
You can reach the park by bike along the cycle path!
Located in a strategic place, between the Alderdi Eder gardens and La Concha beach.
This merry-go-round will undoubtedly attract the attention of the youngest members of the family, but also the older ones, and it is well worth visiting and contemplating every detail: Little horses, aeroplanes, dolphins, cars, swans, carriages, tigers and giraffes… in the purest Belle Époque style fill the two heights of this merry-go-round.
Under the hand-painted ceiling there are representations of paintings by such famous painters as Van Gogh, Gauguin, Lautrec, Vallotton, Monet, Cezanne, Picasso and Degas… and on the top a beautiful little horse watches over the city.
Formed by a network of pedestrian streets full of restaurants and small shops, the Old Quarter is the busiest area of Donostia. Located at the foot of Mount Urgull, you can visit the Basilica of Santa María del Coro and the church of San Vicente, as well as the Plaza de la Constitución, the nerve centre of the area. It is well worth wandering through the narrow streets of the Parte Vieja (Old Part) while you enjoy some pintxos (tapas).
Although the most typical thing to do is to go from bar to bar, travelling with children is not always the easiest and most comfortable thing to do, so if you find a bar full of pintxos that you fancy, stay there and try them all until you can’t go any further!
Varied offer of vegetables, salads, meat and fish, as well as a selection of the most exquisite wines.
Informal bar from 1959 with wines from the region, famous for its tapas and burnt cheesecake.
The best market cuisine, a close and familiar attention, a charming corner, an elegant setting and make every day unforgettable.
International cuisine based on local and seasonal produce, with jazz, soul and blues as the soundtrack.
Handmade pintxos, portions, brochettes, salads, and much more, with a clear philosophy: ‘everything is homemade’.
Small and humble traditional tavern in the old town with a raised area, known for its sandwiches.
Cosy tavern, serving sandwiches, sharing plates and traditional tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette).
Basque cuisine, but updated to take into account the taste memory of our people and the surrounding area.
See how our ancestors used to dress or work, sit in the old seats of the Victoria Eugenia or put together the puzzle of whale fishing are some of the things children can do in San Telmo.
Traditional Basque restaurant specialising in seafood and fresh fish.
La Rampa offers not only the best fish and seafood, but also a friendly and close attention, thanks to a magnificent team of people, who take care of each customer with care, to make them feel at home.
One of the most A M A Z I N G green areas in Donostia, with an area of 29,037 square metres, are the gardens of the Miramar Palace. Here you will also find the Miramar Palace building, which is sure to remind you of English country houses. Thanks to its location, you can enjoy a marvellous view of La Concha and Ondarreta beaches. For centuries, members of the Spanish royal family have strolled through these gardens, and now it is your turn. Strolling and exploring the garden and the paths surrounding the palace will have its reward, as there you will find one of the treasures that the garden holds and that you will surely want to get your hands on: a large crown! To access these gardens, you can do so from the Antiguo neighbourhood or from the Paseo de Miraconcha.
The Wind Comb is one of Eduardo Chillida’s best-known sculptures. Located at the end of Ondarreta beach, three large steel sculptures jut out over the rocks of the Bay of Biscay, combing the wind in this place where it usually blows strongly.
Getting there involves a pleasant stroll and the chance to listen to the waves and the wind blowing through the rocks.
Be careful when the accesses to the Peine del Viento and the Paseo Nuevo are closed due to the storm. The beautiful promenade can become a dangerous area where the most reckless can get a scare due to the strong waves caused by the storm.
Txu txu, explorers on the train! Are you ready to discover Donostia with children in a different way? Your family will visit the most beautiful places in the city, it will be another way to explore it! Starting from the Old Town, you will pass by the Concha Bay, see the island of Santa Clara, Mount Urgull, the Miramar Palace, the Buen Pastor Cathedral, the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, among other wonders that the city has to offer. Besides, the children will love it and they are sure to say hello to the people on the pavements.
Huge scoops, natural ice cream, all kinds, even for coeliacs! Plus great prices and new products that they are bringing in little by little, such as milkshakes.
