3 Beautiful San Sebastian Mountains & Which One is Best to Visit?
San Sebastian is one of the Basque’s most beloved coastal cities. Located in northern Spain along the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian is blessed with a beloved coastline. The city is charming and was influenced by Spain’s Royal family. But maybe one of the most overlooked natural landscapes is the three lovely mountains encompassing the new and old town of San Sebastian.
There are three main San Sebastian Mountains: Monte, Urgull, Monte Igueldo, and Monte Ulia.
The mountains are more like large rolling hills, but nonetheless, are beautiful and are worth visiting. Each of the three main mountains in San Sebastian provides something unique and different.
Fortunate to be located on the sea, many of these San Sebastian mountains also acted as old fortresses. Today, it’s still possible to see the remnants of this history on a couple of the hillsides.
Some of the San Sebastian mountains have amusement parks, while others are home to numerous hiking trails. One thing is for sure, these urban mountains provide stellar views of San Sebastian, the sea, and the distant hills of the Basque countryside.
This is a guide to the three main San Sebastian mountains of Monte Urgull, Monte Igueldo, and Monte Ulia and which one is best to visit.
Table of Contents
- Which San Sebastian Mountain is Best to Visit?
- The 3 Main Urban San Sebastian Mountains
- Monte Urgull (Mount Urgull)
- Monte Igueldo (Mount Igueldo)
- Monte Ulia (Mount Ulia)
- Conclusion | An Overview of the Lovely Mountains of San Sebastian
Which of the Three San Sebastian Mountains is Best to Visit?
I’ve visited the three main Donostia-San Sebastian mountains multiple times and each one has its own personality, so it’s hard to narrow down which one is best to visit.
If you have a few days in San Sebastian, it would be ideal to visit all three mountains!
The green hillsides offer very different views of the beautiful bay and city.
All of the three mountains near San Sebastian are easy to reach on foot or via funicular. The good news is if you’ve worked up an appetite while hiking and exploring these iconic hillsides, you’re in luck because San Sebastian is one of the best foodie cities in Spain.
☛ Related San Sebastian Travel Guide | The Best Day Trips from San Sebastian
The Three Main Urban San Sebastian Mountains
This is a general overview of the three main mountains that encompass Donostia-San Sebastian in Spain’s Basque Country.
Included in this general guide are how to best access each mountain from San Sebastian, things to see and other points of interest, and who will best enjoy the mountain.
Monte Urgull is located in the heart of San Sebastian, steps away from the Old Town. To the west of Old Town and La Concha Beach is Monte Igueldo. Monte Ulia is located to the east of San Sebastian and sits behind the cool Gros neighborhood.
1 | Monte Urgull (Mount Urgull)
By far one of the best places to see in San Sebastian is Mount Urgull. This inviting mountain is located steps away from San Sebastian’s bustling Old Town (Parte Vieja).
Mount Urgull is home to an old fortress that was erected sometime in the 12th century and boasts the Castillo de la Mota showcasing old artillery canyons. Today, the mountain can be easily identified by the large white statue of Jesus (El Sagrado Corazón) erected at the top.
Monte Urgull is probably the most visited mountain in San Sebastian and it’s easy to see why.
Trails twist through the forest and open up to some of the best views in San Sebastian. While this green space is only steps away from the city, it feels like a natural escape.
How to Reach Monte Urgull
The most popular way to reach the top of Urgull Mountain is from behind the Basilica of Saint Mary or via the staircase next to the San Telmo Museum. Additionally, there are access points from behind the Aquarium and the backside road of Paseo Nuevo (with restroom options).
The climb up Mount Urgull can be steep depending on which route. Plan for at least 30 minutes no matter which route you choose.
There is a lot to see on Monte Urgull, so it’s a good idea to dedicate at least a couple of hours to explore the paths and attractions.
Be mindful that the entry points do have locked gates and that the mountain closes at night.
Monte Urgull | Free to Visit | Hours vary by season: Opens at 8:00, closes at 19:30 during the low season and 21:00 during the summer high season
Things to See on Monte Urgull
I prefer the Urgull Mountain hiking route up to Baluarte del Mirador which twists up the backside of the hill.
The trail leads to the back of the fortress and Mota Castle. Before climbing up the castle take a peak at the English Cemetery. For me, some of the best views of Monte Urgull come from the Batería de Santiago observation deck.
There are lots of attractions on Monte Urgull and the best part it’s free to visit.
Baluarte del Mirador
Baluarte viewpoint provides sweeping views of San Sebastian, especially the Gros neighborhood and Zurriola Beach.
English Cemetery
The English Cemetery has tombstones being reclaimed by the mossy green of the Basque region. It is believed that English soldiers are buried here that fought during the 1st Carlist War.
