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Santa Clara Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the Basque Country, awaits us in Donostia San Sebastian.
Santa Clara Island, in Basque Santa Klara Uhartea, is one of the most emblematic spaces of the capital of Gipuzkoa. A place to which the people of San Sebastian return year after year. An icon of the city. Undoubtedly, one of the most important and striking islands of our coast. If you are looking for what to see in Donostia San Sebastian, we recommend you to visit the island. You will love it. 
According to the Decree of October 31, 1968, Santa Clara is a space of public domain of municipal ownership that was ceded by the Spanish State to the City Council of San Sebastian. An island, which was declared a Historic Center of National Interest more than 40 years ago. Formerly, Santa Clara Island was not an island but a peninsula, and a promenade connected the lower part of the island with the mainland. Curious, isn’t it? As you can see, this island is an authentic treasure. Do you dare to discover Santa Clara Island with us? 
Information Santa Clara Island, Donostia San Sebastian.
- Book online: Here.
- Services: Pier, bathrooms, showers, lifeguards, bar, restaurant, picnic area and much more.
- Size: 5.6 hectares.
- Altitude: 48 meters.
- Location: Santa Clara Island, Donostia San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country.
From a very young age, the people of San Sebastian travel to Santa Clara Island accompanied by their aitas (parents in Basque) to discover one of the most outstanding natural paradises of the Historical Territory of Gipuzkoa. A space that allows us to enjoy the sea as never before. Its beach, its natural swimming pool, the routes to the lighthouse and the boat trips, have turned Santa Clara into one of the best plans of Donostia San Sebastian. If you want to know in first person everything that Santa Clara Island offers us, we encourage you to read with determination each and every one of the sections of this article. Let’s start! 
History of Santa Clara Island.
Santa Clara Island has some very interesting historical chapters. In addition to its cataloguing as a Historic Center of National Interest, we must mention that the island sheltered all those people who were infected by the plague that devastated the city in 1597. The sick were sheltered in a small hermitage that was located in the same space where today we find the lighthouse. At the top of the island.
According to different hypotheses this hermitage was built in 1362 as a result of the massive construction of this type of temples by the Franciscan order. A hermitage, which in the seventeenth century came to be managed by the nuns of the convent of San Bartolomé.
Geological experts say that formerly was not the only existing island in Donostia San Sebastian and is that according to some studies, Urgull was also an island until it joined land by different processes of sedimentation.
During the War of Independence, San Sebastian requested arms to Eibar in exchange for the transfer of the island Santa Clara. A cession that never took place. Unfortunately, as there is no historical document citing this cession, this possible historical fact has been relegated to a mere anecdote. 
Santa Clara Island Services.
The services that we find in Santa Clara Island have nothing to envy with those found in the rest of the beaches of Euskadi. This small island of 5.6 hectares has a pier, bathrooms, showers, lifeguards, bar, restaurant, picnic area and much more. As you can see, it has all the necessary amenities to enjoy a nice day with the family. 
How to get to Santa Clara Island.
There are several options to get to Santa Clara Island, but without a doubt, the Island Motorboats, the boats that have been transporting people to the island since 1942, is one of the most recommended options. A good, nice and cheap service that allows us to enjoy the island in style. In any case, we are going to make a small summary of the existing options to get to Santa Clara Island. 
- Boat: The Isturiz family and their motorboats have been linking the island with the mainland since 1942. A fast and comfortable service, which departs from the port of the city with some frequency. At present, this family company offers two options: direct route to the island and a trip around La Concha with arrival to the island. Our recommendation is clear. The second option. Having the possibility of contemplating the city of Donostia San Sebastian from the sea is priceless. In case you want to book a place on these boats, we recommend you to do it online from our reservation center, from here. Comfortable, safe and at the best price.
- Swimming: It is possible to cover the distance between Ondarreta beach and Santa Clara Island (0.5 km) by swimming. However, it is advisable to take into account the tides and the state of the sea. It is preferable to make the journey at low tide and calm sea. We only recommend this option to people who are in good shape and practice swimming regularly. It would not be the first time that you have to rescue a person who, due to the currents or their poor form, has not been able to reach the island.
- Walking: Although many people claim that it is possible to get to Santa Clara Island on days of high tide, at low tide, it is not possible. We do not recommend that you try to walk to the island, you will not make it.
Location Santa Clara Island.
Protected by two giants, Igeldo and Urgull, Santa Clara Island is located in the heart of the Concha Bay, in the center. A location, from which practically the whole city can be seen. This small island has been molded for centuries by the sea and the wind to offer us one of the most attractive spaces of the whole city. A small natural paradise, which, captained by the idyllic lighthouse that we find at its highest point offers intense green and blue tones merge into the horizon of Donostia San Sebastian. 
