It is a great idea to explore the city with the tourist bus, as it provides a comprehensive and convenient tour of the city's most important landmarks and attractions. The accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility and the audio guide service in multiple languages make it an ideal option for all visitors.
Also, the option to get on and off the bus at different stops provides the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace, and the panoramic windows offer excellent views of the surroundings.
And it's great to know that guide dogs are also welcome on the bus, making it a comfortable and accessible option for everyone.
Entrance:
The standard admission fee is set at €12 for adults and €6 for children aged 5 to 12. Tickets can be bought through the website, at the tourist office located on Boulevard 8, and on the bus itself. During peak season, tickets can also be purchased at sales points located at the start of the routes (Reina Regente and Paseo de Salamanca). Please be sure to bring a printed copy of your voucher for presentation at the time of entry.
Unfortunately, there are no reductions for individuals with mobility issues.
Toilets:
The bus does not have restrooms.
Address and contact:
Julia Travel S.L República Argentina, 1 (in front of the Victoria Eugenia Theater) San Sebastián.
Telephone: (+34) 629650376
Email: customers-easy@city-tour.com
Web: https://sansebastian.city-tour.com/
San Telmo Museum
This museum, located in the historic district of San Sebastián, is the city's most prominent museum and the oldest in the entire Basque region. Founded in 1902, it houses a vast collection of ethnographic and fine art pieces, offering insight into the evolution of Basque society throughout history.
The museum's new headquarters was opened in 1932 and underwent renovations from 2007 to 2010 to expand exhibition space and accommodate individuals with reduced mobility. Today, the museum is largely accessible, with the exception of the viewpoint area and the remains of the crypt located in the church.
The museum has an elevator to access different floors, with a door width of 80 cm and interior dimensions of approximately 130 cm x 153 cm.
The museum is divided into two parts: the original San Telmo building and the new pavilion. In 2015, it was visited by around 122,000 people and continues to see an increase in visitor numbers each year.
Entrance:
The standard admission fee is €6, but is complimentary for individuals with disabilities or mobility issues and their accompanying carer.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with operating hours from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from November to March and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from April to October.
Admission is free to the public every Tuesday.
The museum is closed on January 1st and 20th and December 25th.
Toilets:
The museum has 4 accessible restrooms, located on the ground floor (2), first floor (1), and second floor (1).
The turning diameter in the bathrooms is 1.20 meters, and each toilet is equipped with grab bars on both sides (one foldable and one non-foldable). The transfer gap is more than 80 cm.
Accessibility:
The Museum is located in a pedestrian area, so it cannot be reached by private car, but nearby are the Boulevard and Okendo car parks, both of which have spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility.
Boulevard car park: Alameda del Boulevard 2 (ZIP 20003)
Okendo car park: Reina Regente 1 (ZIP 20003)
The museum has a parking area on Paseo Nuevo, a few meters away, so that the buses that come with groups to the museum can make a stop for a few minutes.
Bus:
Lines 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 21, 21 (among others) will leave you very close to the museum and they are all accessible.
Address and contact:
Zuloaga square 1. 20003 San Sebastián
Telephone (+34) 943481580
Email: santelmo@donostia.eus
Cristina Enea parkea
This park spans 94,960 square meters and is located in the Eguía neighborhood, adjacent to the Tabakalera building, and near the North Station. It is considered one of the most important parks in Spain and features an English-style garden. The park is surrounded by the Urumea River in its final stretch before flowing into the Cantabrian Sea.
The park was created by the Duke of Mandas, and upon his death, he donated it to the city council under the condition that it be maintained as a park and retain the name of Cristina Enea.
The park is accessible to individuals with reduced mobility, and in 2007, renovations were completed to further improve accessibility.
Trees and bushes were imported from Germany and Belgium, which increased the park's biodiversity. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, and two footbridges were established, the first in 2000 crossing the Urumea River and the second in 2009 connecting the park to the Riberas de Loiola neighborhood. This made it easier for more people to enjoy the park.
Whether you're in a wheelchair or not, this park is a unique place for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing moment. We highly recommend a visit.
