Running Tour of San Sebastián (Donostia)

We always try to stay active when we travel, partly because we love exploring on foot, and partly because we tend to eat a lot. So when we saw a running tour of San Sebastián on Airbnb Experiences, it felt like the perfect way to get acquainted with the city.

(Doing a tour with a local at the start of a holiday is our favourite way to find the best places to eat and things to do).

San Sebastián is known for its stunning coastline, pretty streets, and world-class food scene, and seeing it at a jogger’s pace turned out to be one of the best decisions of our trip. Over a few hours, we covered major sights, local favourites, and a few hidden gems, all while chatting to a friendly local (Carlos) and learning about the city’s history and culture.

If you're someone who enjoys a bit of movement with your sightseeing, or if you're simply curious about a more unique way to explore, this tour is defintiely worth it.

*The links to the running tour on this page are not affiliate links, so if you do decide to do it and love it, feel free to buy us a coffee to help support this website, or simply leave a comment below and let us know what you thought!*

Summary of our Running Tour

• 2-hour running tour (Although our experience lasted around 4 since we were chatting so much)

• Run by Carlos, who speaks fluent English and Spanish

• 12km distance (this can be adjusted if needed)

• We paid £64 for 2 people

• Booking link (Airbnb)

We booked the experience through Airbnb and paid £64 for two people — excellent value for what turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.

The tour is run by Carlos, a friendly and enthusiastic local who offers both group and private options, and speaks fluent English and Spanish. It’s listed as a two-hour experience, covering roughly 12km, but it felt very relaxed and unpressured throughout.

What’s great is that it’s completely beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be a seasoned runner. Carlos adapts the pace to suit everyone and includes plenty of stops to catch your breath, chat, and take in the views. It’s more like a guided jog than an intense workout.

The Experience – What It’s Like

Carlos was easygoing, full of local knowledge, and clearly passionate about San Sebastián. After a short intro, we set off at a gentle pace, and within minutes, it felt more like going for a run with a local friend than a structured tour.

What stood out was how flexible the whole experience was. Carlos made it clear we could stop whenever we wanted, run faster or slower, or even walk sections if we preferred.

The official distance is around 12km. Carlos didn’t seem in a hurry at all, and was happy to tailor the route as we went, sharing stories, pointing out details we’d have missed, and answering any questions we threw at him.

There were plenty of little stops for photos, water, or just to enjoy a view, and the route itself was varied and scenic. By the end, we genuinely felt like we had a much deeper sense of the city’s layout, character, and local life.

We ended the tour at the top of Mount Urgull with a beer 🍻.

What You’ll See on the Tour

One of the best things about doing a running tour is how much ground you cover. In just a couple of hours, we saw more of San Sebastián than we would’ve managed in a full day on our own.

• Old Town (Parte Vieja) – The historic heart of the city, full of narrow lanes and pintxos bars.

• Downtown / Centro – Elegant boulevards, Belle Époque buildings, and glimpses of everyday local life.

• Cristina Enea Parkea – A peaceful green space just outside the centre, full of trees and running paths.

• Miramar Palace – A beautiful former royal residence with amazing views across the bay.

• Peine del Viento (The Wind Comb Sculptures) – Striking iron artworks by the sea, battered by the waves and wind.

• La Concha Beach – San Sebastián’s iconic crescent bay, with a long promenade perfect for jogging.

• Mount Urgull – A hilly section with panoramic views and a surprise museum visit at the top (free entry).

The route really gives you a feel for how compact but layered the city is — beach, forest, hillside, and historic streets all packed into a relatively small area.

What to Bring / What to Expect

Although the pace is relaxed, this is still a 12km run, so a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what we’d recommend bringing:

• Comfortable running shoes – You’ll be on your feet for a while, including some hills and uneven paths.

• Water – Carlos doesn’t carry extra bottles, but there are a few fountains along the way.

• Layers – Mornings can be cool, but you’ll warm up quickly once you get going. A light, breathable layer is ideal.

• Sunscreen – Especially if you’re running later in the morning or on a clear day.

• Phone or camera – You’ll want to snap a few photos, especially at Miramar Palace and Mount Urgull.

• Cash/card – Not essential during the run, but handy if you want to grab coffee or snacks after.

What to expect overall:

• Gentle, chatty pace with plenty of breaks

• Beginner-friendly, even if you’re not a regular runner

• A mix of terrain – promenade, parks, hills, and cobbled streets

• A free museum visit on Mount Urgull (bonus!)

• Loads of local recommendations from Carlos along the way

It’s one of those experiences that leaves you feeling energised, connected, and full of ideas for where to go next in the city.

Other Active Things to Do in San Sebastián

If the running tour sparks your appetite for more active adventures, San Sebastián has plenty to offer beyond its beaches and bars. Below are links to our experiences surfing and hiking in San Sebastián.

• Surfing at Zurriola Beach (coming soon)

• Hiking to Pasai Donibane

Final Thoughts: Why This Tour Is Worth It

This running tour ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our time in San Sebastián. It gave us a proper sense of the city — its layout, history, and atmosphere — in a way that felt relaxed, fun, and genuinely insightful.

Carlos was the perfect guide: easy to talk to, full of local tips, and completely focused on making sure we got what we wanted out of the experience. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just someone who likes a good walk with purpose, this tour is a brilliant way to start your trip.

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