San Sebastian Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Spain at the incredible port of San Sebastian! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, San Sebastian boasts an impressive 8 ferry routes operated by 2 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from San Sebastian, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

San Sebastian offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Los Cristianos - San Sebastian, Santa Cruz - San Sebastian, Valle Gran Rey - San Sebastian. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from San Sebastian. You'll find companies like Fred. Olsen Express, Naviera Armas ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with San Sebastian.

San Sebastian is well-connected to major transport networks throughout northern Spain and southern France. Travelers can reach the city by train from Madrid (approximately 5.5 hours) or Barcelona (about 5 hours), with the RENFE network offering regular services. By road, San Sebastian sits just 20km from the French border, with the A-8 highway connecting to Bilbao (100km west) in about an hour. The nearest major airports are Bilbao Airport (100km) and Biarritz Airport in France (40km), both offering shuttle connections to San Sebastian. For those arriving by car, several parking facilities are available near the ferry terminal, though booking in advance during summer months is recommended.

Nestled along the stunning Bay of Biscay in Spain's Basque Country, San Sebastian (Donostia) offers an irresistible blend of golden beaches, world-class cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. This elegant coastal city seamlessly combines Belle Époque architecture with a vibrant modern atmosphere. Arriving by ferry to San Sebastian places you directly in one of Europe's most beautiful seaside settings, where the rhythms of Basque culture and the gentle lapping of waves create an unforgettable backdrop for your visit.

San Sebastian enjoys a mild oceanic climate, with temperatures rarely dipping below 8°C in winter or exceeding 25°C in summer. The prime visiting period runs from June through September, when warm temperatures and relatively low rainfall create perfect conditions for enjoying the city's famous beaches. July and August bring the International Film Festival and Semana Grande festival, filling the city with cultural events and celebrations. May and October offer excellent value with fewer crowds yet pleasant weather for exploring. Ferry services maintain regular schedules year-round, though summer months see increased frequency and additional routes to accommodate seasonal demand.

San Sebastian serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Bay of Biscay and beyond by ferry. The picturesque fishing village of Hondarribia lies just 20 minutes east by ferry, offering medieval charm and exceptional seafood restaurants. Further along the coast, Bilbao can be reached in under 2 hours, providing access to the iconic Guggenheim Museum and vibrant Old Quarter. For those seeking island adventures, ferry services connect to the stunning Isla Santa Clara in the middle of La Concha Bay in just 10 minutes, offering panoramic views of the city's coastline. The scenic coastal route to France opens up possibilities for day trips to elegant Biarritz or the charming fishing port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

San Sebastian's La Concha Beach ranks among Europe's most beautiful urban beaches, with its perfect crescent shape framed by mountains and elegant promenades. The city's Old Town (Parte Vieja) buzzes with pintxo bars where you can sample the region's renowned culinary creations – San Sebastian boasts more Michelin stars per square meter than almost anywhere else in the world. Mount Urgull offers panoramic views after a leisurely 30-minute hike from the harbor, while the atmospheric fishing quarter of Gros provides a more local feel with excellent surfing at Zurriola Beach. Don't miss a stroll along Paseo Nuevo, where waves crash dramatically against the seawall during high tide, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle.

While today San Sebastian exudes elegance, it was actually completely rebuilt after being destroyed in an 1813 siege during the Napoleonic Wars, with only a single street (31 de Agosto) surviving the devastation. The city's famous La Concha Beach was a favorite bathing spot of Queen Isabella II in the 19th century, establishing San Sebastian as Spain's royal summer resort and earning it the nickname 'the Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea.' Despite its modest size, San Sebastian's culinary prowess is extraordinary – the city holds a total of 18 Michelin stars across just 11 restaurants, making it one of the world's most concentrated gastronomic powerhouses.