11 Airbnbs in San Sebastián, Spain, From Family-Friendly Villas to Chic Penthouses

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At the forefront of Spain’s foodie empire, San Sebastián has always drawn visitors for its culinary offerings—and its wonderful selection of Airbnbs is just as enticing. From pintxo plates to Basque cheesecake, surfing hotspots to laidback bays, there’s something for everyone on the lengthy list of things to do in San Sebastian, and for an affordable stay that's amongst the thick of it all, Airbnb is the place to look. Dotted across both sides of the winding River Urumea, the sunny Spanish town is packed with lovely homestays, each faithfully illustrating a different aspect of the strong Basque identity in its own way. Whether you're after a historic retreat to the cobblestoned Old Town or an energetic taste of the hip new neighborhoods, we’ve dug out the best Airbnbs in San Sebastián for every occasion below.
While we have not stayed in every Airbnb featured, unless otherwise stated, these listings are vetted based on Superhost status, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.
- 1/11
Airbnb
Classic Airbnb by the Hotel Maria Cristina
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Artistic touches, Juliet balcony, five-star ratingA medley of nostalgic furnishings and avant-garde decor, this Airbnb feels more like a time capsule of beautiful epochs than a home. Step within creamy paneled walls to find a dainty lounge, state-of-the-art kitchen, and two marble bathrooms, before sliding doors reveal the lovely bedrooms, adorned by plush rugs, white-fur foot benches, and pretty oil paintings. Each has its own TV and Juliet balcony too, overlooking the quaint plazas and meandering river below. The Airbnb is situated within the same building as the Hotel Maria Cristina, famed for being the glamorous pinnacle of San Sebastián’s grand dame portfolio, and Airbnb guests are plunged into its regal and refined atmosphere, too. It’s no surprise, then, that this gorgeous apartment is awarded a perfect five-star rating on the platform.
- 2/11
Airbnb
Family-friendly villa in the center
Bed & bath: 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
Top amenities: Fireplace, bunkbeds, playroom with toysHalf-timbered façade, white walls, and a pitched, red-tiled roof—this home channels the distinct architecture of a traditional Basque County farmhouse, but inside is a different story. Embracing contemporary cool, rooms are bright and uncluttered, yet still embody the hominess of an Airbnb through bookshelves, framed coastal photography, and a cozy fireplace. Bedrooms come in all shapes and sizes, from the king-size, loft-style room with sloping wooden ceilings, to the bunkbeds and playful wallpaper in the children’s room. Toddler beds and cots are also available upon request, plus there is a playroom packed with toys for keeping younger travelers entertained. Little legs can then let off some steam in the sweet, white-walled garden of trimmed lawns and crawling vines, while adults enjoy the chic garden bar, a marble stone table accompanied by stools and snug sofas. All guests can assemble for al fresco family suppers beneath the wicker pergola, as smoky whiffs of the barbecue infuse in the balmy evening air.
- 3/11
Airbnb
Chic apartment in the Old Town
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Stone walls, proximity to La Concha Beach, modern decorIn rich chocolate tones, this is a seriously stylish bolthole right in the thick of San Sebastián’s old town. Modern decor contrasts with original stone walls for a designer finish that feels authentically Spanish. You’re also just steps from the golden sands at La Concha Beach. There’s no elevator up to this apartment, but not to worry—previous guests have appreciated the presence of friendly host Gregorio, who’s often on hand to help take your luggage upstairs.
- 4/11
Airbnb
Cool guesthouse minutes from the Urumea river
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Fast Wi-Fi, AC, dishwasherLight pours in through the windows of this sun-dappled apartment, just a short meander from the Urumea riverside, which delivers doses of coziness and cool in equal measure. Digital nomads will appreciate the super-fast Wi-Fi, and powerful air-conditioning means no fear of stuffy nights in the heat of the Spanish summer. There’s a dishwasher, so washing up is off the cards, but we’d suggest heading down to the Old Cafe below for breakfast in any case—it comes highly recommended by previous guests.
- 5/11
Airbnb
Contemporary design home in Gros
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Bijou balcony, designated workspaces, free parkingFound in the city’s coolest neighborhood, this neat little apartment strips back all the frills without ever feeling too plain. Lightwood furnishings with splashes of sage green create an earthy atmosphere, while funky block prints on the sofa cushions match the modern artwork hanging above. Bedrooms are simplistic in design but well-equipped, with an en suite master room, designated workspaces in the two spare rooms, and generously sized wardrobes in all three rooms. There’s plenty of space for dining too. Expect breakfast on the bijou balcony, lunch on bar stools at the glossy kitchen island, and supper at the sweeping dining bench, with spare seats for hosting small dinner parties. Other amenities include free parking, high-speed Wi-Fi, and location within walking distance from Zurriola beach, a lively hotspot of quirky beach bars and world-class surfing.
