Rent a car in San Sebastian and explore this Spanish mecca for foodies. Nestled between lush green hills and the turquoise Bay of Biscay you’ll find the chic art nouveau buildings, ornate bridges and perfectly manicured parks of Spain’s culinary capital. The grand city of San Sebastian is so impressive that it was once the favored destination of Spanish royalty – and you’ll soon see why.
We have several pickup points across the city including one at San Sebastian Airport. So, however you arrive, you’ll be out in the sunshine and driving along the coastline of San Sebastian in your rental car before you know it.
We have a wide range of cars for you to select from so you’re sure to find the right one for your trip. You can choose to pay in advance or on collection, whatever is most convenient for you. With a San Sebastian car rental, you’ll have unlimited access to this charming city for the duration of your trip.
We offer a best price guarantee which means that in the unlikely event you find Hertz car rental in San Sebastian offered for less, we’ll refund the difference. There are no hidden extras and we won’t charge you to change or cancel your reservation up to two days before collection.
Stylish San Sebastian is famed for its gorgeous beaches, mouth-watering delicacies and remarkable architecture. And you can uncover all these gems in your San Sebastian car rental. Once you arrive and begin to explore, there will be no doubt in your mind that this is a place fit for kings and queens. Soak up the regal atmosphere then head further afield and discover the Basque Country coastline.
Take a break from exploring in your rental car and marvel at the San Sebastian’s many beaches. The Bay of La Concha is one of the most beautiful in the world and is one of three in the town. Along with Zurriola and Ondarreta, these fine golden sand beaches are lapped by the warm waters of the Bay of Biscay and framed by Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo. You can head up these lavish green hills for uninterrupted, breathtaking views across the bay and the city.
Playa de la Zurriola, with its powerful waves, is the perfect spot for surfers. Watch them ride the waves from the coastline or get your wetsuit on and catch one for yourself. Just off La Concha you’ll find Isla de Santa Clara. This is a small island of rocks and greenery, which is accessible by a pier during low tide.
Not only is San Sebastian the culinary capital of Spain, but it’s also renowned as one of the best dining destinations in the world. In a city that celebrates the art of eating, here you’ll find simple but fresh seafood as well as Michelin-starred fine dining. Basque chefs are incredibly creative and you’ll discover mouthwatering, locally sourced dishes at every turn.
You’ll also notice Pintxos (Basque tapas) bars lining the streets. This city invented pintxo and continues to serve up some of the finest. One of the most famous bars is Zeruko in the Old Town. It’s well-known for its cod dish which is brought, smoking over hot coals, to your table. You can also enjoy cannelloni of Pedro Ximenez, a sweet wine jelly wrapped around wild mushrooms and Idiazabel cheese. Driving around San Sebastian in your car rental can work up an appetite, so stopping by these foodie spots is a must.
This city is always bustling with activity and excitement. Despite its relatively compact size, it has a calendar of events throughout the year. From music to culinary festivals, there’s something to suit every taste, whenever you visit. The city is perhaps best known for its International Film Festival, which rolls out the red carpet for Hollywood A-listers every September.
The Semana Grande in August is also a fantastic event. This week-long street party attracts tourists and locals in equal measure to join in with the festivities. The celebration of Santo Tomas turns the city into a country market each December. You’ll find food and crafts created in the local farmhouses for sale, the perfect spot to pick up some mementos of your trip.
Choose car rental from San Sebastian to get the royal treatment before discovering the rest of northern Spain’s beautiful Basque Country.
Turquoise waters lapping the golden sand, framed by the rich green foliage, provides a striking backdrop as you drive around this magnificent city. As well as exploring San Sebastian, your rental car will give you the freedom to discover Spain's beautiful Basque Country at your own pace.
San Sebastian Airport is located 25 minutes outside the city center, close to the border with neighboring France. You can reach it via the AP-8. Once you’re in the city, head for Mirakontxa Pasealekua which will take you along the coastline. It’s important to note that the older part of the city is a car free zone. There is, however, plenty of secure parking available so you can leave your rental car in San Sebastian and explore on foot.
The city has good connections to the rest of the country by the AP-8 and AP-1. The AP-8 will take you along the coastline while the AP-1 heads towards the A-1 which will take you towards the south of the country.
Bilbao can be found just over an hour from San Sebastian via the AP-8. The architecture that sits along the picturesque River Nervion is spectacular and the iconic Guggenheim Museum is a shining example. The shimmering steel building houses work by Andy Warhol, Robert Motherwell, Yves Klein and Anselm Kiefer. Before you head inside, you’ll find yourself at the paws of a giant topiary dog, Puppy, which guards the museum.
Continue through Bilbao on the A-8 and it’s around two hours and 20 minutes to Santander in your San Sebastian car rental. This atmospheric and lively city sits just off the tourist trail but is well worth a visit for its incredible beaches.
You’ll drive on the right in Spain and many major routes will have toll roads. Speed limits vary from 75mph on highways to 30mph in built-up areas, although these will be well-signposted. Just be sure to check your route before taking your rental car for a spin through San Sebastian.