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Home / Beaches / Playa de la Zurriola

Playa de la Zurriola

Пляж Сурриола
Spain · Beach · San Sebastián
Blue Flag moderate
Best month: August

Best for

Ideal for surfers and active holidaymakers. Suitable for young people and those who appreciate a lively atmosphere. Not suitable for families with small children due to strong waves and wind.

Best month

August

Water
+21.1°C
Length
800 m
Playa de la Zurriola, also known as Gros Beach, is the youngest and liveliest beach in San Sebastián. It is known for its strong waves, making it popular among surfers, and is 800 metres long.
Surface
sand
Waves
strong
Entry
medium
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Playa de la Zurriola, also known as Gros Beach, is the youngest and liveliest beach in San Sebastián. It is known for its strong waves, making it popular among surfers, and is 800 metres long.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • One of the best surf spots in Spain
  • Blue Flag beach
  • Golden fine sand
  • Lifeguards on duty
  • Surf schools and equipment rental
  • Kursaal Conference Centre nearby
  • Well-developed infrastructure: bars, restaurants
  • Free entry

Cons

  • Strong waves and wind
  • Rocky sections on the bottom
  • Can be crowded in high season
  • Popular with surfers, creating a lively atmosphere
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for surfers and active holidaymakers. Suitable for young people and those who appreciate a lively atmosphere. Not suitable for families with small children due to strong waves and wind.
Features
What makes this beach unique
One of the best surf spots in Spain with strong and consistent waves. The beach is located next to the Kursaal Conference Centre, an architectural landmark that gives the beach a modern look.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
medium
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
20 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
mixed
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
recommended
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
800 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
blue
Water Clarity
moderate
Average Water Temp
+21.1 °C
Max Water Temp
+23.0 °C
Wave Type
strong
Wave Height
1.5 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
June
Season end
September
Best month
August
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
moderate
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
2.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. This is a popular tourist area with patrolling and a low crime rate.
Dangerous creatures
jellyfish (seasonal)
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
Yes
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
Yes
Sports Ground
Yes
Restaurants Nearby
20 pcs
Best restaurants

Casa Urola

Basque

Popular Basque restaurant with pintxo bar, 300 m from the beach

Amelia by Paulo Airaudo

Modern Basque

Michelin-starred restaurant, creative cuisine, 400 m from the beach

Ikaitz

Basque

Traditional Basque restaurant with pintxos and seafood

Nearby cuisines

Basque

Local Basque cuisine with a focus on seafood and pintxos

Must try: Pintxos, fresh fish, Basque cheesecake
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
crowded
Silence Level
noisy
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
No
Natural Shade
little
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
No
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Hat Towel Swimsuit Windbreaker Water Cash Surfboard
Best Time to Swim
Best time for surfing is autumn (September–November) and winter when waves are most consistent. For swimming — July and August when the water is warmer.
Local Rules
Swim in the lifeguard-patrolled zone. Watch the flags. Respect other surfers.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Kursaal

Conference centre and auditorium designed by Rafael Moneo, an architectural landmark

Monte Ulía

Scenic mountain with panoramic views of the beach and city

San Sebastián Old Town

Historic centre with pintxo bars and shops, 15 minutes away

La Concha Beach

Famous city beach of San Sebastián, 20 minutes away

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Playa de la Zurriola: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — blue, clarity moderate, average temperature +21.1°C, warms up to +23.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa de la Zurriola: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — strong. Average wave height — 1.5 m. Strong waves will please surfers but require caution when swimming with children.
Playa de la Zurriola: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — medium. The shallow area extends for 20 metres from the shore. Bottom — mixed. It is recommended to bring aqua shoes — parts of the bottom have rocks or corals.
Playa de la Zurriola: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 800 metres.
Playa de la Zurriola: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in June. It ends in September. The best month for a holiday is August. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Playa de la Zurriola: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — moderate. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa de la Zurriola: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: jellyfish (seasonal). We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Playa de la Zurriola: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, kids playground, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Playa de la Zurriola: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Playa de la Zurriola: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Casa Urola, Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, Ikaitz. Cuisines available: Basque. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa de la Zurriola: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Hat, Towel, Swimsuit, Windbreaker, Water, Cash, Surfboard.
Playa de la Zurriola: when is the best time to swim?
Best time for surfing is autumn (September–November) and winter when waves are most consistent. For swimming — July and August when the water is warmer.
Playa de la Zurriola: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swim in the lifeguard-patrolled zone. Watch the flags. Respect other surfers.
Playa de la Zurriola: what activities are available?
The beach offers: surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Playa de la Zurriola: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for surfers and active holidaymakers. Suitable for young people and those who appreciate a lively atmosphere. Not suitable for families with small children due to strong waves and wind.
Playa de la Zurriola: what makes this beach unique?
One of the best surf spots in Spain with strong and consistent waves. The beach is located next to the Kursaal Conference Centre, an architectural landmark that gives the beach a modern look.
Playa de la Zurriola: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: One of the best surf spots in Spain, Blue Flag beach, Golden fine sand, Lifeguards on duty, Surf schools and equipment rental, Kursaal Conference Centre nearby, Well-developed infrastructure: bars, restaurants, Free entry. Cons: Strong waves and wind, Rocky sections on the bottom, Can be crowded in high season, Popular with surfers, creating a lively atmosphere.
Playa de la Zurriola: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Kursaal, Monte Ulía, San Sebastián Old Town, La Concha Beach. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa de la Zurriola: does the beach have a Blue Flag?
Yes, the beach holds the international "Blue Flag" certification. This means the beach meets high standards of water cleanliness, safety and infrastructure.
Playa de la Zurriola: how do I get to the city of San Sebastián?
The beach is located near the city of San Sebastián. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for San Sebastián.

City

San Sebastián

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.

Best month

August

Useful information

Country: Spain
Type: Beach
Coordinates: 43.326400, -1.975000

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