Royal summer palace built in 1893 for Queen María Cristina, perched on the promontory dividing La Concha and Ondarreta beaches. English cottage-style architecture, manicured gardens, and one of the best vantage points over the bay. The palace is closed to the public, but the gardens are open.
Location
Centro, San Sebastian
Map
Insider Intel
Walk through the gardens — the paths wind down toward both beaches with benches and viewpoints along the way. The palace itself is visible from outside but not open for tours. The best views are from the garden terraces facing La Concha. Combine with a walk along the promenade between beaches.
Late afternoon for golden light on the palace and bay. Morning for quieter paths. The gardens are public and free year-round. Summer weekends are busier but never overcrowded.
Built in 1893 for Queen María Cristina (regent of Spain) as a summer residence, establishing San Sebastian as the royal resort city. The palace is English Tudor revival style, designed by British architect Selden Wornum. The Spanish royal family used it until 1931 when the Second Republic was declared. Now owned by the city and used for official receptions. The location — centered between the two beaches on a natural promontory — is the finest private site in San Sebastian. The gardens offer public access to views normally reserved for royalty.