San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is one of Spain’s most picturesque and family-friendly cities. Nestled between green hills and the Bay of Biscay, it offers a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, top-tier education, and a strong expat community.

In 2026, San Sebastián remains a top choice for families due to:

✅ Safety – One of the lowest crime rates in Spain.

✅ Education – Bilingual (Spanish/Basque) public schools and international options.

✅ Outdoor Lifestyle – Stunning beaches, hiking trails, and parks.

✅ Cultural Richness – Michelin-starred dining, festivals, and museums.

✅ Healthcare – Public and private pediatric care of high standards.

This guide covers everything you need to know before moving to San Sebastián with children.

International Schools in San Sebastián

San Sebastián has a mix of international, bilingual, and British schools, catering to expat families. Below are the top options in 2026.

1. The English School of San Sebastián (ESS)

Curriculum: British (National Curriculum of England & Wales, IGCSE, A-Levels)
Languages: English (primary), Spanish & Basque (secondary)
Fees (2026):
Nursery (3-5 years): €6,500/year
Primary (6-11 years): €9,800/year
Secondary (12-18 years): €12,500/year
Admissions: Rolling admissions, but early application recommended.
Facilities: Science labs, sports fields, music rooms, library.
Expat Community: Strong British and European expat presence.

2. Lycée Français de Saint-Sébastien (French School)

Curriculum: French (Baccalauréat)
Languages: French (primary), Spanish & Basque (secondary)
Fees (2026):
Maternelle (3-6 years): €4,200/year
École Primaire (6-11 years): €5,500/year
Collège/Lycée (12-18 years): €6,800/year
Admissions: Priority for French nationals, but open to others.
Facilities: Modern classrooms, sports hall, science labs.

3. Deutsche Schule San Sebastián (German School)

Curriculum: German (Abitur)
Languages: German (primary), Spanish & Basque (secondary)
Fees (2026):
Kindergarten (3-6 years): €5,000/year
Primary (6-10 years): €6,200/year
Secondary (11-18 years): €7,500/year
Admissions: Open to German-speaking families, but non-German speakers accepted with language support.

4. St. Patrick’s English School (Bilingual)

Curriculum: Spanish & English (Bachillerato)
Languages: 50% English, 50% Spanish
Fees (2026):
Infantil (3-6 years): €5,200/year
Primaria (6-12 years): €6,800/year
ESO/Bachillerato (12-18 years): €8,000/year
Admissions: No entrance exam, but English proficiency required.

5. International School of Donostia (ISD) – New in 2026

Curriculum: IB (International Baccalaureate)
Languages: English (primary), Spanish & Basque (secondary)
Fees (2026):
PYP (3-12 years): €11,000/year
MYP/DP (12-18 years): €14,000/year
Admissions: Competitive, with interviews and assessments.

Comparison Table of International Schools

School	Curriculum	Annual Fees (Primary)	Languages	Expat Community
English School of San Sebastián	British	€9,800	English, Spanish, Basque	Strong
Lycée Français	French	€5,500	French, Spanish, Basque	Moderate
Deutsche Schule	German	€6,200	German, Spanish, Basque	Small
St. Patrick’s	Bilingual (Spanish/English)	€6,800	50% English, 50% Spanish	Growing
International School of Donostia	IB	€11,000	English, Spanish, Basque	New

Verdict: If you want a fully English education, ESS is the best choice. For French/German speakers, the respective schools are ideal. The IB program at ISD is excellent but expensive.

Public School System in San Sebastián

Spain’s public education system is free, high-quality, and bilingual (Spanish/Basque). In the Basque Country, Basque (Euskera) is mandatory in public schools.

How Public Schools Work in San Sebastián

Stages:
Educación Infantil (3-6 years) – Optional but widely attended.
Educación Primaria (6-12 years) – Compulsory.
ESO (12-16 years) – Compulsory secondary.
Bachillerato (16-18 years) – University prep (optional).
Language Model:
A Model: Mostly Basque (some Spanish).
B Model: 50% Basque, 50% Spanish.
D Model: Mostly Spanish (some Basque).