The cemetery is filled with many legends and mass graves.
Mota Castle
The fortified castle at the top of Monte Urgull was built during the 12th century. There are plenty of places to explore throughout Castillo de la Mota. As you twist through the old grounds, notice how many abandoned canyons are still in place, solidifying the importance of this site as a fortified stronghold.
The Mota Castle has a chapel and is home to the House of History Museum. Be mindful that the museum is only open from April to October.
Perhaps the most iconic landmark in San Sebastian sits at the top of Mota Castle, Sagrado Corazón.
Sagrado Corazón
At the very top of the hill, find the large white statue of Sacred Heart.
Sacred Heart, or Sagrado Corazón keeps watch over San Sebastian and the bay. This is one of the newer additions to Monte Urgull as it was constructed and erected in the 1950s.
Sacred Heart is nearly 40 feet tall and is the highest point of Monte Urgull.
Batería de Santiago
One of the best views of the Bay of Biscay and Santa Clara Island comes from the Batería de Santiago. There are well-preserved fortress walls with incredible sea views.
Find plenty of benches and places to soak in the beauty.
Don’t miss Urgulleko Polboriña, a secret bar on Monte Urgull with epic views of the sea and city.
More Monte Urgull Attractions
Walking back down into San Sebastian, it’s possible to visit the viewpoint of La Batería de la Damas. Another point of interest is the famous sculpture on the foothills of Monte Urgull, Construcción Vacía (Empty Construction) by Jorge Oteiza.
Who Will Love Monte Urgull?
Monte Urgull is a San Sebastian mountain that everyone will enjoy. From the old fortress and castle, the hillside is blessed with panoramic views and is a quiet refuge right next to San Sebastian’s Old Town.
Unique things to do on Monte Urgull include soaking in views from the secret restaurant or appreciating the history at the free museum.
Monte Urgull is worth a visit and is an obligatory stop when visiting San Sebastian Spain.
2 | Monte Igueldo (Mount Igueldo)
Another popular mountain near San Sebastian is Monte Igueldo.
Monte Igueldo has sprawling views of San Sebastian, a restaurant, a hotel, and an amusement park.
The most iconic landmark is the old lighthouse that sits at the top.
How to Reach Monte Igueldo
Monte Igueldo is found on the opposite side of La Concha Bay, past the Ondarreta Beach.
If coming from the Old Town, the walk towards Monte Igueldo is a scenic walk along the promenade. Pass the Miramar Palace and wander into the lovely Antiguo quarter. The old wooden Funicular Monte Igueldo climbs up the mountainside to arrive at the Amusement Park at the top.
There is an option to hike to Monte Igueldo. There is still a €2.50 entrance fee to visit the viewpoint even if you choose to hike to the park.
Most people opt to ride the cable car that operates with wooden stagecoaches. This funicular has been in operation since 1912, making it older than the Bilbao funicular, and the oldest cable railway in the Basque region.
Monte Igueldo Funicular | Hours: Vary by Season, but typically 10:00 – 20:00, but later during the summer season | Cable Car runs every 15 minutes | Find it here: Funikular Plaza | Round-Trip Fare: €4.50 | Official Website and Tickets Online
With its nostalgic feel, the funicular ride up to Monte Igueldo is a highlight of this San Sebastian mountain.
Things to See on Monte Igueldo
Most people visit Monte Igueldo strictly for the views, but there are games, rides, and an old and famous rollercoaster on top.
Monte Igueldo Amusement Park
The Monte Igueldo Amusement Park has been open since 1912. There are over 20 attractions from the famed Montaña Suiza (Swiss Mountain), bumper cars, a carousel, and games. Each attraction is paid for separately, rather than having a general park entrance fee.
Of the attractions, Swiss Mountain is by far one of the most famous. The steel (with a wooden exterior) rollercoaster has been a thrilling ride for visitors since 1928. It is said that Montaña Suiza is the oldest operating steel rollercoaster in the world.
Another highlight is the old lighthouse that was built during the 18th century. As the tallest structure on Monte Igueldo, not only does it provide some of the best views of San Sebastian, but it also has historical significance. The original lighthouse used firewood to light the way for ships.
Monte Igueldo Lookout
Undoubetly, most people head to Monte Igueldo to visit the viewpoint. This is one of the best views of San Sebastian.
Access to the viewpoint is included with the purchase of the funicular ticket. If walking up, you’ll need to pay the 2.50 Euro entrance fee to enjoy the view.
Food and Sleeping Options on Monte Igueldo
Stop in a the Karrusel Gastro-Bar for a coffee or snacks.
