Zurriola beach is slightly off the radar, or at least as much off the radar as one of a city’s three beaches can be. The only tourists that typically venture over are of the surfing persuasion, and sitting to watch the sunset on the wall that borders the beach. Surf lessons are available from the stores that line the promenade. It’s the locals’ spot for hanging out, and the one beach that you should spend your days on if you are slumming in San Sebastián.
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San Sebastián's Slightly Secret Beach
Zurriola beach is slightly off the radar, or at least as much off the radar as one of a city’s three beaches can be. The only tourists that typically venture over are of the surfing persuasion, and sitting to watch the sunset on the wall that borders the beach. Surf lessons are available from the stores that line the promenade. It’s the locals’ spot for hanging out, and the one beach that you should spend your days on if you are slumming in San Sebastián.
Jazz on the Beach
Take a lovely cityside beach and combine it with a free festival stage featuring jazz greats, and you have the recipe for a world-famous festival, right? Well, only in understated San Sebastián is this still a relatively well-kept secret. For those visiting in late July, Jazzaldia is one of the city’s most beloved festivals, in part because it’s so democratic. Jazz, at any hour. Jazz, on various stages. Only the most private and privileged spots charge an entry fee. The shows on the Zurriola Beach, which have hosted everyone from Gloria Gaynor to Jackson Browne to James Vincent McMorrow, are free, along with side stages featuring less famous but equally fascinating jazz groups. So tuck into a Heineken (the famous brewing company sponsors of the festival, so the beer is everywhere) and lay out your picnic blanket to watch the sunset and hear some jazz.
