Amara neighbourhood, Donosti

Perhaps the most typical image of San Sebastian is the bay of La Concha, followed by the streets of the Old Town and its extensive pintxo bars.

But Donostia is much more than that, and has very diverse neighbourhoods that, although they preserve the essence of La Bella Easo, have their own style, festivals and places that are a must-see when you come to San Sebastian.

Donosti’s Amara neighbourhood is one of them. In fact, it is, together with the neighbourhood of El Antiguo, the first to welcome visitors, especially if you come by bus or if you are a football lover.

Located next to the centre of San Sebastian, the Amara neighbourhood is a quiet area that is well connected to the rest of the neighbourhoods, ideal for those looking to enjoy a local atmosphere with easy access to the main tourist attractions.

In this article, we take you to discover the most interesting corners of Amara, from its squares to its parks, as well as its cultural and gastronomic offer.

Easo Square

Few squares are as lively in San Sebastian as Plaza Easo; one of the key points in the San Sebastian neighbourhood of Amara. It is also known as the heart of the neighbourhood.

This square is a meeting place for the residents of the area and surrounding neighbourhoods, and is surrounded by cafes, bars with different types of food and local shops that make it a place to chat, relax and for the kids to play calmly.

It doesn’t matter what time of day you walk through the square, you’ll always find a good atmosphere, although the atmosphere varies depending on the time of day. For example, in the morning it is a bustling place with people coming and going as they walk to work, or leaving from the nearby Euskotren train station, which connects with other parts of Gipuzkoa and the Basque Country.

It is precisely this station that is also the reason why in the afternoons we find that curious combination of tourists dragging their suitcases, with the locals who stay at this point to meet up with neighbours and friends.

If you want to explore the riverbank with us, we have different electric bike tours in San Sebastian.

Araba Park

Araba Park is one of the green lungs of Amara and the favourite playground for children in the neighbourhood and other areas of Donostia. This makes this park perfect for a relaxing stroll, playing sports in the open air or having a good time with the family.

It is common to see the locals enjoying the good weather and it has playgrounds for the little ones.

In addition, its location makes it an ideal place for those looking for a break after touring the city or before catching the Euskotren train home.

Real Sociedad Museum

Football fans will find a must-see in Amara: the Real Sociedad Museum, located in the Reale Arena stadium.

This museum is a tribute to one of the most important football teams in the Basque Country and one of the most beloved in the history of Spanish football, where you can explore the history and achievements of Real Sociedad.

From its origins to its most glorious moments, the museum offers an interactive experience that will excite both fans of the team and those interested in football culture.

Church of Il Iesu and Park of Memory

Continuing our tour of Amara and arriving at the Riberas de Loiola neighbourhood, we come to the Church of Il Iesu, a modern architectural work that stands out for its minimalist and symbolic design. It is the work of Rafael Moneo, the same architect who designed the Kursaal Cubes.

This Catholic church is one of the most recent buildings in the city, as is the area of the neighbourhood in which it is located, and its simplicity contrasts with the more traditional buildings in Donosti.

Right next to it is the Park of Memory, a space dedicated to the memory of and homage to the victims of terrorism. This park is a place of reflection and tranquillity, surrounded by nature, where visitors can stroll and meditate in a serene atmosphere.

Cycling along the river

The neighbourhood of Amara has the advantage of being next to the banks of the Urumea River, a perfect place to enjoy a bike ride.

The cycle lane that runs along the riverbank connects several important points in the city, from the Centre to the more outlying neighbourhoods, and is an excellent option for getting around in a sustainable way and enjoying the views of the river.

This route is very popular with residents and visitors looking to explore Donosti in a more active way and in contact with nature.

Where to eat in Amara

The Amara neighbourhood is an excellent option for enjoying pintxos in a more relaxed atmosphere than in other more crowded areas of Donosti. Local favourites include Bar Agustín, famous for its delicious acorn-fed Iberian pork cheek, a pintxo not to be missed.

If you prefer classic Basque flavours, Bar Aukera is known for its bacalao al pil-pil, a traditional dish that takes on a special touch here.

Another highlight in the area is Bar Txirrita, where the tempura squid is the star. These bars are just some of the many that make up the varied gastronomic offer in Amara.

In addition, Avenida Isabel II is a lively meeting point where locals and visitors alike enjoy good pintxos and drinks in a lively atmosphere, especially on Real Sociedad match days.

Two of these places with good pintxos and a good atmosphere are the Campus bar, renowned for its famous potato omelette, one of the best in the city, and the Bigarren bar, with homemade food and a cheesecake ideal for those with a sweet tooth.

Discover Amara with local guides

The Amara neighbourhood is a reflection of the most authentic San Sebastian. From its lively squares to its quiet corners, this neighbourhood invites you to explore the city from a local perspective.

Whether strolling through its parks, enjoying a pintxo or visiting its cultural venues, Amara offers a perfect balance between tradition and modernity.

Don’t hesitate to include this neighbourhood in your next visit to Donosti or call us so we can show it to you and tell you about other curiosities that you will only discover with us.