Entrance:
The park has a free entrance and guided tours can be arranged. The entrance door measures 4 meters in width and the pavement is sturdy, slip-resistant, and free of architectural barriers. The park's paths have a width of 2 meters and feature accessible fountains for individuals with wheelchairs.
Within the park is the Cristina Enea Foundation building, which is open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. To access the information point, there is a ramp with double handrails that is 1.8 meters wide, however, the counter is not wheelchair accessible.
Toilets:
Inside the park we find an adapted toilet, it is a self-cleaning cabin.
Inside the foundation building there are two adapted toilets available, one for men and one for women, both have grab bars, the width of the door is 90 cm and the turning diameter is 1.5 m
Accessibility:
To access the park by public transport, you can get there by train, bus or taxi.
The RENFE station is only 500 meters away from the park
Some of the bus lines that leave you very close to the park are 24, 37, E15, E21
The closest bus stops to Parque Cristina Enea are:
Plaza Del Centenario, Frente Nº 6 is 212 meters away, 3 min walk.
Ehun Urteurrena/Centenario is 215 meters away, 3 min walk.
Riberas De Loiola 12-14 is 546 meters away, 8 min walk.
Mundaiz Bridge is 590 meters away, 8 min walk.
Address and contact:
Paseo Duque de Mandas 66. 20012 San Sebastián
Telephone (+34) 943453526
Email: Cristinaenea@donostia.eus
Good Shepherd of San Sebastián Cathedral
The Cathedral of San Sebastián is a neo-Gothic building that is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Inspired by the great German cathedrals, especially that of Cologne, it stands as the tallest religious structure in Gipuzkoa with its central tower reaching 75 meters in height. It serves as the seat of the diocese of San Sebastián, which is part of the archdiocese of Pamplona.
The cathedral has a capacity of 4,000 people and was officially inaugurated in 1897, although it wasn't declared a cathedral until 1953. It was designed by the architect Manuel de Echave, using sandstone from the Monte Igueldo quarries, and adorned with various decorative elements such as stained glass windows.
Interestingly, the cathedral served as a women's asylum and correctional prison for almost 100 years. Located near La Concha beach, it's an easy walk from the center of San Sebastián.
The cathedral features an entrance ramp for those with mobility issues, and once inside, the wide corridors and rooms make it easy for wheelchairs and people with mobility problems to circulate. The flooring is hard and slip-resistant for added safety.
Admission:
Admission to the cathedral is free and its operating hours are from Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is open during worship hours, and hours may vary on Constitution Day.
Restrooms:
The cathedral has two accessible restrooms, one for each gender, located on the side of the main nave. The clear passage area is 90 cm and the turning radius is 1.50 m. Both restrooms are equipped with a fixed grab bar for added convenience.
Accessibility:
To access the cathedral, the best way is by taking a walk, but it also has access by public bus and has parking for private cars.
Bus: Lines 5, 25, 40, 45 stop at San Martín street and lines 21, 26 and 28 stop at Urbieta street (both very close to the entrance to the cathedral) and all bus lines have a space reserved for people with reduced mobility, and from the bus stops to the cathedral you will not have a problem if you are in a wheelchair since there are no architectural barriers.
Private car: In the vicinity of the cathedral there are several spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility, and there are also 2 paid car parks with reserved spaces, Parking Buen Pastor and Parking San Martín (We recommend the one in San Martín since accessibility is much better.)
Address and contact:
Plaza Buen Pastor s/n San Sebastian 20006 Gipuzkoa
Telephone (+34) 943285000
Your Donostia-San Sebastian guide
San Sebastián, also known as Donostia in Basque, is located on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea in the Spanish Basque Country region, just 20 km from the French border. It serves as the capital of the province of Gipuzkoa and has both Spanish and Basque as its official languages. This city is well-known for various reasons, including its stunning La Concha beach with its long promenade, its world-renowned gastronomy that features numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, and its unique culture of bars and taverns, where visitors can sample the famous "Pintxos" skewers paired with local wine, known as chacolí.
