San Sebastián is elegance embodied in a city, happiness concentrated at its bar counters, culture spilling into its streets and nature appearing around every corner. We know three days may not seem like enough, but with a little planning, you can fit in plenty.

We could tell you to start your stay in San Sebastián by doing this or that, but the truth is that the first thing you’ll want to see is La Concha Beach. From both Sercotel Europa San Sebastián and Sercotel Codina, it’s just a pleasant stroll away. Take in the view, with the vivid blue Cantabrian Sea gently lapping against the white sand, and walk along its shore.

Don’t stop even when you reach Miramar Palace, once a royal residence. Keep going a little further, crossing Ondarreta Beach until you come to the Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind), the steel sculptures by Eduardo Chillida. Set at the foot of Mount Igueldo, take the funicular railway up to the top.

From there, you’ll fill your smartphone with photos of La Concha Bay: the sea, Santa Clara Island and the city stretched out before you, full of places waiting to be discovered. Start exploring them by wandering through the Old Town and city centre. Here you’ll find the Baroque Basilica of Santa María del Coro, the imposing Buen Pastor Cathedral, the Belle Époque beauty of the City Hall and Plaza de la Constitución. Your day simply can’t end without enjoying the pintxos feast waiting for you at the city’s bar counters.

Your second day in Donosti begins by crossing to the other side of the Urumea River over the Kursaal Bridge, which will take you to the Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium, home to the San Sebastián International Film Festival. A little further on, Gros, the city’s trendiest neighbourhood, awaits.

Charming streets, small independent shops where you can find the perfect souvenir and, of course, plenty of bars. Here, it’s not just about going out for pintxos: it’s also something of a pilgrimage spot for enjoying pintxopote.

Gros has just about everything you could ask for in a neighbourhood. Art lovers will find plenty to enjoy at places such as the Kubo-kutxa Gallery, specialising in contemporary and avant-garde exhibitions. Sports enthusiasts should try surfing at Zurriola Beach. And nature lovers will want to climb Mount Ulía to explore its trails and enjoy a different perspective of the city. Our local tip? At its foot lies the Sagüés wall, one of the best spots for spectacular sunsets.

We know you could carry on exploring San Sebastián, venture into the Egia neighbourhood and make your way to Tabakalera to see how a former factory has been transformed into a contemporary culture centre; or visit the San Telmo Museum to learn more about Basque society. That said, the area surrounding the city also offers plenty of experiences worth discovering.

Some are cultural, such as the chance to learn more about the artist Eduardo Chillida with a visit to the Chillida Leku Museum. You’ll find it in Hernani, around the Zabalaga farmhouse, where you can explore an extensive collection of the artist’s work, as well as his archive and library. Others are gastronomic, if you choose to visit a cider house to discover this traditional Basque drink while pairing it with dishes from Basque cuisine. And, of course, there are adventures too. In summer, for example, make sure you ask about boat trips to Santa Clara Island. Because no, we can’t think of a better way to round off your trip than by admiring the Donosti skyline from the sea.