- 6/11
Airbnb
Colorful apartment on Zurriola beach
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Beach access, proximity to Old Town, nearby Michelin-starred restaurantsSurfers and sun-worshippers will love this cozy apartment. It’s right on buzzy Zurriola beach and just a three-minute stroll into the heart of the Old Town, where an impressive number of pintxos and Michelin-starred restaurants lie within easy walking distance. The beachfront terrace is perfect for enjoying breakfast with a soundtrack of lapping waves and, in the lounge, a big leather sofa invites you to flop after a day in the water. The bedrooms are a treat for the eyes, with fringed cushions in citrus tones happily contrasting against striped bedding and Oriental-style wallpaper—an eclectic mix that really works.
- 7/11
Airbnb
Scandi-style apartment overlooking the beach near Hondarribia
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Exceptional views, terrace, beach accessThe views from this one-bedroom apartment are hard to beat—overlooking the Bay of Biscay, Hendaye, and beyond, about a 30-minute drive from San Sebastián. The terrace here is set up to make the most of the scenery, with a small lounge area and dining area, or you can take supper inside at the table in the kitchen. The look of the apartment is breezy minimalism with natural elements of wood and greenery throughout. Outside, there’s easy access to the beach, while the town of Hondarribia is a short walk away.
- 8/11
Airbnb
Chic penthouse with a terrace in Gos
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Terrace overlooking San Sebastián, nearby restaurants, beach proximityThe interiors of this modern, cream-colored penthouse are ultra chic, with clean lines in the kitchenette and a minimalist design in the bedroom. The real draw is the terrace, where guests can dine al fresco while overlooking San Sebastián’s rooftops and beyond. For meals out, there are plenty of options nearby in the Old Town. And Zurriola beach is also just steps away.
- 9/11
Airbnb
Modern apartment in Gros
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Strong Wi-Fi, glass bedroom walls, children's amenitiesArriving at this Airbnb apartment is a breeze—from San Sebastián Airport, there’s a direct bus that drops you right by the building in the trendy neighborhood of Gros—plus check-in is done via a smart lock, and then it’s just a smooth elevator ride up. The apartment itself is contemporary cool, with a bedroom enclosed in glass, a modern monochromatic kitchen, strong Wi-Fi, and much-needed air conditioning. This spot is also well equipped to cater to families with a fold-out sofa bed, a washing machine, and a dryer—plus a cot, high chair, and children’s tableware available. The location is what reviewers really rave about, though—far away enough from the touristy areas but still within walking distance of pretty much everything.
- 10/11
Airbnb
Old Town two-bedroom
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Great location, newly renovated space, historic elementsFor a taste of San Sebastian’s Old Town (and all its pintxos and wine bars), this two-bedroom apartment has an incredible location right next to the cathedral. Much of the apartment has been newly renovated, but there are still some lovely historic elements that have been preserved, like the wooden beams and the exposed stone wall in the open-plan living and dining room. The apartment has two separate bedrooms that open up into the living room, a spacious, fully-equipped kitchen, and a compact bathroom. Because of its charming Old Town location, taxis can’t get too close to the apartment, so be prepared to lug your luggage through the streets—suitcases with wheels are recommended.
- 11/11
Airbnb
Stylish beach apartment with sea views
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Sea views, proximity to the beach, wraparound terraceMere steps from La Concha beach, this smart home slots in the centre of the 808-mile-long sandy crescent, positioning it in the prime spot for cool sea dips and sunset beach strolls. Thoughtfully designed interiors sprawl across three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan living space, the last of which follows a sophisticated dusky palette. A velvety, teal sofa fuses with the forest-themed wall prints, while the charcoal kitchen sits beside, satisfying all culinary needs with amenities like a dishwasher, blender, and coffee machine. Move to the bedrooms (two king-size and one twin) for a more airy theme, as light spills onto silvery satin bedspreads and lightwood cupboards, with plenty of space for all your luggage. The highlight, however, is that each room has direct access to the wraparound terrace, so rolling out of bed for morning coffees with a view has never been easier.
This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date.