Mountains in Donostia
It is worth a trip on the centenary funicular to the top, where we will find one of the most spectacular views of the city. There is the amusement park, a magical and fun place for children, with numerous attractions that will make us spend a pleasant day.
This mountain, due to its privileged location, is one of the most frequented in the city, and the Castillo de la Mota, crowned by the Sacred Heart, is the only point in Donostia from where you can see the three beaches. The Batería de las Damas and the Baluarte del Mirador are other places not to be missed. Everything in Urgull is full of charm and history.
In the following link we propose an activity to do with children and discover Mount Urgull; Inform you of the schedule that has the museum of the House of History. Depending on the time of the year it will have a different schedule. Look for special activities or workshops for children:
It is the largest green space in the city. It is worth walking its trails, enjoying nature. Also discover the watchtowers from where the sailors used to watch the whales, visit the Peña del Ballenero, and see the building known as “el Molino”.
Ulía is always a highly recommended walk and becomes a real adventure! At the top we find picnic areas, the picnic area, the Ulía Interpretation Center and a large playground where you can spend a pleasant time with the family:
A day at the island
We propose you the plan to spend an unforgettable day on the island of Santa Clara.
A nice excursion to do with family and friends. Remember to bring your picnic baskets, swimsuits, sunscreen…
To get there you have to take the “Aitona Julian”, a real adventure. You will feel like pirates sailing the bay of San Sebastian.
When you disembark, we recommend you to go up to the highest part of the island in search of the campsites with picnic tables and take a walk to the lighthouse. Did you know that many years ago the plague patients were transferred to the island to avoid catching the plague ?
It’s time for a swim! If you are lucky and you get a day of low tide you will enjoy the small beach of the island, how beautiful!
There is also a swimming pool that will allow you to have a lot of fun.
It’s time to go back and even if you are very sad, the return trip in the motorboat at sunset is a whole other experience. The island of Santa Clara is a magical place to which we always want to return.
Parks in Donostia
Donostia’s parks are, without a doubt, one of our greatest treasures. Can there be a better plan than enjoying these green lungs of the city with the family? Confess it, because we all have our favorite. The one where we used to run when we were kids, the one we visited with our first love, and of course… the one we like to take our kids to.
We can visit the gardens surrounding the palace and approach the pond. It also has a children’s play area and a magnificent library.
In the Aiete Cultural Center are located the House of Peace and Human Rights.
Cristina Enea Park is the largest park in the city and is home to many species of trees and flowers. It has a large playground in the lower part and in the upper part you can enjoy the ducks and peacocks.
Don’t forget to stop by the Environmental Resource Center!
Hiking in nature
The nearby Jaizkibel mountain makes for a fun excursion with children. Discovering the ruins of the towers and meeting the pottokas that inhabit this area will make the little ones enjoy being in contact with nature. In Guadalupe we can visit the Hermitage and there is a nice picnic area.
We propose you to discover the origins of Euskadi through its most important caves, both those of natural origin and those dug by man for the exploitation of its minerals. The adventure begins in the Arditurri Mines. Entering these mines is an unusual experience. The engineer Juan Guillermo Thalacker wrote in 1803: “Four hundred men working for two hundred years would not have been enough to drill all these galleries”. This sentence gives an idea of the magnitude and uniqueness of the Arditurri mining area. The walk takes place in a magical atmosphere created by the light and sound effects that have been installed in the tunnels. The mining area is accessible both on foot and by bicycle.
Gipuzkoa offers you the possibility to explore the planet’s past and delve into its mysteries, through the Flysch Route or the Karst Route. Our coast is also a perfect destination to enjoy nature and to discover the local culture, traditions and Basque gastronomy. The little ones can enjoy the various activities of the geopark: boat tours, walks along the cliffs, visits to the interpretation centers, trekking, geotours… You choose!
At the foot of Txindoki, one of the most emblematic mountains of Gipuzkoa, you will find an adventure park for children, young people, friends and families to have a great time. An activity with different circuits that offer an experience adapted to the level, age and needs of each one. In the surroundings there are also other activities for the whole family, such as a visit to Topic, the puppet museum (in the center of Tolosa), or a walk through Altzo to learn about the legend of its giant.