Enrollment Process (2026)

Pre-registration (March-April) – Submit documents (passport, residency, vaccination records).
School Assignment (June) – Based on proximity, siblings, and social factors.
Final Registration (July) – Confirm spot and submit final paperwork.

Top Public Schools in San Sebastián

School	Zone	Language Model	Rating (2026)
CEIP Amara Berri	Amara	B (Bilingual)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CEIP Zurriola	Gros	A (Basque-heavy)	⭐⭐⭐⭐
CEIP San Francisco	Centro	B (Bilingual)	⭐⭐⭐⭐
IES Usandizaga (Secondary)	Centro	B (Bilingual)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros of Public Schools:

✅ Free (only small fees for materials, ~€200/year).

✅ Strong Basque/Spanish immersion (great for integration).

✅ High academic standards (PISA scores above EU average).

Cons of Public Schools:

❌ Basque is mandatory (can be challenging for non-speakers).

❌ Less flexibility in curriculum compared to international schools.

Verdict: If you plan to stay long-term, public schools are a great (and free) option. For short-term stays, international schools may be better.

Childcare and Daycare Costs

Public Daycare (Guarderías Públicas)

Age: 0-3 years
Cost: €150-€300/month (subsidized based on income).
Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM (some offer extended hours).
Application: Competitive (priority for working parents).

Private Daycare (Guarderías Privadas)

Age: 0-3 years
Cost: €400-€800/month
Examples:
Guardería Txantxangorri (€550/month)
Baby Planet (€600/month, English-speaking staff)

Nanny/Babysitter Costs (2026)

Part-time (20h/week): €12-€15/hour
Full-time (40h/week): €1,200-€1,800/month

Verdict: Public daycare is affordable but competitive. Private daycare is more flexible but expensive.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

San Sebastián is compact and safe, but some areas are better for families.

1. Amara (Amara Berri)

Why? Close to good public schools, parks, and the riverfront.
Rent (2026):
2-bed apartment: €1,200-€1,600/month
3-bed apartment: €1,800-€2,500/month
Pros: Quiet, family-oriented, good transport.
Cons: Less nightlife.

2. Gros

Why? Near Zurriola Beach, surf schools, and Zurriola Public School.
Rent (2026):
2-bed apartment: €1,400-€1,900/month
3-bed apartment: €2,000-€2,800/month
Pros: Lively, beach access, great for teens.
Cons: Can be noisy in summer.

3. Antiguo

Why? Green spaces, University of the Basque Country, and good public transport.
Rent (2026):
2-bed apartment: €1,300-€1,800/month
3-bed apartment: €1,900-€2,600/month
Pros: Quiet, near Parque de Cristina Enea.
Cons: Fewer international families.

4. Igeldo (Semi-Rural)

Why? Nature, hiking trails, and luxury villas.
Rent (2026):
3-bed house: €2,500-€4,000/month
Pros: Stunning views, peaceful.
Cons: Far from city center, car-dependent.

Best for Expats:

✔ Amara (best balance of affordability & schools)

✔ Gros (best for beach-loving families)

✔ Antiguo (best for nature & university proximity)

Parks and Recreation for Families

San Sebastián is one of Europe’s most outdoor-friendly cities, with beaches, parks, and hiking trails.

Top Parks for Kids

Park	Location	Features
Parque de Cristina Enea	Antiguo	Playgrounds, duck pond, walking trails
Parque de Alderdi Eder	Centro	Near La Concha Beach, carousel, open spaces
Parque de Miramón	Igeldo	Adventure playground, mini-golf, picnic areas
Parque de Amara	Amara	Skate park, basketball courts, splash pad

Best Beaches for Families

La Concha Beach – Calm waters, shallow for kids, playgrounds nearby.
Zurriola Beach – Surfing lessons for kids, lively atmosphere.
Ondarreta Beach – Quieter, near the Peine del Viento sculpture.