Fauna and flora.
Although it only has 5.6 hectares, Santa Clara Island is home to a large group of living beings. A good example of this is the San Sebastian lizard, a subspecies that, although it is very similar to the rest of the lizards found on the peninsula, has its own characteristics. Thus, experts baptized this subspecies as the Iberian San Sebastian lizard or Santa Clara Island lizard(Podarcis hispanicus sebastiani). A lizard that only inhabits Santa Clara Island and Mount Urgull. Curious, isn’t it?
But it is not the only animal that is protected on Santa Clara Island, the Atlantic Gull or Common Tern(Larus marinus), is another of these protected species. This can be read in a 1968 proclamation prohibiting visits to the island during the migration and nesting of this species (from October to May). In fact, it is common to find some areas of the island closed to allow the Gavion young to thrive. On the other hand, the flora found on the island has the presence of exotic species such as Lawson’s cypress or giant reed. Species introduced by humans that have managed to survive the storms of the Cantabrian Sea. 
Boat tours to Santa Clara Island.
The Donostia San Sebastian boat routes have been linking the island with the mainland since 1942. A maritime service that transports thousands of people throughout the year. In this sense we must indicate that the only boats that have a regular service that makes this route are those of the company Motoras de la Isla. A company managed by the Isturiz family, which puts at our disposal 2 routes as beautiful as fun. 
- Direct route to the island: This boat route takes us to and from the island directly. In about 15 minutes. A perfect maritime route for those who already know the city.
- Routes to the island with a walk along the Bay of La Concha: If the direct route to Santa Clara Island already has several attractions, this boat route shows us many of the attractions of the coast of Donostia San Sebastian. Examples are the port, the Aquarium, the new promenade, Urgull, La Concha beach, the Miramar Palace, Ondarreta beach, the Peine del Viento and of course, Santa Clara Island. A boat route that we highly recommend. In any case, you can make your reservation online from here. Fast, comfortable and at the best price. Undoubtedly the best option to know the city from the sea and visit the island.
Island beach and natural pool.
The beach of Santa Clara Island is one of the 4 beaches of Donostia San Sebastian along with Ondarreta, La Concha and Zurriola. A small sandy area, which is only visible at low tide. This beach has all the services that we can find in the rest of the beaches of our coast: lifeguards, showers, toilets, bar … In case you visit the island at high tide, do not worry, the beach will disappear but in its place will appear the natural water pool. As you can see, bathing is always guaranteed on the island. 
Routes on Santa Clara Island.
Santa Clara Island has several routes to reach its highest point. Family walks, which allow us to enjoy some of the best views of the whole city. In case you decide to visit the island, we advise you not only to enjoy its beach and natural pool. The different natural viewpoints found throughout the length and breadth of Santa Clara Island are well worth a visit. Here is a brief summary of all the routes that can be done on this island.
There are 3 routes available to tour the island. Unfortunately, some of them are currently closed due to the lighthouse works. We recommend that you follow our social media profiles(Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube) to be updated on any changes to these routes.
In any case, as we reach the pier of the island, the road forks left and right. Both paths take us to the lighthouse, to the highest point of the island (48 meters). The path on the right takes us along the cliffs of the island making a small zigzag until we reach the lighthouse, while the path on the left goes up more perpendicularly until we reach a viewpoint where we can take another route that skirts the island. We recommend you to walk all of them. Family tours that you will love. 
Flysch of Santa Clara Island.
Although Geoparkea, the geopark of the Basque coast, brings together most of the geological formations of the coast of Gipuzkoa, Santa Clara Island is not far behind.
This was confirmed by Julian, a great connoisseur of the island and skipper of the boat Aitona Julian II. He was the one who showed us this phenomenon on one of our boat trips to Santa Clara Island. The layers of the flysch can be seen beautifully during the boat trips from Donostia San Sebastian. A real treat. 
Viewpoints of the island.
The different paths that run along the top of the island Santa Clara delight us with some of the best views of the city. With the permission of course of the viewpoints of Donostia San Sebastian, the aforementioned mountains of Igeldo, Urgull and Ulia. And is that the routes of the island give us a really amazing viewpoint. Natural viewpoints, which allow us to contemplate the city of Donostia San Sebastian and the cliffs that surround it from a different, unique point of view. 
Lighthouse of Santa Clara Island, the artwork of Cristina Iglesias.
