Sport & health in Donostia/San Sebastián

Zurriola is widely regarded as the best urban surfing beach in all of Europe, and the sport dominates the neighbourhood of Gros, as well as much of the entire city of Donostia/San Sebastián, where there are more than 100 companies dedicated to the industry in all its aspects.
As the popularity of surfing grows, more and more visitors sign up for courses or choose to experience their surfing initiation here. Opportunities are both wide-ranging and varied. Until only a short while ago, surfing was limited to the summer season, but now surfing schools are open all year round, as are the shops that hire out the relevant materials.
Wherever you go in the city, and especially in the Gros neighbourhood, you can get into contact with experienced surfers who understand surfing as both a sport and a way of life, and you’ll come across plenty of local brands dedicated to the cause. The birthplace of European surfing, after all, is very near here, in Biarritz, and it immediately spread all along the coast of the Basque Country. 

Basque pelota may be even more popular than football with some locals. It’s a ball game with many variations: players can hit the ball with their hands or a bat, or score using a basket. But are played on a court called a frontón. Here is a guide to some in the region.

Frontón Municipal de Amara Zaharra
Run by Lagun Artea KE, a cultural association in Donostia/San Sebastián, this is a typical indoor court that you can reserve to practise (or acquire) your skills.
Calle de Amara, 21 T. 94 348 18 50

Frontón Municipal Atano III
This indoor court is managed by the Municipal Sports Council, and boasts a capacity for almost 2,000 spectators. It’s the venue where all the most important professional matches are held in the Donostia/San Sebastián. If you’re lucky enough to catch a match here, you’ll see that there’s always a great atmosphere among the spectators.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8.30am-10pm. Sun 9am-2pm. Closed bank holidays
Paseo De Anoeta, 6 T. 94 348 18 90

Frontón Municipal de Anoeta
Another open-air court run by the local sports council, also open to the public.
Paseo de Anoeta T. 94 348 18 50

In Gipuzkoa
There are many frontón courts to be found on the outskirts of Donostia/San Sebastián. One of the main ones is Galarreta, which is in Hernani, and can support up to 1,500 fans. Another of the region’s benchmark arenas is Beotibar, in Tolosa, with a capacity for 1,220 spectators.