The Gros neighborhood in Donostia, located on the eastern bank of the Urumea River, has become one of San Sebastián’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan areas. With its privileged location next to Zurriola beach and at the foot of Mount Ulía, Gros offers a contemporary and vibrant lifestyle, highly valued by both national and international residents seeking a blend of seaside living with top-tier cultural and culinary offerings. Traditionally rooted in local identity, Gros has undergone a transformation that now places it among the city’s most desirable urban enclaves.

Lifestyle in Gros San Sebastián

Living in Gros means embracing an active, creative lifestyle deeply connected to the Atlantic. The neighborhood maintains a strong independent spirit, reflected in its diverse community and the presence of local shops, emerging galleries, specialty cafés, and cutting-edge cultural venues. Zurriola beach, the social and sporting heart of the neighborhood, is a daily gathering spot for surfers, walkers, and residents enjoying the sea breeze and the unmistakable coastal skyline of Donostia.

Everyday life flows between specialty coffee shops, urban markets, casual dining spots, and internationally renowned restaurants. Pintxos in Gros are a must, and the area is home to some of the best bars in Donostia. Just a short walk away, the Kursaal Congress Centre and the Okendo Cultural Center enrich the local cultural scene with a year-round program of music, cinema, and exhibitions. Gros also hosts key events on the city’s cultural calendar, including the International Film Festival and the Heineken Jazzaldia, for which it is a natural stage.

The real estate in Gros mainly consists of mid-20th century buildings and newer developments offering functional, bright, and contemporary residential solutions. Homes in this area stand out for their spaciousness, quality construction, and prime locations—many of them with partial or direct sea views.

Properties in Gros appeal to both second-home buyers looking for a spot on the Cantabrian coast and full-time residents who value its excellent connection to the city center, urban vitality, and access to green spaces. In recent years, high-end developments have emerged, featuring top-quality finishes, panoramic terraces, and amenities tailored to a modern, exclusive lifestyle.

You’ll also find signature penthouses, thoughtfully renovated apartments, and functional designer flats highly appreciated by international buyers and young families seeking a balance between urban dynamism and natural surroundings.

Atmosphere and Ambience in Gros

Gros exudes a relaxed yet creative and cosmopolitan energy. Its wide streets, abundant natural light, and ever-present proximity to the sea provide a unique sense of space and freedom rarely matched in other parts of San Sebastián. It is a neighborhood where traditional Donostiarra character harmoniously coexists with new expressions of urban life.

Living in Gros is especially attractive for those who want a vibrant, characterful place to live without sacrificing comfort, tranquility, or understated elegance. The neighborhood offers a contemporary rhythm of life in an exceptional natural setting—where every day starts with a walk along the Cantabrian coast and ends with coffee, markets, or intimate live music.

Points of Interest in Gros

Highlights include Zurriola beach—one of the few urban beaches in northern Spain where surfing is possible year-round. Its wide sandy shore and seamless integration with the promenade make it a prime location for leisure, sport, and coastal enjoyment.

The Kursaal Congress Centre, designed by architect Rafael Moneo, adds a distinctive cultural and architectural landmark to the neighborhood, complemented by the nearby Okendo Cultural Center and Mount Ulía, which offers scenic walking routes with breathtaking views over the Basque coast.

Gros is also excellently connected to the rest of San Sebastián, whether on foot or by public transport. Its location just minutes from the historic center further enhances its value as a premier residential district for those seeking full urban living surrounded by culture, nature, and the sea.

Price per m²: €5.323