Those looking to stay within the amusement park can opt to sleep at the Mercure Monte Igueldo.
Halfway up Monte Igueldo is Hotel Leku Eder, another option to sleep outside the city.
Who Will Love Monte Igueldo?
With the amusements park and fun games, Monte Igueldo is definately one of the best mountains in San Sebastian for families, especially those with young kids.
However, anyone can appreciate the view from the observation deck at Monte Igueldo.
3 | Monte Ulia (Mount Ulia)
Monte Ulia is one of the less visited San Sebastian mountains. There are numerous hiking trails, viewpoints, and attractions to see on Monte Ulia.
This mountain near San Sebastian has always played an important role in the history of the city.
In my opinion, Monte Ulia is the best San Sebastian mountain for hikers. Plan on spending at least an hour taking the loop hiking trail (green and white trail markers), or plan on a full-day hike to the small fishing community of Pasaia.
How to Reach Monte Ulia
The hike up Monte Ulia is a fantastic way to visit this mountain. From Old Town, it’s about a 20-minute walk to reach the trailhead at the foothills of the Gros neighborhood.
Reach the hillside via Zemoria Street (Kalea). Look for house number 47 and start the climb up Ulia Mountain. The trail starts as a concrete road and turns to gravel and dirt hiking paths.
On the mountain, find numerous trail markers including the yellow arrows for those pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.
Additionally, those who have a car can park near the top of Monte Ulia.
Monte Ulia | Free to Visit | Access to this mountain is 24 hours
Things to See on Monte Ulia
Monte Ulia was once an old amusement park, but little can be seen of this part of its past. There are plenty of stellar viewpoints, lots of interesting structures, a restaurant, and remnants of an old artillery fortress.
Viewpoint Donostia-San Sebastian
A short climb up Monte Ulia rewards hikers with one of the best views of San Sebastian. Here it’s easy to relish in the grandness of the Basque countryside, sea, and beautiful city of Donostia.
Ruins of the Monpás Fortress
Monte Ulia was also a military fortress and that can be seen via the Monpás Fortress. While this old artillery battery fortress is very much in ruins, the views above it are lovely.
It is not advised to hike down to the old fortress as the trail is not maintained and the site is in repair.
Fuente Kutraia
Kutraia is an old stone laundry wash area that was used by residents who lived near Ulia. It was believed that this fountain was built at the end of the 18th century.
Peña del Rey Viewpoint
The Peña del Rey is the highest viewpoint on the loop trail of Monte Ulia at 768 ft (234 m).
Climb up the wooden observation deck built into an old stone to appreciate views of the sea.
Ulia Interpretation Center
The Ulia Interpretation Center is free to visit and provides insight into the natural and historical treasures of the flora and fauna found on Monte Ulia.
Peña del Ballenero
Stop at the old whale watch tower built on the top of unique rocks. Whaling expeditions were at their peak in the Basque region between the 16th and 17th centuries.
Old Mill
An abandoned old mill is the perfect lookout to gaze at the sea.
Food and Sleeping Options on Monte Ulia
Monte Ulia offers a simple accommodation option of the Ulia Youth Hostel. Oftentimes this becomes a popular spot for pilgrims who don’t want to sleep in the heart of San Sebastian.
Merendero de Ulía is a restaurant at the top of Monte Ulia that offers plenty of outdoor tables on a sunny day.
Who Will Love Monte Ulia?
Those seeking more of a quiet and natural escape will love Monte Ulia. There are numerous hiking paths including the loop trail (SL – GI 33 Uliari Bira) and the coastal multi-day trek of the GR 121 Talaia Ibilbidea.
Pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago Norte route will love the grand mountain entrance into San Sebastian. It’s still a long journey to Santiago de Compostela, but San Sebastian makes for a great rest day to soak in the Basque Country.
Psst… Feeling inspired to walk the Camino de Santiago? Browse all my detailed Camino de Santiago Resources
Conclusion | An Overview of the Lovely Mountains of San Sebastian
In short, this is an overview of the incredible San Sebastian mountains located steps away from the city. The three mountains near San Sebastian include the central Monte Urgull, Monte Igueldo to the east, and Monte Ulia to the west.
Each of the San Sebastian mountains is worth a visit and offers something unique. One thing is for sure, all of these green hillsides provide awesome views of the sea, countryside, and city views.
This guide includes an overview of the three main San Sebastian mountains, how to visit each one, things to see and do, and more useful tips to enjoy the visit.
With a few days in San Sebastian, it’s easy to explore and discover each mountain!
Did you visit or hike up any of the mountains near San Sebastian? Which one was your favorite? For me, it’s hard to choose just one! Let me know in the comments below.
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