Outdoor Activities for Kids

Surf Schools (Zurriola Beach) – €30-€50 per lesson.
Hiking (Monte Igueldo, Urgull) – Free, great views.
Bike Rentals – €15-€25/day (rent at Donostia Kultura).
Kayaking (La Concha Bay) – €20-€40 per person.

Pediatric Healthcare in San Sebastián

Spain has excellent public healthcare, and San Sebastián is no exception.

Public Healthcare (Sistema Nacional de Salud - SNS)

Cost: Free (with residency).
Pediatricians: Assigned by neighborhood.
Vaccinations: Free (follows Spanish schedule).
Emergency Care: Hospital Universitario Donostia (24/7 pediatric ER).

Private Healthcare Options

Clinic/Hospital	Cost (Consultation)	Specialties
Quirónsalud Donostia	€80-€120	Pediatrics, allergies, dermatology
Policlínica Gipuzkoa	€70-€100	General pediatrics, vaccinations
Hospital Vithas San Sebastián	€90-€150	Emergency care, specialists

Vaccination Requirements (2026)

Mandatory: DTP, MMR, Polio, Hepatitis B, Meningitis C.
Recommended: Rotavirus, HPV (for teens), Flu (seasonal).

Verdict: Public healthcare is free and high-quality, but private clinics offer shorter wait times.

Safety for Children in San Sebastián

San Sebastián is one of the safest cities in Spain, with low crime rates and a family-friendly culture.

Crime Statistics (2026)

Violent Crime: 0.3 per 1,000 inhabitants (vs. 4.5 in Barcelona).
Petty Theft: Low (but watch for pickpockets in tourist areas).
School Safety: No major incidents reported.

Emergency Numbers

Police (Ertzaintza): 112
Ambulance: 112
Fire Department: 112

Safety Tips for Families

✔ Beach Safety: Lifeguards on duty in summer.

✔ Bike Safety: Helmets mandatory for kids under 16.

✔ Night Safety: Well-lit streets, safe even late.

Verdict: San Sebastián is extremely safe for families.

Family Visa Options for Spain

If you’re moving to San Sebastián with kids, you’ll need a residency visa. Here are the best options in 2026.

1. Non-Lucrative Visa (Best for Remote Workers & Retirees)

Requirements:
Proof of €28,800/year (for a family of 4).
Private health insurance.
No work in Spain (remote work allowed).
Duration: 1 year (renewable).
Processing Time: 1-3 months.

2. Digital Nomad Visa (For Remote Workers)

Requirements:
€2,520/month income (for a family of 4).
Work for a non-Spanish company.
Duration: 1 year (renewable).
Tax Benefits: 15% flat tax for 4 years.

3. Golden Visa (For Investors)

Requirements:
€500,000+ in Spanish real estate.
€1M+ in Spanish business.
Duration: 2 years (renewable, leads to citizenship).

4. Student Visa (For Families with Teens)

Requirements:
Child enrolled in a Spanish school.
Proof of €10,000/year for living expenses.
Duration: 1 year (renewable).

5. Family Reunification Visa (If One Parent is a Resident)

Requirements:
Spouse/child of a legal resident.
Proof of sufficient income.
Duration: 1 year (renewable).

Best Visa for Families:

✔ Non-Lucrative Visa (if you have savings).

✔ Digital Nomad Visa (if you work remotely).

✔ Student Visa (if your child attends a Spanish school).

Cost of Raising a Child in San Sebastián (2026)

San Sebastián is not the cheapest city in Spain, but it’s more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona.

