Zurriola is a city beach in the Gros neighbourhood, on the far side of the Urumea river from the centre, set between the Kursaal and Mount Ulía. It is San Sebastián's main surfing beach, with rental shops, surf schools and a promenade along the sea wall. You can watch surfers from the wall or join a lesson in the water. The strong waves suit surfers more than calm swimmers, but on a quieter day the beach works well for an afternoon on the sand, with showers and restrooms on site.
Surfing at Zurriola
Surfing is the main activity on this beach. The city has more than 100 companies working in the surf trade, and many of them are based in Gros.
Surf schools now run all year. Until fairly recently, lessons and equipment hire were limited to the summer months.
The bay is open, so the waves here are bigger than at La Concha or Ondarreta. The wave is an A-frame with quick lefts and longer rights, and it works best on wrap-around north-west swells of four to six feet.
Between the Kursaal and Mount Ulía
Zurriola lies on the eastern side of the Urumea river, across from La Concha. The Kursaal's cube-shaped buildings stand on one side, and Mount Ulía rises at the far end of the sand.
The Sagüés sea wall runs along the edge of the beach. It is a plain concrete wall where you can sit or lie and watch the water. Families with children tend to settle beside the left jetty.
After a renovation, a breakwater was built to make swimming safer. Part of the sand is still exposed to the open sea.
Visiting the beach
The GR121 coastal path begins at Zurriola and heads towards Mount Urgull, which overlooks the Old Town. The walk takes you from the sand to the fortifications above the city.
To reach the beach from the Old Town, walk across the bridge over the Urumea river into Gros. The surrounding streets have pintxos bars, terraces, shops and surf brands, so plan to eat and browse before or after your time on the sand.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is Zurriola beach good for beginners?
Yes. Several surf schools operate here all year, and the instructors at Pukas Surf Eskola can adapt a lesson to your level.
Is it safe to swim at Zurriola?
The waves are strong, and red flags sometimes go up for rough seas. Swimmers and surfers are kept in separate areas, so stay in the swimming area when you are not surfing.
Are there showers and toilets on the beach?
Yes, the beach has shower and restroom facilities.
How do I get to Zurriola beach?
Walk from the Old Town across the bridge over the Urumea river into the Gros neighbourhood. The beach is about five minutes from the Old Town.
