San Sebastian is all about the good life; with three city beaches, and distinctive regional cuisine. Don’t be confused if you see it referred to as Donostia, its name in the local Basque language. It’s also an increasingly popular destination for campervan hire and we’re here to get you there.
San Sebastian Camper Rental with Motorhome Republic, compare brands
Take the legwork out of finding the best rates on campervan rental with Motorhome Republic. It’s so easy to do: start by visiting our comprehensive website or download our mobile app. Enter a few of your travel details into our simple search engine and you’ll see all the available campers, from local operators to established global brands. You can narrow down your search using the filters, whether you prefer manual or automatic, and the age of the vehicle. The price you’ll see displayed is for your whole holiday, and we are so confident of our great rates, we offer a best-price guarantee.
Further Afield, motorhome hire in Spain
San Sebastian is at the eastern point of the Bay of Biscay, a stretch of 176km, lined by the Cantabrian Sea on one side and verdant mountains on the other. At the western end is Portugalete, home to the Hanging Bridge of Biscay, the world’s oldest functioning funicular railway. Bilbao, home to the Guggenheim Museum,is on the same stretch of coast.
From San Sebastian, you can start a road trip to Santander following the Basque coast. You can also head inland to the beautiful Pamplona. France is also not far away. You can even drive to Portugal in your campervan hire. Another option is to take the ferry to the United Kingdom if you prefer a colder climate.
Where to Stay in San Sebastian
Camping Igara de San Sebastian is a new campground, well located and with a swimming pool. Another option is Campsite Igueldo San Sebastian, a terraced campsite with a playground and plenty of shade.
![icon representing Food]()
Food and Drink in San Sebastian, Cuisine of the Basque Community
San Sebastian is the food capital of Spain, with more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else in the world. In the bars, the traditional dishes are Pintxos, small tasting plates that would be called tapas in other parts of Spain. The pintxos are lined up on the bar, and patrons can help themselves, expected to keep tabs on how many they have had. Choices might include spider crab tart, filo parcels of salt cod, or canutillos du queso y anchoa (miniature ice cream cones filled with cheese and anchovy). There are any number of exceptional places to sample these, but La Cuchara de San Telmo is particularly good, full of locals and offering standing room only.
Cider is a regional speciality, made from local apples using traditional methods. The cider season runs from the second half of January to the end of April, when you can visit the cider houses for tastings. Txakoli Wine is another local product, young and fruity white wine with moderate alcohol levels of 9.5 to 11.5%. Just make sure you have a sober driver for the campervan first.
![icon representing Attractions]()
Things to do in San Sebastian
Hit the beach! The Concha Bay is 1500 metres of elegant sand that runs from City Hall to the dominant landmark of Monte Urgull. This beach is frequently voted as one of the best in Europe.The mountain stands like a sentry over the city, and remnants of its duties as a fortress in the Middle Ages can still be found. You will also enjoy ‘Casa de la historia’, History House, atop Mt Urgull, with exhibits of the struggles and sieges in San Sebastian’s past.
Another star on Concha Bay is the small, but perfectly formed, Isla Santa Clara. This tiny island is close enough to swim to, positioned smack in the centre of the bay. It has a sandy beach that disappears completely at high tide, and a lighthouse you can walk to. It also has a convivial bar with seaside terrace.
For those more culturally inclined, be sure to wander the streets of the Old Town. This is laid out in the traditional style, with Plaza de la Constitution at its heart. The colourful buildings that line the square display numbers that date back to when it was a bullfighting ring.
Driving Tips in Spain
It is illegal to use your mobile phone when behind the wheel of your vehicle. You literally have to pull over, get out of your camper or sit in the passenger seat to make or receive a call or text.