San Sebastián is also recognized for its international film and jazz festivals, which have helped place the city on the world tourism map. Additionally, the city is highly accessible to individuals with mobility issues, as it is relatively flat and has well-designed public transportation, beaches, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings.
The population of San Sebastián is approximately 188,000, with the metropolitan area having a population of about 440,000. The city's main economic activities include trade and tourism, making it one of the most visited cities in Spain.
Donostia-San Sebastian Tourist office
In San Sebastián, there are two large tourist offices, one permanent and one seasonal, operating only during the summer.
Central office:
The central office is designed to accommodate tourists with disabilities, offering various accessible services such as an adapted counter, magnetic induction loop, Braille guide, and WhatsApp information service. The staff is trained in serving people with diverse needs and abilities, and they are fluent in multiple languages.
Visitors can seek assistance from the central office in booking accommodations and leisure activities, as well as obtaining the special "San Sebastián Card," which offers discounts on public transportation, museums, restaurants, and shops. The office also provides self-guided tours through a headset system, allowing travelers to explore the city's historic district at their leisure.
The central office's hours of operation are:
Summer (June 20th to September 30th): Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, holidays from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Winter (October 1st to June 19th): Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, holidays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Address and contact:
Alameda del Boulevard 8. 20003 Donostia / San Sebastián.
Telephone: (+34) 943481166
Email: sansebastianturismoa@donostia.eus
Summer office:
The summer office, although not as accessible as the main office, offers similar services and is staffed by individuals who are trained to serve people with disabilities and speak several languages.
Located across from the train station, the summer office is open from July 1st to September 30th, with the following hours of operation:
Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sundays from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Holidays from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Address and contact:
Paseo de Francia s/n (in front of the RENFE train station)
Telephone: (+34) 607187462
Email: sansebastianturismoa@donostia.eus
Transport
Airport:
San Sebastián Airport is located 20 km from the city center in Fuenterrabía, near the France-Spain border. It is a small airport that is served by airlines including Vueling, Iberia, Volotrea, Binter, and Air Nostrum, connecting San Sebastián to major European cities and several destinations within Spain.
The airport provides free assistance to passengers with disabilities and recommends arriving at least 2.5 hours before departure. To request assistance, passengers must notify the airline at the check-in counter or by using the information kiosks located throughout the airport. The airport has two main meeting points, one located outside the terminal on the departures sidewalk and the other inside the terminal lobby.
Passengers must provide information about their special needs when making their reservation at least 48 hours in advance. This service is free and can be requested through the Aena website, by calling (+34) 91 321 10 00, or by emailing sinbarreras@aena.es.
Please note that airlines may have restrictions on transporting mobility equipment. If you are traveling with your own electric wheelchair or motorbike, it is recommended to check with your airline in advance.
How to get from the airport to the center:
Bus:
However, if you have a mobility device such as a wheelchair, it is advisable to inform the company in advance so that they can ensure that the bus is equipped to accommodate your needs.
The bus stop is located just outside the terminal, and you can purchase your ticket from the driver or from the ticket vending machine at the stop.
It's important to note that the frequency of the buses may vary depending on the time of day and the season, so it's a good idea to check the schedule in advance to ensure that you can make the journey at a convenient time.
E21. Hondarribia - Airport - San Sebastián (Gipuzkoa square).
E23 and E28. Hondarribia - Irún - San Sebastián (Ibaeta, center and Amara).
E25. Hondarribia - Irún / Coast / Airport.
E27 and E77. Hondarribia - Irún - Rentería - San Sebastián (Gipuzkoa square). The E27 runs on weekends. The E77, on Friday and Saturday nights.
E50. Hondarribia - Anoeta (soccer stadium). Only in official league and cup matches.
E78. Hondarribia - Irun. Night, Saturdays all year and Fridays in July, August and September.
