Why go
The beach's position at the western end of the bay and its adjoining promenade make it a useful place to compare San Sebastián's coastal settings. Notice the low villas facing the shore, the gardens beside the walk and the shift toward Mount Igueldo.
The full story
Ondarreta occupies the western end of La Concha Bay. Although it is shorter than La Concha beach, its position has historically left it less affected by the bay's changing tides. Its promenade alternates between stretches of the familiar La Concha railing and more open sections facing the sand. Gardens lie beside the walk, and low villas give this part of the waterfront a different scale from the grander central bayfront. The beach was once used for surfing, before that activity became more closely associated with Zurriola on the exposed Atlantic side. These contrasts make Ondarreta useful for understanding how the same city has several kinds of coast within a short span. Conditions on the sand still change with the tide and weather, so the promenade is a good starting point for a visit.