THE resort town of San Sebastián on the Bay of Biscay is known for its beautiful beaches, and is making plans to keep it that way.
San Sebastián’s city council has announced that it wants to put new rules in place to conserve its famous coast.
The first rule is a smoking ban across all its beaches, something that is becoming more common in Spain.
If it goes ahead, San Sebastián will become the second town in the Basque region to fully ban smoking on its beaches after Zarautz.
Beaches in San Sebastián could also have new rules when it comes to pets.
During the summer, dogs will only be allowed to walk on the beaches from 9pm until midnight.
Previously, locals were able to walk their dogs on public beaches between September 1 and May 30 at any time of the day.
Thanks to a growing number of noise complaints, loudspeakers could be joining the ban list too.
The city is inviting its locals to share their thoughts on the new rules from October 20, with the aim of the new rules being fully implemented by June 2026.
San Sebastián has three main beaches, La Concha, Ondarreta, and Zurriola and last year, Which? named San Sebastián Spain‘s ‘best coastal town’.
It was rated on factors like the quality of the beach and seafront, safety, food and drink, accommodation, and value for money.
An overall score was calculated based on satisfaction and the likeliness to recommend each destination, with places ranked out of 100.
San Sebastián claimed first place with an overall score of 88 per cent out of 100. Factors like its beach, attractiveness and food and drink scene were awarded five stars.
The town’s most famous beach is La Concha, a shell-shaped bay very close to the city’s Old Town, while Ondarreta is generally much quieter with calm waters.
Zurriola on the other hand is known for having stronger waves – which makes it a popular spot for watersports.
Meanwhile, the Spanish city of Palma in Majorca is planning on banning another popular tourist activity, boat parties.
The Mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez Llabrés, has announced new measures to stop tourists from behaving badly in the city.
Party boats will be completely banned from Palma’s sea front where they dock, starting next season.
Mr Martínez added that the local council is working with the Balearic Ports Authority (APB) to determine how the restriction will be enforced.
Read more on San Sebastian from one Sun Writer who visited…
The Sun’s Nuria Cremer-Vazquez visited sunny San Sebastian earlier this year…
“As I enjoy views from the open-air bar on San Sebastian’s Monte Urgull hill, I can see the wild Bay of Biscay on one wise, and on the other, a panoramic view of the city and its shell-shaped beach.
“If you want to get out and about, there is so much to keep you entertained in San Sebastian, from surfing on Zurriola beach to enjoying the viewpoints at Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo.
“A charming funicular railway comes in handy if you don’t fancy hiking up the latter. But the best activity is devouring yet more food in the Old Town, savouring the city’s famous “pintxos” scene.
“Pronounced “pinchos”, and most easily described as the Basque version of tapas, these elaborate, bite-sized treats are around €2.50 a pop and found in every bar.
“And regardless of how full you get, no visit to the Old Town is complete without stopping by La Viña, the restaurant where the now-viral Basque burnt cheesecake originated.”
Here’s more on whereabouts in Spain is set to introduce strict new smoking at beaches, restaurants and bars.
Plus the alternative Spanish beach town in the Basque Country with seaside cocktail bar and towering cliffs.