If you’re looking for the perfect excuse to pack a bag and escape to the north, we’ve got good news for you. July in Donostia has a special light, and we’re not just talking about the unmistakable blue of the Cantabrian Sea. Experiencing the Santiago festivities in San Sebastián is one of those unforgettable experiences that combine showcases of traditional Basque culture, major concerts by the beach, and a street-party atmosphere that will hook you from the very first second.
Forget crowded, boring itineraries that stick to the same old thing. In this guide, we’re going to explore together the activities and events to make the most of July 25.
Everything you need to know about the Santiago festivities in San Sebastián
To understand the importance of this day, we need to place ourselves at the heart of the Santiago festivities in San Sebastián. On July 25, the city transforms, and the day’s rhythm doesn’t stop for a second. It’s the perfect time to discover Santiago in San Sebastián at its very best, combining the sea and live music.
Jazzaldia and the musical atmosphere on the Kursaal terrace
One of the advantages of looking for things to do in San Sebastián in late July is that the day lines up perfectly with the peak days of Jazzaldia. This means the city wakes up to a completely different rhythm and turns into a gigantic stage open to the sea.
Our first stop takes us straight to the terraces of the Kursaal Auditorium. From mid-morning, the free, open-air stages start to liven things up with live sets from international and local bands, ranging from the most classic jazz to fusions of funk, soul and electronic music. The perfect plan is to stroll along the seafront, let yourself be carried away by the melodies filling the air, and enjoy the views over Zurriola Beach with a coffee or a beer. The energy in this part of the city is vibrant and absolutely contagious.
If you’ve just arrived in the city to make the most of the festival, don’t let suitcases or backpacks get in your way. At LOCK & enjoy! we offer luggage storage in Parte Vieja. You can leave your suitcases or valuables in our secure, automated lockers using your mobile phone, so you can move between the different stages completely hands-free.
Chamber jazz and intimate recitals in the cloister of San Telmo Museum
For the early afternoon, the schedule suggests a radical change of pace, taking refuge from the summer sun in one of Donostia’s most spectacular architectural corners. Head to San Telmo Museum, located in Zuloaga Square, right at the foot of Mount Urgull. This former 16th-century Dominican convent, converted into the Museum of Basque Society, opens its doors during the festivities to host one of the festival’s most beautiful and exclusive music series: the piano concerts in its Gothic cloister.
Unlike the bustle of the beach, stepping past San Telmo’s Baroque and Renaissance walls transports you to a different setting. Here you can sit just a few metres from internationally renowned pianists as the notes echo off the stone arches of the historic cloister. It’s a top-tier cultural experience that blends heritage appreciation with contemporary musical innovation. When the concert ends, we recommend making the most of your visit by exploring its permanent exhibitions, which trace the evolution of Basque society and history from prehistory to the present day.
An afternoon at La Concha beach and big live shows on Zurriola’s Green Stage
After lunch and soaking up the atmosphere around the historic centre, the afternoon calls us back to the sea. We recommend a pintxos route in San Sebastián so you can discover the wide variety of food this wonderful northern city has to offer.
The Santiago celebrations in Donostia have the advantage of taking place right in the middle of summer, so a stop at La Concha Beach is a must. You can walk along its iconic white railing, go for a swim, or simply take in Santa Clara Island and Mount Urgull as you rest on the sand.
As evening falls, music takes centre stage once again. So head towards Zurriola Beach . Here you’ll find the festival’s monumental Green Stage, one of the most spectacular spots on the entire European music circuit. Thousands of people gather right on the sand to watch the day’s big free concerts. Watching the sun set over the Cantabrian Sea while the chords of top international artists ring out and the crowd sings along, dancing on the sand, is a goosebump-inducing experience that perfectly captures Donostia’s summer.
We’ll see you in Donosti!
Experiencing the Santiago festivities in San Sebastián is an unforgettable experience, able to combine—in just a few hours—the vibe of the best beaches in the north with the cutting edge of an internationally renowned music festival by the sea. This route we’ve put together at LOCK & enjoy! is designed so you can live the day to the rhythm, enjoying every event like a true local and making the most of summer. Book your luggage storage in San Sebastián now and dive into the great Santiago festivities in San Sebastián with total freedom.
