Miramón neighbourhood, in Donostia: what to visit
San Sebastian has always been synonymous with sea, mountains and gastronomy as far as tourism is concerned, but it has also always been able to boast a powerful industrial sector in the neighbourhoods furthest from the centre, but always well communicated (the benefits of a city of a comfortable size!).
And that fully industrial past has given way, in some neighbourhoods of Donostia, to an industry more related to science and innovation, being a host city for many national and international professionals in this sector.
This has allowed companies to integrate into the green and avant-garde landscape of these neighbourhoods of Donostia, with Miramón being the perfect reflection of a city full of contrasts and nuances.
Located in an elevated area and surrounded by nature, Miramón offers a perfect balance between culture, science, history and gastronomy.
It is an ideal place for those looking to enjoy the tranquillity of its extensive parks and trails, as well as for those who want to immerse themselves in the world of science and avant-garde cuisine.
Stick around, because we have prepared a route to discover the main points of interest in the Miramón neighbourhood on your next visit to San Sebastián.
Paseo de Miramón and its forest
Few people could imagine that in the middle of a technology park there could be a forest as extensive and diverse as Miramón. However, the Miramón forest is, together with the Ametzagaña forest, the largest in Donostia.
In fact, thanks to its extension, along its route you can find everything from an open-air amphitheatre where different cultural events are held, to old farmhouses, various routes and a stream, among other secrets that we invite you to discover.
On public holidays and, above all, on the hottest days, Miramón Park becomes a real natural refuge in the city, where it is easy to disconnect from the urban bustle and immerse yourself in the beauty of its surroundings.
The park’s trails offer routes of different levels, ideal for walking alone or with the family, and are full of native vegetation, making it a perfect space for those who enjoy observing the local biodiversity.
Miramón Park is not only one of the lungs of Donosti, but also a meeting point for nature lovers and dog owners who can enjoy an exceptional walk with their pets.
You can get there by car or by city bus, any day of the week. Bus lines 28 and 17 will take you to one of the main entrances.
Katxola Farmhouse
Much more than an open-air museum, the Katxola farmhouse, located in the Miramón neighbourhood, is the perfect place to discover the old farmhouses that were used as wine presses or, in other words, the farmhouses where the famous Gipuzkoan cider was made.
Its construction, typical of Basque farmhouses, reflects centuries of history and agricultural tradition. It is a two-storey rectangular building, the rear part of the first floor being the place where the cider press is located.
Today, the Katxola farmhouse also hosts cultural activities that aim to connect visitors with Basque traditions. From guided tours to events on Basque culture and folklore, this farmhouse is a journey back in time not to be missed.
Basque Culinary Center
And if San Sebastian has always been synonymous with good cuisine and, in particular, traditional Basque cuisine, the Basque Culinary Center fuses this tradition with gastronomic innovation.
The Basque Culinary Center was the first study centre in Europe to launch cooking as a university degree, combining the teaching of this discipline with research.
For this reason, its facilities fuse Basque culinary tradition with the latest trends in modern cuisine.
Although it is a centre dedicated mainly to professional training, the Basque Culinary Center also opens its doors to the public on certain occasions, offering gastronomic events, courses and workshops where visitors can learn more about Basque cuisine and experiment with new flavours and techniques.
In addition, the centre itself has a restaurant open from Monday to Friday, where the general public can enjoy its delicious creations and which also serves as a centre for students’ first practical training.
Eureka! Science Museum
For science lovers and families with children, the Eureka! Science Museum is a must-see in the Miramón neighbourhood.
This interactive museum is one of the most important science outreach centres in the Basque Country, and is designed to make learning fun and accessible for all ages.
The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of scientific topics, from biology to physics, with hands-on activities that allow visitors to experience scientific phenomena first-hand.
The planetarium and interactive workshops are especially popular with young children, while adults can enjoy a fascinating tour of the world of science.
The museum also has a café where you can enjoy everything from breakfast to lunch to make your visit complete.
Arbide Towers
One of the most emblematic buildings in Miramón and in the city itself is the Arbide Towers, a mansion that stands in the middle of a natural setting, although this was not always its location, since when they were built in 1904, they were located in the centre of the city.
The Arbide Towers were once a private residence for the Donostia bourgeoisie, but in 1972 they were sold to a real estate company and acquired by the then Caja de Ahorros, which, instead of destroying the building, decided to move it to its current location in the Miramón neighbourhood in 1979.
Although they are not always open to the public, their exterior architecture is worth a visit. Its setting, surrounded by trees and overlooking the green landscape of Miramón, is an ideal place for those looking for a short break during their tour of the neighbourhood.
How to get to the Miramón neighbourhood
Now that you know the main places to visit in the Miramón neighbourhood, all you need to do is find out how to get there. You have several options: by bus on lines 28, 17 and 35. Or, if you prefer, on foot from the neighbourhood of Amara, specifically from the Anoeta Stadium, from where you can easily reach the Arbide Towers.
And, of course, if you wish, you can also come by private car, as parking in the area is very easy.
Would you prefer us to accompany you and discover this and other districts of Donostia with us? Contact us and we will organise a different and fun guided tour.