Ametzagaina Park: one of the green lungs of San Sebastian.

Three neighbourhoods, unique views and a fauna and flora like few other parks in San Sebastian.

This is how we could present the Ametzagaina Park in San Sebastian, one of the green spaces that invite you to disconnect and enjoy nature without leaving the city. A place where history, nature and panoramic views intertwine, offering visitors a unique experience.

In this article, we invite you to discover every corner of Ametzagaina, from its historical origin to its flora and the activities you can do in this green lung of Donosti.

History and design of the park

Ametzagaina Park is one of the largest parks in the city, but not all its citizens know all the secrets it holds.

It has its roots in the 19th century, when the hill where it is located was used to build a military fortification. Ametzagaina formed part of a series of defences built to protect the city of San Sebastian, and the remains of this fortification can still be seen in some parts of the park.

The military history of this space is one of the reasons why Ametzagaina has a special atmosphere, as its paths not only run through nature, but also through a past that was fundamental for the defence of the city.

However, it was not many years ago that San Sebastian City Council decided to transform the hill of Ametzagaina into an urban park, maintaining its historical character and enhancing its value as a natural space.

The design of the park has respected the natural environment and the old structures as much as possible, making it a place of great cultural and scenic interest.

Today, Ametzagaina is a space where visitors can enjoy an urban forest experience, mixed with history and a design that invites tranquillity and exploration.

Flora of the park

One of the main attractions of Ametzagaina Park is the variety of its flora, with trees, shrubs and plants that bring colour and freshness to the environment.

Here you can find native species such as oak and ash, which combine with other plants to create a woodland atmosphere in which it is easy to disconnect from the urban bustle, but which, at the same time, is perfectly connected to the main neighbourhoods and arteries of Donostia.

In addition, its rich vegetation serves as shelter and food for different species of birds and small mammals. In fact, the conservation of this autochthonous flora is essential to maintain the ecological balance of the park, which becomes a natural space where visitors can observe and enjoy the biodiversity.

Location and access

Ametzagaina Park is located in the eastern part of San Sebastian, occupying several neighbourhoods, such as: Intxaurrondo, Loyola and Martutene.

Its size makes it easy to get to the park, as it is well connected by public transport and can also be reached on foot from several nearby points, making it a perfect option for a stroll. For those who prefer to arrive by car, the park has several parking areas nearby.

The paths leading into the park are designed to make it easy for people of all ages and levels of mobility, allowing both adults and children to enjoy a comfortable and pleasant stroll along its paths.

Furthermore, Ametzagaina has five well-signposted routes, allowing visitors to organise their route according to the time and intensity of the walk they wish to take. In fact, the main routes are wide and safe, making it possible to walk or cycle and enjoy nature without difficulty.

The complete route can be done in approximately one hour and is 2.8 kilometres long, as can be seen on this page of San Sebastian Tourism.

Viewpoint and recreational areas in the park

There are a total of 9 points of interest in this park, one of the great attractions of Ametzagaina being its viewpoint, from where you can get stunning views of San Sebastian and the mountains surrounding the city.

This viewpoint is a perfect place to stop and contemplate the landscape, especially at sunset, when the light reflects on the city and the hills, creating a magical and peaceful atmosphere. If you are looking for a unique view of the city and its surroundings, this is the perfect place.

In addition to the viewpoint, Ametzagaina Park has a recreational area for children.

As a curious fact, we also find the hermitage of Uba within this park, as well as an artificial crater, whose function is to be able to observe the stars without the disturbance that the lights of the city mean for this activity.

On the other hand, the presence of various species of birds makes the park an interesting place for lovers of wildlife watching, and it is also perfect for those who wish to take forest baths, an activity that has become popular for its benefits in reducing stress and improving mental health.

As you can see, it is a very complete park, which we invite you to visit during your stay in San Sebastian. And if you want to get to know it in depth, don’t hesitate to book a visit with our guides.