Monthly Cost Breakdown for a Family of 4

Expense	Cost (EUR)	Notes
Rent (3-bed apartment)	€1,800-€2,800	Amara/Gros most affordable
Groceries	€600-€900	Local markets (La Bretxa) cheaper
Public School (Free)	€0	Only small fees (~€200/year)
International School	€8,000-€14,000/year	ESS/ISD most expensive
Childcare (Private)	€500-€800/month	Public daycare €150-€300
Healthcare (Public)	€0	Private insurance €100-€200/month
Transport	€100-€200	Public transport cheap (€1.80/ride)
Activities (Sports, Classes)	€200-€400	Surfing, music, etc.
Dining Out (Family of 4)	€80-€150	Mid-range restaurant
Total (Excl. School)	€3,500-€5,500/month

Annual Cost of Raising a Child (2026)

Age Group	Public School	International School
0-3 years	€6,000-€10,000	€12,000-€18,000
4-12 years	€8,000-€12,000	€15,000-€25,000
13-18 years	€10,000-€15,000	€20,000-€30,000

Verdict: Public school families spend €10K-€15K/year per child, while international school families spend €20K-€30K/year.

Activities for Kids in San Sebastián

San Sebastián is packed with kid-friendly activities, from museums to surfing.

Museums & Cultural Activities

Activity	Cost (2026)	Age Group
Eureka! Zientzia Museoa (Science Museum)	€10 (kids), €12 (adults)	3-12
Aquarium Donostia	€13 (kids), €16 (adults)	All ages
San Telmo Museoa (History & Art)	Free (under 18)	6+
Tabakalera (Creative Workshops)	€5-€15	5-15

Sports & Outdoor Activities

Surfing (Zurriola Beach) – €30-€50 per lesson.
Sailing (Real Club Náutico) – €200-€400/month.
Horseback Riding (Hípica Donostia) – €25-€40 per session.
Skateboarding (Parque de Amara) – Free.

Seasonal Events for Kids

Tamborrada (January 20) – Drum parade, kids dress in military costumes.
Semana Grande (August) – Fireworks, concerts, fairgrounds.
Olentzero (December 24) – Basque Santa Claus parade.

Teen Life in San Sebastián

Teenagers in San Sebastián enjoy a mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, and a relaxed social scene.

Social Life for Teens

Hangout Spots:
Zurriola Beach (surfing, beach volleyball).
Parque de Amara (skate park, basketball).
Centro Comercial Garbera (mall with cinema).
Nightlife (16+):
Bars in Gros (chill, no strict ID checks).
Clubs in Parte Vieja (18+).

Extracurricular Activities

Activity	Cost (2026)	Notes
Surf School	€50-€100/month	Zurriola Surf Eskola
Music Lessons	€80-€150/month	Conservatorio de Música
Sports (Football, Basketball)	€30-€60/month	Local clubs
Language Exchange	Free	Meetup groups

Part-Time Jobs for Teens (16+)

Babysitting: €10-€15/hour.
Waitstaff: €6-€9/hour (plus tips).
Retail: €7-€10/hour (Centro Comercial Garbera).

Verdict: Teens in San Sebastián have a great balance of freedom and activities, with a low-pressure social scene.

Language Challenges and Solutions

San Sebastián is bilingual (Spanish & Basque), which can be challenging for expat kids.

Basque vs. Spanish

Basque (Euskera):
Mandatory in public schools.
Not related to any other language (hard to learn).
Spanish:
Easier for expats (similar to other Romance languages).

Language Learning Options

Option	Cost (2026)	Best For
Public School (Free)	€0	Long-term residents
Language Schools (e.g., Tandem, Donostia Kultura)	€150-€300/month	Short-term learners
Private Tutors	€20-€40/hour	One-on-one help
Online Apps (Babbel, Duolingo)	€10-€20/month	Self-learners

Tips for Helping Kids Learn Basque/Spanish

✔ Enroll in a public school (best immersion).

✔ Watch Basque/Spanish cartoons (e.g., Pocoyó in Spanish).

✔ Join local sports clubs (football, surfing).

✔ Hire a bilingual nanny (€12-€15/hour).

Verdict: Spanish is easier, but Basque is manageable with immersion.

Expat Family Communities

San Sebastián has a growing expat community, with Facebook groups, meetups, and international networks.

