Destination guide for San Sebastian

The downside of San Sebastian is its 200 days of rain a year – but June and September are generally dry, warm and not as jam-packed as July and August (when hotels are filled to the brim).

Book well in advance for the third week of September, however, when the city fills up for Spain’s biggest film festival.

The rainiest months are January, April and November.

There are several flights from the UK to San Sebastian, with some operating seasonal flights between spring and autumn only. City buses E20, E21, E27 and E77 link the city’s small airport with Plaza Gipuzkoa – the drive in takes about half an hour. Taxis and car hire are readily available.

Far more flights land in Bilbao’s airport, just over an hour’s drive away, and linked directly to San Sebastian by Donostiako Autobus Geltokia bus DO50B.

The city is compact, so for the most part you won’t need a bus (although No. 33 from the historic centre will take you within a 10-minute walk of the Monte Igueldo funicular). Taxis can usually be found at taxi stands in key spots.

Hire a bike to explore the 12km seafront cycle path, looping around the mountains. Driving here isn’t difficult, but finding parking in the centre can be.

If you can bag a room with a sea view over La Concha beach, snap it up – not only for the mesmerizing views, but to be in easy walking distance of all the beaches, bars and restaurants.

For something more relaxed, look at Gros, the younger, laid-back and less-touristy neighbourhood just to the east, overlooking wave-pummelled Zurriola Beach and its wetsuited surfers.