Zurriola Beach and Gros Neighbourhood

Zurriola is the surf beach east of the Urumea river, across from the old town in the Gros neighbourhood. Where La Concha is calm and sheltered, Zurriola faces the open Bay of Biscay with Atlantic swells that make it the main surf beach in the city. The Kursaal conference centre (two glass cubes on the beach designed by Rafael Moneo) is the architectural statement of the eastern seafront. The Gros neighbourhood behind the beach has a different energy from the old town: more local, younger, with pintxo bars that are less crowded than the Parte Vieja, better table availability, and prices that are slightly lower. The bars on Calle del General Arteche and Calle Zabaleta are the best in the neighbourhood. Bodega Donostiarra on Calle de Peñaflorida is a wine bar with a loyal local clientele. Hidalgo 56 on Calle de Fuenterrabia 56 is the pintxo bar most Gros locals recommend first.