Taxi:
At the airport exit you will find the taxi stop, as in any airport, but we will provide you with the contact of a taxi company that has several vehicles adapted for people with reduced mobility. (We recommend contacting them so that they are prepared for your arrival)
The journey takes about 20 minutes to the center of San Sebastián and the price is about €30
Contact Donosti Taxi:
Aldapeta, 16 under. 20009- DONOSTIA
Telephone (+34) 943 46 46 46
Email: info@taxidonosti.com
Web: www.taxidonosti.com
Transportation within the city:
We provide a link to the transportation company's website, where you can find information about all the accessible metro, train, and tram stops. Most stops are accessible. Check the link here: https://www.euskotren.eus/en/train/accessibility
Train:
The North Station in San Sebastián or Donostia is fully accessible for people with reduced mobility. The station offers a free assistance service for people with disabilities or reduced mobility through Renfe ATENDO. The service is for those who require assistance during their trip and is only available for medium or long-distance routes. To avail this service, booking must be done when purchasing the ticket or at maximum 48 hours before the trip. You can book the service online through their website www.renfe.com, through the APP, or by calling (+34) 912140505.
The main entrance of the station has three automatic sliding doors without steps, each with a clear passage width of 1.7 meters. The radius of rotation within and outside the door is 2 meters. The station's hard pavement allows for easy maneuvering in a wheelchair, without any unevenness or bumps.
Once inside the station, you'll find ticket machines, an information desk, schedule information panels, screens displaying departure and arrival information, and access to the turnstiles that lead to the train platforms. Three of the turnstiles are wheelchair accessible, and the entire area is level. The station has an information desk, but it doesn't have a low counter. Additionally, there are several screens displaying departure and arrival information and two ticket vending machines that are accessible for people in wheelchairs.
The station has an adapted bathroom, but the key must be obtained from the ATENDO service. The door's free width is 0.90 meters, and the toilet measures 1.85 meters deep and 1.85 meters wide. The turning radius inside the toilet is less than 1.50 meters and transfer can only be made from one side. It has two folding bars, one on each side.
Address and contact:
Paseo de Francia, 22. 20012 San Sebastian - Gipuzkoa
The San Sebastián metro, commonly known as "TOPO," provides metro service within the city of San Sebastián, as well as to other towns in the province and Hendaye. The TOPO covers approximately 30 km, with a mix of underground and surface sections.
The D-Bus company's urban buses in San Sebastián are accessible to individuals with mobility issues. The buses have a low floor for easy boarding and disembarking, and the entire fleet is equipped with ramps for individuals using wheelchairs or walkers.
Green seats are reserved for individuals with reduced mobility, including the elderly, people with permanent or temporary mobility difficulties due to physical injuries, and pregnant women. These seats are distinguishable from the blue seats used by other passengers.
Both buses and minibuses have designated areas for individuals in wheelchairs, equipped with seat belts and a machine for validating cards, allowing individuals to remain in their wheelchairs while paying for their trip.
Taxi:
Not all taxi companies in San Sebastián have accessible vehicles. However, we can provide the contact information for a taxi company that offers several vehicles adapted for individuals with reduced mobility. (It is recommended to contact them in advance for their services.)
Contact Donosti Taxi:
Aldapeta, 16 under. 20009- DONOSTIA
Telephone (+34) 943 46 46 46
Email: info@taxidonosti.com
Web: www.taxidonosti.com
Adapted beaches
La Concha Beach:
La Concha beach is a must-see destination when visiting San Sebastián. This stunning beach, located in the heart of the city, offers breathtaking views, with the island of Santa Clara situated in the center of the bay, surrounded by the Urgull and Igueldo mountains.
It's worth noting that the beach is accessible for people with mobility issues and has various services that will be discussed later.
The beach is approximately 1300 meters long and its width varies significantly depending on the tide.
Access to the beach is facilitated by wooden walkways, although these do not extend into the water. For people with mobility issues who want to swim, there is a beach aid service that allows access to the water through the use of an "amphibious vehicle." With the help of one or two monitors, individuals can move around both on the sand and in the water.
To use this service, you can book directly with the monitors on the beach or by calling (+34) 662387008 in advance (reservations made by phone will be given priority), but please note that reservations cannot be made more than one week ahead.
This service is available from June 15th to September 30th, from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Finally, we want to highlight some of the many services offered by La Concha beach:
Assisted bathroom service for people with reduced mobility and/or disabilities.
