We love northern Spain at any time of year, but especially when summer gets into full swing and the heat only seems to ease near the Bay of Biscay. That’s why spending summer in San Sebastián always sounds like a good idea to us. If you’re planning a few days away in August, these ideas are just the inspiration you need to make the most of your time in the city.

The Semana Grande festival in San Sebastián takes place every August, during the week of 15 August, and is one of those events that everyone should experience at least once. From the moment the cannon blast signals the start of the festivities, a packed programme of activities unfolds across the city. From the ever-popular giants and big-headed figures to traditional Basque sports demonstrations — including the spectacular stone-lifting competitions — as well as concerts and the unmissable International Fireworks Competition: if one display bursting with light and colour is impressive, imagine several of them, each staged by companies from around the world.

We’re sure that going out for pintxos in Donosti’s Old Town is already firmly on your must-do list, but it’s well worth mentioning. And no wonder: few things beat exploring one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods while enjoying one delicious bite after another and raising a glass of chilled txakoli. What may come as more of a surprise is the devotion to ice cream in San Sebastián. Properly creamy, artisan ice cream, that is — not just any old scoop. And, if you ask us, especially the ice cream served at Casa Arnoldo, the city’s oldest ice cream parlour, which has been open since 1935.

If there is one city beach with undeniable charm, complete with an iconic white railing that is more than a century old, it is La Concha. You can admire it at any time of year, of course, but the chilly waters of the Bay of Biscay make swimming far more tempting in summer. Set aside a few hours — or as long as you like — to spread out your towel on its vast stretch of sand and indulge in a little dolce far niente as the sound of the waves washes over you. A curious fact? If your visit coincides with the Travesía Vuelta a la Isla, you’ll be able to watch swimmers take on this open-water race: a 3,000-metre swim around Santa Clara Island.

There is plenty of talk — and rightly so — about Mount Igueldo and Mount Urgull, but far less, and rather unfairly, about Mount Ulia. You’ll find it where Zurriola Beach comes to an end, a place where you could easily spend hours if you’re keen to go surfing. From there, leaving behind the Sagüés area, whose seafront wall is a popular gathering spot for watching the sunset, you can climb up and discover Ulia. More than 30 hectares of greenery where you can go hiking along trails running parallel to the breezy coastline, with viewpoints where you can gaze out towards the horizon or admire the sharp outlines of cliffs plunging dramatically into the sea, as well as woodland, the remains of military batteries and, of course, a lighthouse announcing to the world that Donosti is right here.

You may not be surprised to learn that there is an amusement park at the top of Mount Igueldo. In fact, you may already have ruled it out in favour of other plans. But knowing that some of its rides, such as the Río Misterioso and the Montaña Suiza — literally the “Swiss Mountain”, rather than a Russian one — offer some of the most extraordinary views of the Bay of Biscay and La Concha Bay may persuade you to reconsider. Especially if you’re travelling as a family and have little ones eager for their first taste of the thrills these attractions have to offer.

We would only ask you to leave Donosti if what awaited you elsewhere was guaranteed to take your breath away. And that is precisely what happens when you visit Zumaia and come face to face with its spectacular Flysch. In other words, a geological wonder carved by the sea into the rocks of the cliffs and coastline through sheer force and persistence. It is one of the most impressive examples of this geological phenomenon anywhere in the world, and its most remarkable formations can be found on Itzurun Beach. You can explore them on foot or take a boat trip. Whichever option you choose, we recommend visiting with a guide, who will help you understand exactly what you are seeing every step of the way.

There’s no question about it. When you choose San Sebastián for a few days away, you know your home in the city will be at one of Sercotel’s hotels. Whether you stay at the Sercotel Europa San Sebastián or Sercotel Codina, their rooms are the kind of places you won’t want to leave: spacious, welcoming, some with sea views, and all with that gentle sea breeze that confirms that, yes, La Concha and Ondarreta beaches are just a short distance away. Both hotels also have parking, making your stay that little bit easier; they are pet-friendly, so the whole family can travel together; and as for their breakfasts… you’ll want to go back for more time and time again.