Gros and Egia districts are the popular districts that should be visited during your stay in San Sebastian. Gros district starts from the other side of the Urumea River and Egia is the neighboring district. Here you can find our useful guide on the Gros district and Egia district of San Sebastian, including what to expect, things to do and see, shopping, food and drink, lodging, and visiting tips.
The Gros district
The Gros district of San Sebastian is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood located just east of the city center. With its beautiful beaches, trendy bars and restaurants, and cultural attractions, Gros is a must-visit place.
Gros district offers a great mix of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and dining and drinking options.
Top Things to Do & See
If you’re visiting San Sebastian’s Gros district, there are plenty of things to see and do. Here are some top attractions to add to your itinerary:
- Zurriola Beach: This popular beach is a great spot for surfing and other water sports. It also has a lively atmosphere with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.
- Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium: This striking building hosts a variety of events and concerts throughout the year, and is home to two theaters, a conference center, and an exhibition hall.
- San Telmo Museum: This museum explores the history and culture of the Basque Country, with exhibits on everything from traditional crafts to contemporary art.
- Mount Ulia: This hill towers over Gros and offers stunning views of the city and the Bay of Biscay. There are several hiking trails in the area that lead to the summit.
- Sagüés: This neighborhood is home to several popular bars and restaurants, as well as a boardwalk that offers great views of the sea.
- La Zurri: This historic building was once a workers’ cooperative and now houses several artist studios and workshops.
- Sagardoetxea: This cider museum explores the history and culture of Basque cider, and offers tastings and tours.
- Cristina Enea Park: This beautiful park is a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. It features a variety of trees and plants, as well as a small pond and several sculptures.
Beaches
Gros is home to two of the city’s most popular beaches, Zurriola and Gros. Zurriola is a great spot for surfing and other water sports, while Gros is a more laid-back destination with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of amenities.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Food and Drink
Gros is known for its excellent food and drink scene, with numerous trendy bars and restaurants serving up everything from traditional Basque cuisine to international fare. Some of the most popular spots in Gros include Bergara Bar, Bar Zeruko, and Bodega Donostiarra.
Cultural Attractions
Gros is also home to several cultural attractions, including the Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium, which hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. The district is also home to the San Telmo Museum, which explores the history and culture of the Basque Country.
Shopping
Gros has plenty of shopping opportunities as well, with numerous boutique shops and specialty stores selling everything from handmade crafts to designer clothing. Some of the best shopping streets in Gros include Calle Zabaleta and Calle Usandizaga.
The Egia district
Egia is a lively and diverse district of San Sebastian, located just south of the city center. With its bustling streets, trendy shops and restaurants, and cultural attractions, Egia is a must-visit place.
The Egia district of San Sebastian is a dynamic and exciting neighborhood that offers a little bit of everything for visitors.
Top Things to Do & See
If you’re visiting San Sebastian’s Egia district, here are some top things to see:
- Tabakalera: This cultural center is housed in a historic tobacco factory and features contemporary art exhibitions, film screenings, live performances, and more.
- San Sebastian Museum of Art: This museum showcases a collection of Basque and Spanish art, including works by local artists such as Ignacio Zuloaga and Aurelio Arteta.
- Egia Park: This small park is a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. It features a playground, a small pond, and several walking paths.
- Calle San Francisco: This lively street is lined with trendy shops and restaurants, and is a great place to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping.
- Bodega Donostiarra: This traditional bar and restaurant is a popular spot for pintxos and Basque cuisine, and is located in a historic building in the heart of Egia.
- Arima Brewing Company: This craft brewery is a great spot to try some local beers and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with friends.
- Cristina Enea Park: While technically located in the nearby Gros district, this beautiful park is just a short walk from Egia and is worth a visit. It features a variety of trees and plants, as well as a small pond and several sculptures.
Food and Drink
Egia is known for its excellent food and drink scene, with numerous trendy bars and restaurants serving up everything from traditional Basque cuisine to international fare. Some of the most popular spots in Egia include Arima Brewing Company, Bodega Donostiarra, and La Concha Craft Beer.
Cultural Attractions
Egia is also home to several cultural attractions, including the Tabakalera cultural center, which hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year. The district is also home to the San Sebastian Museum of Art, which showcases works by Basque and Spanish artists.
Shopping
Egia has plenty of shopping opportunities as well, with numerous boutique shops and specialty stores selling everything from handmade crafts to designer clothing. Some of the best shopping streets in Egia include Calle San Francisco and Calle Zabaleta.
Parks and Gardens
Egia is home to several parks and gardens, including the Cristina Enea Park, which offers a tranquil escape from the bustling streets of the city.
How to get to Gros and Egia districts?
Both Gros and Egia districts are located within walking distance from the center of San Sebastian, so you can easily get there by foot. If you’re coming from further afield, there are several transportation options:
- By bus: San Sebastian has a comprehensive public bus system that covers the entire city, including the Gros and Egia districts. You can check bus routes and schedules on the Dbus website.
- By train: The Renfe train station is located in the center of San Sebastian, and there are regular trains to and from other cities in Spain, including Barcelona and Madrid.
- By car: If you have a car, you can easily drive to both the Gros and Egia districts. However, parking can be difficult in these areas, especially during peak hours.
- By taxi: Taxis are widely available in San Sebastian and can be a convenient way to get to the Gros and Egia districts. You can hail a taxi on the street or use a taxi-hailing app like MyTaxi.
- By bike: San Sebastian has an extensive bike-sharing system called DonostiBizi, which is a great way to explore the city on two wheels. Both the Gros and Egia districts have several bike stations where you can rent and return bikes.