Canoe rental.
Public toilets (3 of them adapted for people with mobility problems)
Showers (62 showers in total, 1 of them for people with reduced mobility)
changing rooms
Sources.
Bar-chiringuito.
Awning rental.
Rental of shower towels.
megaphone.
Nearby parking reserved for PRM.
Lifeguard and surveillance service.
Sports facilities, beach volleyball…
Transport to La Concha:
Train:
The San Sebastián train station is located approximately a 10-minute walk (or roll) away, approximately 900 meters from La Concha beach. The journey is fully accessible for those with wheelchairs.
Bus:
Lines 5, 16, 18, 25, 33, 40, and 45 have stops near La Concha beach, and all of them are accessible for individuals with mobility limitations.
Private car:
There are designated parking spots for individuals with reduced mobility around La Concha beach. If you have a blue European parking card, you can park in the PRM marked spaces on the street for free, for an unlimited time.
There are also several private parking lots in the area with reserved spots for individuals with reduced mobility.
Ondarreta Beach:
This beach is accessible for individuals with mobility limitations, thanks to its access ramps. However, it does not offer bathroom assistance and the walkway does not extend to the water's edge.
Located to the west of the city, at the base of Mount Igueldo and directly in front of the Miramar Palace, Ondarreta Beach offers a family-friendly atmosphere. Although it is not as well-known as La Concha, it still provides several services such as:
Children's playground in the sand itself.
2 bars-chiringuitos.
Canoe rental services.
Public toilets (11 in total, 1 of them adapted for people with reduced mobility)
changing rooms
Showers (32 showers, 1 of them accessible to people with reduced mobility.)
Sources.
Box office.
Shower towel rental service.
Lifeguard and surveillance service. (From June 1 to September 30)
Rental of awnings, umbrellas and tents.
Sports facilities, etc.
Transport to Ondarreta:
Bus:
Lines 5, 16, 18, 25, 33, 40, and 45 have stops very close to Ondarreta beach and all of them are accessible to people with mobility problems.
Private car:
In the surroundings of Ondarreta there are places reserved for people with reduced mobility.
If you have the blue European parking card you can park in the spaces marked as PRM on the street at no cost and all day.
There are also several private car parks in the area that have parking spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility.
Zurriola Beach:
Located in the Gros neighborhood, between the Kursaal and Monte Ulía buildings, Zurriola Beach is the most bustling and surf-oriented beach in San Sebastián. After its renovation, it has become a popular destination for surfers and young people from around the world.
Many championships and courses in surfing, volleyball, soccer, and shoveling are held at Zurriola.
The beach is accessible and provides lifeguard services, but does not offer bathroom assistance. Similar to the other two beaches mentioned, Zurriola Beach also has several services available, such as:
Public bathrooms: (it has 4 bathrooms, 1 of them accessible to people with mobility problems.
Showers (it has 24 showers, 1 of them for people with reduced mobility.
box office
Shower towel rental service
Lifeguard service (from June 1 to September 30)
Transport to Zurriola:
Bus:
Lines 17, 29, 31 and 40, among others, have stops very close to Zurriola beach and all of them are accessible to people with mobility problems.
Private car:
Around Zurriola beach there are places reserved for people with reduced mobility
If you have the blue European parking card you can park in the spaces marked as PRM on the street at no cost and all day.
There are also several private car parks in the area that have parking spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility.
Neighborhoods / Areas
San Sebastián is renowned for its exceptional cuisine, with pintxos being one of its most iconic dishes. A visit to the city is not complete without taking a tour of the old town to sample some of these culinary creations.
It's worth noting that most of the streets in the old town are pedestrianized and wheelchair accessible, with few architectural barriers. However, not all of the establishments are accessible for individuals with reduced mobility, as some may have uneven surfaces, stairs, narrow spaces, or lack accessible toilets.
For those unfamiliar with pintxos, they are bite-sized appetizers. There is a wide variety available, both hot and cold, and they are often served on a slice of bread (but not always). They are usually displayed at the bar, and customers can select from the options presented. They are typically served on a toothpick.