Visit a museum
It is always a great plan to visit Eureka! Zientzia Museoa and enjoy everything it has to offer to the whole family. An interactive museum where information is presented in an attractive way, with a new style of communication through the manipulation of objects and experiments. Eureka! Zientzia Museoa has a permanent exhibition divided into 8 thematic rooms, a stimulating environment for participation in activities related to the world of science and technology. Among them, there is a room dedicated to life and the human body, 172 interactive modules and a digital planetarium with an extensive billboard. In addition, we will immerse ourselves in the world of virtual reality in the simulator room.This fall we highlight the following activities to top off the experience a weekend at the museum:
Guided tours in the Animalia room, a space for all ages where a specialized monitor will show us first hand, the different ecosystems and animals that inhabit them.
Technological family workshops with robotics and programming using LEGO materials in the Logik Room.
A varied billboard in the digital Planetarium, designed for families and connoisseurs of astronomy, a place where you can take trips through the Solar System with a full dome.
A Maxflight flight deck and the latest virtual reality simulators, and don’t forget to ride our Roller Coasters!An attraction for families and young people that transports visitors to a world of sensations.
Science shows and animations with museum admission.
The Basque Railway Museum of Azpeitia offers an unforgettable journey: a ten-kilometer ride to the old Lasao station on a centenary train, towed by a steam locomotive, through spectacular landscapes.
Get on board and enjoy a unique experience with your family.
In the middle of Pasaia Bay, a good idea is to cross by boat from Pasai Donibane to the neighboring Pasai San Pedro and visit Albaola, a shipyard of traditional Basque boats. Here, craftsmen work live, in front of the public, in the construction of a replica of the whaler San Juan, a galleon of the sixteenth century. At the Albaola Factory we can dress in the same skins that protected the whalers, and listen to the story of these great maritime odysseys in the New World.
33 kilometers from San Sebastian, in the town of Zestoa, is one of the best Paleolithic treasures in the Basque Country. It may not have the fame of the Altamira Cave, but just over half an hour from Donosti is the Ekain Cave, which houses cave paintings, more than 14,000 years old, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At present, as in Altamira, the original cave cannot be visited for conservation reasons, but a few steps away they have created a reproduction that is very faithful and well worth a visit.
The Ekain cave has 70 animal figures, of which 64 were painted and six were engraved. The horse is the most represented figure, but there are also bears, some deer and some painted fish.
To see the replica of the Ekain cave, there are two types of entrance:
- Ekain Fast: lasts about an hour and only includes the guided tour of the replica and the free visit to the small museum next to it. Price: 6€ for adults and 5€ for students, teachers, pensioners and children from 6 years old. Children under 6 years old are free.
- Ekain Aventura: lasts about two hours and if you go with children is the one I recommend to take, because in addition to the guided tour of the replica and the free visit to the museum, includes a workshop in which you learn how they made fire, hunted and painted in the caves during Prehistory. Price: 8€ for adults and 7€ for students, teachers, pensioners and children from 6 years old. Children under 6 years old, free.
The Chillida Leku Museum, in Hernani, Guipuzcoa, is a large open-air space. Consisting of gardens and woods that are located next to a farmhouse, it contains much of the work of sculptor Eduardo Chillida.
Every Sunday we offer the possibility of visiting the museum in a playful and fun way with the help of our team of educators. Children accompanied by an adult will be able to touch the sculptures and get inside the spaces designed by Chillida and discover his unlimited universe of forms.
Sail aboard a sailboat with Náutica Probanza
Probanza Nautical School in Donostia-San Sebastian with boats in Getaria.
If what you want is an excursion or a boat trip, choose the experience you like the most and enjoy sailing. Flysch route, full day sailing, half day sailing trip or even a spectacular sunset.
Markets
Visiting the magnificent markets of Gipuzkoa is one of the best plans that can be done with the family, taking advantage of the opportunity to learn about and consume local products. Buy vegetables directly from the local farmers and ask them how they grow them, choose honey, Idiazabal cheese, enjoy seasonal products such as apples and all its elaborations… A perfect excuse to teach children the value of good food and local produce.
