Camper van spots in San Sebastian
As an ex-vanlifer, I know a few things about what makes a good park-up spot, though this is often quite subjective. Here are my top 5 spots in and around San Sebastian where you can spend the night in relative peace and be within walking/biking distance or a short drive back into the centre of town.
City parking note: finding a space to park in the city is difficult, but if you do find a spot, here are the meanings of the road markings: white = unrestricted; white with ‘B’ and ‘R’ markings = residents parking only; blue and green dashes = pay at the machine during restricted hours (which tend to be 09.00-13.30 and 15.30 - 20.00 on weekdays, and 09.00-13.30 only on Saturdays.). Be careful of the Low emissions Zone too.
1. The Motorhome Pay & Display
location (Antiguo)
The spot of choice for most motorhomers, it’s quiet, cheap and within walking distance of La Concha and the Old Town. It’s got a 3 day limit and is often pretty busy so can be difficult to find a spot. It’s very safe (don’t heed some of the false reviews on Park4Night) and you can wake up to birdsong. There’s also a grey-water drain and a water point, as well as cafes etc. nearby.
2. The Ilunbe Stadium Park
location (Anoeta)
Quite a tricky place to find with quite an industrial feel but very safe (again, ignore the false Park4Night warnings) and reasonably quiet, located in the grounds of the Ilunbe Stadium. There’s a designated motorhome area which is free (no facilities) and you can walk down past the Real Sociedad Stadium and along the river into town, with bars and supermarkets all very nearby. There’s a 72 hour limit which is never enforced (as far as I’ve experienced, I used to keep my big converted bus there) but be mindful of restricted access during Real Sociedad games - you are at liberty to stay parked-up but won’t be able to drive in during the specified match day times (check the signage) when the larger car park is used for visiting coaches.
3. The back streets of Ibaeta
location (Arturo Campion Kalea)
Unrestricted street parking, you can find a quiet spot among the cul-de-sacs and the yet undeveloped streets where locals leave their motorhomes. Again, it’s safe and very quiet but because it is street parking, be discrete after dark if you’ve parked on a thoroughfare as if the police happen to pass and see your lights on, they might get you to move on. I leave my converted mini-bus there long term nowadays.
4. Listorreta Motorhome Park
location (out of town, Hernani)
A glorious, free, rural park-up about 20 mins out of town, surrounded by forest and beautiful walks - check out the caves nearby which were inhabited by early hominids. There are toilet and BBQ facilities, as well as a grey-water drain, water point and bin facilities. Can be quite popular with families and other campers during weekends but there’s lots of space so you’ll always find a spot.
5. Orio-Igeldo Motorhome Park
location (out of town, Igeldo)
Another rural park-up only 15 mins out of San Sebastian. Up on the top of the ridge, it has spectacular sea views from the adjacent land, loads of hiking trails nearby and a fantastic local restaurant within walking distance. The recreational area has toilets, BBQ facilities and a drinking fountain, which can be popular with locals at the weekends. The parking spots are actually on the road so you may get the occasional car passing in the night.