The process is straightforward: once inside the establishment, you grab a plate and select the pintxos you want. Leave the toothpicks on your plate, which signals to the waiters how many pintxos you have consumed and helps determine your final bill.
It's important to note that pintxos are not cheap. In addition to the cost of the pintxos, the price of a drink must also be taken into account (chacolí wine is a popular choice, but there is no set standard).
Below, we have compiled a short list of important and accessible establishments located in the old town:
Beti Jai:
Beti Jai is a classic establishment that has undergone a recent renovation and is well-known for its intricate pintxos and high-end cuisine.
This place is often visited by tourists, and while prices are not budget-friendly, you can be sure that you'll have a delicious meal.
At Beti Jai, you'll find a diverse selection of both hot and cold pintxos.
We have already mentioned the Urola Restaurant in our list of restaurants, but it also has a snack area that is accessible for people with mobility issues. This bar is a must-visit and is accessible to those with mobility problems. (We highly recommend trying).
This is one of the essentials, well known by the people of San Sebastián and recognized by the best gastronomic critics.
It is not easy to access, mainly because it is always full... If you are lucky you will be able to find a place at one of its outdoor tables and what we recommend the most is its razor clams or grilled foie.
Address: Calle 31 de Agosto, 28 rear. Saint Sebastian.
La Espiga:
This place is a bit far from the others that we have mentioned, but we wanted to propose it to you anyway, it is a family-owned place that opened in 1928, where we can find a wide variety of pintxos, what's more, some local will tell you that the pintxos were invented in the Espiga (we cannot confirm it).
If we have to recommend a pintxo to you, we would undoubtedly say "La chorrea" this skewer is made up of egg, ham and cheese, hot, another simple pintxo, but incredibly good is its spanish omelette skewer.
Kokotxa restaurant opened its doors in 2002 and received its first Michelin star within just five years. Located in the heart of the historic district of San Sebastián, it is situated near the Basilica of Santa Maria, the Puerto Marino, and La Concha beach.
The restaurant offers bold Basque cuisine with a focus on seafood.
Please note that the restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays and is open for both lunch and dinner on other days. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance.
While the restaurant does not have its own private parking, there are two close by that have spaces reserved for individuals with reduced mobility. Additionally, the restaurant is accessible for people with mobility issues and has facilities for wheelchairs.
Address and contact:
Calle Campanario 11. 20003 San Sebastián Gipuzkoa
Telephone: (+34) 943421904
Casa Urola Restaurant: https://casaurolajatetxea.es/
This restaurant located in the old part of San Sebastian, founded in 1956 and run by chef Pablo Loureiro Rodil, offers traditional Basque food, based on grilled meats, but also offers a wide selection of hot and cold skewers “Pintxos” that we highly recommend.
It is important to note that reservations are recommended, especially during peak times, as the restaurant is quite popular and the demand for its services is high.
In terms of accessibility, the restaurant is located in an old building with some architectural barriers, but it has made an effort to be accessible to people with reduced mobility. The entrance and some areas inside the restaurant have been adapted to make it easier for people in wheelchairs to access and move around.
In addition, they offer a range of traditional dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds, and their extensive wine list makes it easy to find the perfect pairing for your meal. So, if you're looking for a restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that serves delicious Basque cuisine, be sure to check out Casa Urola.
Address and contact:
Calle Fermin Calbetón 20. 20003 San Sebastian Gipuzkoa
This restaurant is located on the right bank of the Urumea River, near the Kursaal Congress Center. We can say that it is a modern restaurant, but with rustic touches that make it a warm and friendly place.
Its chef Gustavo Fioseco offers us Basque cuisine, but with modern touches. We highly recommend his rice dishes, but you will also love his fish and meat... All this paired with one of the many wines that you can find on his menu.
We strongly recommend contacting in advance to reserve. (Monday and Tuesday it is closed, the rest of the week it is open for both lunch and dinner)
The restaurant is adapted for people with reduced mobility and wheelchairs.
