Rent a Campervan in San Sebastián and Discover the Basque Coast

Discover San Sebastián: The Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea

Welcome to San Sebastián, or Donostia as it's known in the Basque language, a jewel of the Basque Country and a city that will capture your heart. Nestled in a picturesque bay on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, this elegant city is the perfect place to start your adventure when you rent a motorhome San Sebastián. The city's geography is defined by its three famous beaches—La Concha, Ondarreta, and Zurriola—and the two hills, Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo, that stand as sentinels at each end of the bay. This stunning natural setting is the first thing you'll notice and the last thing you'll forget.

Historically, San Sebastián has always been a coveted location. After being nearly destroyed by fire in 1813, it was rebuilt as a sophisticated city with Parisian-style architecture, which quickly made it a favoured summer resort for Spanish royalty in the 19th century. This regal past is still visible in its grand boulevards and beautiful buildings like the Miramar Palace. Today, with a population of around 188,000, it's a vibrant city that perfectly blends tradition with modernity. When you rent a campervan San Sebastián, you're not just getting a vehicle; you're unlocking access to this rich tapestry of history and culture. For those seeking more rugged terrain, you can also rent a 4x4 camper San Sebastián to explore the nearby mountains and hidden coastal tracks.

San Sebastián's global significance is firmly rooted in its world-renowned gastronomy. It boasts one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants per square meter in the world. But the real culinary magic happens in the bustling pintxos bars of the Old Town (Parte Vieja). This is where your journey truly begins after you rent a campervan San Sebastián. The city has also produced notable figures, such as the fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, whose innovative work is celebrated in a nearby museum in Getaria—a perfect first stop on your road trip.

The weather in San Sebastián is oceanic, with mild, humid summers and cool, rainy winters. The best time to visit and make the most of your decision to rent a motorhome San Sebastián is from May to October. During these months, the weather is generally warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the beaches, surfing, or simply relaxing at a seaside café. Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful, with fewer crowds and a lush, green landscape. Planning your trip around this period ensures you get the full experience that this incredible region offers. Whether you are looking to rent a campervan San Sebastián for a family holiday or a rent a 4x4 camper San Sebastián for an off-road adventure, this city is your gateway to an unforgettable journey.

Sights and Activities In and Around San Sebastián

Once you've picked up your keys and are ready to explore, San Sebastián and its surroundings offer a wealth of sights and activities. Your decision to rent a motorhome San Sebastián gives you the flexibility to see them all at your own pace.

Playa de la Concha: Often hailed as one of Europe's most beautiful urban beaches, the shell-shaped La Concha bay is the city's heart. Take a stroll along its elegant promenade, sunbathe on the golden sand, or take a dip in the calm waters. It’s the perfect place to unwind on your first day.

Parte Vieja (Old Town): Get lost in the charming, narrow streets of the Old Town. This is the epicentre of San Sebastián's famous pintxos culture. Hop from bar to bar, sampling these bite-sized culinary masterpieces. It’s an experience you can’t miss.

Monte Igueldo: For the most iconic panoramic view of La Concha bay, take the vintage funicular railway up Monte Igueldo. At the top, you'll find a quaint amusement park and a vista that will take your breath away. It's a fantastic spot for photos.

Monte Urgull: Located at the other end of the bay, a walk up Monte Urgull offers historical insights with its old fortress walls and a large statue of Christ, the Sagrado Corazón, overlooking the city. It’s a peaceful escape with more stunning views.

Peine del Viento (The Wind Comb): This powerful sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, embedded in the rocks at the end of Ondarreta beach, is a must-see. Watch as the waves crash and spray through holes in the ground, creating a symphony of wind and water. It's a testament to the power of nature and art.

San Telmo Museoa: Dive into Basque culture and history at this magnificent museum, which combines a 16th-century convent with a modern extension. It offers a deep understanding of the region you're about to explore with your rental campervan.

Using your vehicle from your camper mieten San Sebastián choice allows you to easily travel between these spots and venture further afield to discover even more hidden gems along the coast.

Recommended Tours Starting from San Sebastián

San Sebastián is the perfect launchpad for incredible road trips. When you rent a campervan San Sebastián, these routes are at your fingertips.

🌊 The Basque Coastal Route (The Flysch Route & Beyond)

🏞️ The Inland Adventure (Culture, Wine & History)

Returning Your Campervan Clean in San Sebastián

Before you return your vehicle, it's important to give it a good clean, both inside and out. A common challenge with motorhomes is finding a car wash that can accommodate their height. Most automatic car washes are designed for standard cars and are too low. Driving a high-top campervan or motorhome through one can result in serious damage.

To avoid any issues, you should look for facilities designed for larger vehicles like trucks or buses. Here are a few suitable options in and around San Sebastián where you can safely wash your campervan:

1. Elefante Azul Irun
This is a self-service jet wash facility. While they have standard bays, they often have an open-air, high-pressure washing bay suitable for larger vehicles. It's a reliable option for a thorough exterior clean.
Address: Andrearriaga Kalea, 1, 20304 Irun, Gipuzkoa, Spain

2. Garbigune Oiartzun (Recycling Centre)
While primarily a recycling point, these 'Garbigune' centres sometimes have facilities for washing vehicles, or there are suitable truck washes nearby industrial estates. It's worth checking the specific location, as they are equipped to handle large vehicles.
Address: Erratzu Poligonoa, 219, 20180 Oiartzun, Gipuzkoa, Spain

3. Repsol or Cepsa Truck Stops
Look for large petrol stations, especially those catering to trucks along major highways like the AP-8 or N-1. These service stations often have dedicated high-vehicle washing areas. Check the signs for 'Lavado de Camiones' or 'Boxes Altos'. A good example is the Repsol service station in Oiartzun, which is well-equipped for all types of vehicles.

How to Get to San Sebastián for Your Adventure

Getting to San Sebastián to start your campervan adventure is straightforward, especially for international travellers from English-speaking countries. Here’s how you can reach us:

By Air:
The region is served by three main airports:

• San Sebastián Airport (EAS): A small airport with limited connections, mostly domestic.
• Biarritz Airport (BIQ) in France: Located just 50 km away, it's a great option with many European connections.
• Bilbao Airport (BIO): The largest airport in the region, about 100 km from San Sebastián, offering the most international flights.

From the UK & Ireland:
You'll find direct flights to Bilbao (BIO) and Biarritz (BIQ) from major hubs like London (Gatwick, Stansted, Heathrow), Manchester, Bristol, and Dublin. Airlines like Vueling, easyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways operate these routes frequently.

From the USA & Canada:
There are no direct flights to San Sebastián or Bilbao. The most common route is a one-stop flight via a major European hub. You can fly from cities like New York (JFK), Toronto (YYZ), Chicago (ORD), or Los Angeles (LAX) to hubs such as Madrid (MAD), Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), or London (LHR), and then take a connecting flight to Bilbao (BIO).

From Australia, New Zealand & South Africa:
Your journey will typically involve two stops. Common routes from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Auckland (AKL), or Johannesburg (JNB) are via major hubs in the Middle East (like Dubai or Doha) and then a second stop in a major European city before the final leg to Bilbao (BIO).

Once you land at Bilbao or Biarritz, there are excellent bus services that will take you directly to the main bus terminal in San Sebastián in about an hour, where you can easily reach our depot to pick up your campervan.