The historic lighthouse of Santa Clara Island (1864) has been the light that has guided our arrantzales (fishermen in Basque) over the years, and it will also be so in the future. Although the interior of the lighthouse has been dismantled, the lighting system will continue to operate. The emptying of the lighthouse on Santa Clara Island is in response to the installation of a work of art inside it. A piece, in which the space is played with to recreate the bottom of the Bay of La Concha. 
An abstract work, which will feature marine elements to offer visitors a visual and sound experience. In addition to the optical effect that will offer us a glimpse of the work from above, from a balcony, the artist Cristina Iglesias from San Sebastian will install a hydraulic system that will move the water, reminding us of the coming and going of the tides. When the work is finished, this piece will be an artistic reference of the city. This has been declared by the mayor of San Sebastian, Eneko Goia, who has not hesitated to describe it as “a new reference from the point of view of art”. 
Cristina Iglesias Fernández Berridi is an internationally recognized Basque artist. She was born in Donostia San Sebastian on November 8, 1956 and trained in Barcelona, London and New York before exhibiting her work all over the world (Portugal, Italy, Brazil, United Kingdom, Denmark, United States, Mexico…). In 2016, his city, Donostia San Sebastian, recognized his professional career by awarding him the Golden Drum. 
Bar-restaurant on Santa Clara Island.
The island has a beach bar. A small bar, which also offers rations and menus. By the way, the patatas bravas, although different from how it is usually prepared in most bars in the Basque Country, is very good. But don’t expect large portions. On the other hand, as expected, the prices of this “chiringuito” have nothing to do with those found on the mainland. They are slightly higher. Even so, due to the small number of tables that this terrace has, it is usually mission impossible to get one of them. Getting up early is usually essential. 
Picnic areas on the island of Donostia San Sebastian.
The paths that lead to the lighthouse are surrounded by picnic areas where you can enjoy homemade food. Tables and stone benches, located on the slopes of the island offer a great service. A perfect alternative for those who do not want to eat at the island’s bar. Remember that these tables also tend to fill up easily, so if your idea is to spend the day on the island, we recommend you to get up early. 
Recommendations for visiting the island.
After enjoying Santa Clara Island, we believe it is important to inform you about some issues. We hope they will be of help to you when planning your getaway to the island. In case you have any questions, we recommend that you use the comment system below these lines to send them to us. We will try to answer you as soon as possible. 
- It is not possible to reserve a table at the island’s bar telematically (telephone, internet…). Only on site.
- During the peak hours of the hot summer days, in high season, the island is usually very crowded. So the best time to visit the island is usually in early July or late summer.
- Santa Clara Island is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- We do not recommend bringing child seats to the island.
- Although dogs can ride with us on the boat tours to Santa Clara Island, they are not welcome on the island. This is dictated by municipal regulations.
- We recommend you to book your boat tickets to Santa Clara Island in advance. You can purchase them online here.
- Pay attention to the indications that you will find on the different information panels scattered all over the island.
- Do not leave the trails, the cliffs can be dangerous.
- The island has litter garbage cans, please leave everything as you found it. Let’s respect the environment.
- Respect the fauna and flora of the island, they were there before us.
- Pay attention to the indications of the lifeguards.
- It is forbidden to jump into the water from the pier.
What to see in Donostia San Sebastian and surroundings.
The capital of Guipuzcoa is a very complete city, a city that surprises us with magical places. If you want to know what to see in Donostia San Sebastian we recommend you to read our article “Donostia San Sebastian, what to see and do“. We are sure it will help you to plan your getaway to this amazing place. Anyway, we leave you a small summary of the most striking places in the city and its surroundings.
Where to sleep in Donostia San Sebastian.
If you are looking for accommodation in the always striking capital of Gipuzkoa, we recommend you to read our article about the best value for money accommodation in Donostia San Sebastian. We are sure you will find an establishment that meets all the requirements you are looking for. 
Video of Santa Clara Island in Donostia San Sebastian.
As usual in our articles, we wanted to accompany the words and photographs with a short video. An audiovisual, which we hope will help you to get a more real idea of what awaits you on Santa Clara Island. We encourage you to subscribe to our YouTube channel to learn more spaces like this one.
As you have been able to see, Santa Clara Island, the island of Donostia San Sebastian, is one of the most emblematic and important spaces in the Basque Country. A small earthly paradise, which, located in the center of the Bay of La Concha offers us a movie plan: egunpasa on Santa Clara Island, or what is the same, spend the day on the island. We recommend it. You will not regret it. Ondo pasa!
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