Small island centered in La Concha bay, accessible by seasonal ferry or kayak. Forested paths, a small beach, picnic areas, and the unique experience of being surrounded by the bay. Popular with locals for swimming and afternoon escapes.
Location
Centro, San Sebastian
Map
Insider Intel
Take the ferry from the port (15-minute ride, operates summer months only). The island has a circular walking path (20 minutes), a beach on the city-facing side, and picnic areas. Bring food and drinks — there are no vendors. Swimming from the island beach is excellent. Return ferry runs hourly.
Summer weekends when the island feels like a neighborhood park. Weekday afternoons for fewer people. The ferry typically operates June–September — verify the schedule. Clear days for the views back toward the city.
The island has served various functions over centuries: quarantine station, military installation, and now public park. A lighthouse and small dock are the only structures. The island is compact (less than 3 hectares) but offers a surprising escape from city energy. Locals treat it as an extension of La Concha beach. Kayakers paddle out from Ondarreta. The ferry is the easiest access — buy tickets at the port kiosk. One of the more distinctive urban beach experiences in Europe.