Facebook Groups

Expats in San Sebastián (5,000+ members).
San Sebastián Moms & Dads (2,000+ members).
Digital Nomads Donostia (3,000+ members).

Meetup Groups

Donostia International Parents (monthly playdates).
San Sebastián Expats & Locals (weekly coffee meetups).
Surf & Social Donostia (beach hangouts).

International Networks

Internations San Sebastián (paid membership, €50/year).
American Club of the Basque Country (for US expats).

Verdict: The expat community is small but welcoming, with plenty of family-friendly events.

Maternity and Paternity Leave in Spain

Spain has one of the best parental leave systems in Europe.

Maternity Leave (2026)

Duration: 16 weeks (6 weeks mandatory post-birth).
Pay: 100% of salary (capped at €4,139/month).
Eligibility: Must have worked 180 days in the last 7 years.

Paternity Leave (2026)

Duration: 16 weeks (same as maternity leave).
Pay: 100% of salary (capped at €4,139/month).

Shared Parental Leave

Parents can split the 16 weeks (e.g., 8 weeks each).
Bonus: Extra 2 weeks if shared equally.

Adoption/Foster Care Leave

Duration: 16 weeks (same as birth leave).

Verdict: Spain’s parental leave is generous and flexible, making it great for expat families.

Child-Friendly Restaurants and Spaces

San Sebastián is a foodie paradise, and many restaurants are kid-friendly.

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants

Restaurant	Cuisine	Kid-Friendly?	Price (Family of 4)
La Cuchara de San Telmo	Basque	High chairs, kids' menu	€60-€100
Bodegón Alejandro	Pintxos	Casual, quick service	€40-€70
Restaurante Kokotxa (Michelin-starred)	Basque	Kids' tasting menu	€150-€250
Ganbara	Grilled meats	Spacious, relaxed	€80-€120
Pizzería La Viña	Pizza	Play area, fast service	€30-€50

Best Play Areas in Restaurants

McDonald’s (Gros) – Play zone, free Wi-Fi.
Foster’s Hollywood – American-style, kids' menu.
Café de la Concha – Beachfront, stroller-friendly.

Child-Friendly Cafés

Sakona Coffee Roasters (Gros) – Play area, great coffee.
Koh Tao Café (Parte Vieja) – Healthy snacks, relaxed vibe.
Mimo Café (Antiguo) – Books for kids, outdoor seating.

Verdict: San Sebastián has plenty of kid-friendly dining options, from casual pintxo bars to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Final Tips for Relocating to San Sebastián with Kids

Before You Move

✅ Visit first – Spend a week in different neighborhoods.

✅ Secure a school spot – International schools fill up fast.

✅ Learn basic Spanish/Basque – Helps with integration.

✅ Check visa requirements – Non-EU families need a visa.

After You Arrive

✅ Register at the Ayuntamiento (town hall) for residency.

✅ Get a Spanish SIM card (Vodafone, Movistar, Orange).

✅ Join expat groups – Facebook, Internations, meetups.

✅ Explore parks & beaches – Kids adapt faster with outdoor fun.

Long-Term Considerations

✔ Public vs. private school – Public is free but requires Basque.

✔ Healthcare – Public is great, but private has shorter waits.

✔ Cost of living – More expensive than other Spanish cities, but worth it.

Conclusion: Is San Sebastián Right for Your Family?

✅ Best for:

Families who love the outdoors (beaches, hiking, surfing).
Parents who want high-quality, affordable education.
Expats who value safety and a relaxed lifestyle.

❌ Challenges:

Basque language can be tough for non-speakers.
Housing costs are higher than in other Spanish cities.
Smaller expat community compared to Barcelona/Madrid.

Final Verdict: San Sebastián is one of the best places in Spain for families, offering a perfect mix of culture, nature, and safety.

Family relocation essentials: Kids Travel Journal | Universal Stroller Bag | International Power Adapter Family Pack

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Moving to San with Family 2026: Schools, Healthcare, Safety, Costs

Table of Contents

Introduction to San Sebastián for Families