It is considered one of the most typical of Euskadi and occupies three different scenarios: in the enclosure of the Tinglado (or Zerkausia) are sold the most representative local products of the area, the Plaza Verdura hosts a market of flowers and plants, and in the Plaza Euskal Herria are put on sale foreign products and textiles. You can visit it on Saturday morning.
Ordizia hosts one of the oldest markets in Spain, since it has been operating continuously since 1512. It is a huge market that brings together more than 40 producers offering the best seasonal produce: vegetables, fruits, mushrooms… and even flowers. You can see it on Wednesday morning.
In Azpeitia the baserritarras (local producers) are in luck as they have a new place to celebrate their traditional market. In the same place is located Elikagunea, a store selling exclusively local products, which come from 150 km around. With space for training, cooking, tasting and Basque Label butchery. When: Tuesday morning/Friday afternoon in Azpeitia and Saturday morning in Azkoitia.
Restaurants for families
It is one of the best known cider houses in Gipuzkoa and is very well prepared for children, although I would highlight the summer period to go with the family. They have a nursery but only in summer and on Sundays at lunchtime. However, they have workshops and family activities around the elaboration of cider that include food.
Tedone offers a series of totally vegetarian dishes as well as other mixed dishes, fish and smoked fish will change according to the season. All dishes are Gluten and lactose free, we try to make sure that vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike can come. Healthy and tasty dishes. Between 40-50% of all the ingredients that make up this menu are organic, ecological, non transgenic and / or integral. We try to contribute to the diffusion of organic food, our dining room is warm and romantic, quiet and pedestrian terrace. Attention with empathy. Just as we still believe that it is possible to be a better person in a better world, it is also possible to have better food. Tedone….oasis of taste and Love.”
Rations and sandwiches served in a bar with dark wood details and terrace facing a square.
La Bodega Donostiarra offers a bar of pintxos prepared at the moment in a simple and traditional way.
From the classics created in our premises, such as the Indurain and the mini completo, to the most current ones such as seasonal pintxos and grilled skewers. All of them are part of the gastronomic heritage of San Sebastian.
Txuleton de viejo, octopus, provolone and more… All grilled!
Indoor nursery with caretaker for the most youngest ones.
Bar, restaurant and terrace, all in one, to enjoy a cuisine specialized in meat: beef tartar, sirloin steak, hip steak or zancarrón are some of the specialties of the house. The good work of the kitchen team can also be enjoyed in the form of snacks, thanks to an elaborate menu of pintxos.
Xiri Donosti is a Bar-Restaurant, a Gastrobar, a bistro. A gastronomic space born for art, for the art of good eating and drinking.
Pintxos, portions, traditional cuisine.
Specialists in Jabugo ham, loin, sausages and top quality cheeses.
Our codfish omelette, a safe bet. Sandwiches and all our menu, also to take away. Birthplace of Gilda. Since 1942.
Since it was founded in 1992, one of the main tasks of the Araeta cider house has been the own and family production of cider, following step by step the traditional method, from the reception of the apple, through the pressing, to the bottling, thanks to 40,000 m2 of own land of apple trees.
Araeta cider maker has been in full operation until December 2013, now, after a short period of reform, it reopened its doors to start a new stage.
More than 20 years ago we started with the Zelai Txiki restaurant in a centenary farmhouse at the foot of Ulía, in San Sebastián. After ten years of intense work we decided to take a break to have and take care of our family, time that we also took advantage of to improve professionally. Today, we continue the project keeping the essence of what we were…
“We have always thought that the main protagonist is the raw material and that our task in the kitchen should be not to spoil it”.
– Juan Carlos & Eva –
Txitxardin is a restaurant where you can enjoy a menu of traditional cuisine, gourmet and with the embers as a common thread. a rotisserie of our time.
In addition, for those who want to delve a little deeper into our cuisine we offer two tasting menus:
“Tradition” consisting of appetizer with our humada butter, 4 courses, dessert and mignardises.
“To play” a tour of what our Chef would eat if he sat at the table. The best products extolled from the tradition and the grill. Depending on the market and our Chef will be between 8 and 10 elaborations.
We also have an executive menu at noon from Monday to Friday (except on holidays and summer months).
