The Ultimate Guide to Living in Amara, San Sebastian
- Eleanor Ingham
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Amara is unlikely to appear in the first pages of your Donosti tourist guide. However, it shouldn’t be overlooked by newcomers looking for a vibrant, cost-effective, and dynamic base. Spanning from the football stadium all the way to the edge of the city centre, Amara is Donosti’s most populous neighborhood and takes in a huge area of the city.
Amara is undoubtedly less glamorous than other, more glitzy neighbourhoods like Gros or Antiguo, but its more humble roots make for a barrio that’s simply teeming with life. Consider Amara for its blend of friendly neighbourhood life, lively atmosphere, and wide range of services at just a short walk from the centre.
Where Is Amara, San Sebastián?
Amara spans from the edge of the city centre all the way to the southern limits of the city. Visitors can walk along the Urumea River, enjoying the Parisian-inspired architecture along the banks of the river, or enjoy the vibrant street Sancho el Sabio that connects Amara with the city centre.
What most people think of as Amara is called "Amara Berri" or "new Amara". This area goes from around the Hotel Amara Plaza to the Reale Arena. Amara Zaharra (or old Amara) is the area around Easo Plaza and Sancho el Sabio.
Walking straight through the neighbourhood will take you to the Reale arena, home to Real Sociedad football club. This area, known as “zona Anoeta”, is the furthest point in Amara from the city centre limits. Crossing the busy road Carlos IV - a road you may have come through when entering the city - will take you to another significant part of the neighbourhood. This area is a densely populated residential area, home to the neighbourhood’s “ambulatorio”, several schools, and bars hidden in squares, which are perfect for having a caña in the sun.
It’s not always easy to define exact neighbourhood limits. However, these maps underline Amara’s location and size. By population, it’s Donosti’s largest neighbourhood, with more than 30,000 residents.
What to See and Do in Amara
An important factor to remember when considering Amara as your base is that it simply doesn’t have the iconic landmarks the city’s more famous barrios have. One of Donosti’s charms is its compact size, meaning almost everywhere is accessible by bike or on foot. Amara’s no exception; most will make it to La Concha on foot in around 25 minutes, or 10-15 minutes by bike.
Amara may not be the best option for families looking to be surrounded by the sights and sounds that first made them fall in love with San Sebastián. However, what it does offer is a more authentic, realistic, and diverse way of life.
Amara’s Neighbourhood Highlights
You’ll find a range of activities to keep you occupied in Amara. These include:
Reale Arena: Football lovers will love catching a match at the Reale Arena. Match days bring a huge number of people to the neighbourhood and create a vibrant, buzzing atmosphere pre- and post-match. The stadium also features a small museum and stadium tours.
Txuri Urdin ice rink: The city’s ice rink is located just next to the stadium. Rent ice skates or bring your own for a fun plan in any weather.
Paco Yoldi polideportivo: Every neighbourhood in San Sebastián has its own “polideportivo”, or municipal sports centre. Paco Yoldi offers a wide range of exercises and has the city’s only 50m swimming pool. In summer, the outside swimming pool area is ideal for children to play and adults to relax on the sun loungers around the pool.
Velodrome: The city’s velodrome is also located next to the stadium.
Illumbe stadium: Slightly up the hill, heading towards the hospitals, is the Illumbe stadium. This is home to the city’s basketball teams and also hosts bullfighting in Semana Grande.
The neighbourhood is also home to a huge variety of parks, bars, restaurants, cafés, and shops.
Food and Drink in Amara
Amara is simply brimming with bars and restaurants, offering a range of cuisines and experiences. Most bars offer a range of pintxos and raciones; finding out what each offers and which your favourite bars are is one of the joys of moving to this neighbourhood!
Some of the highlights include:
Bar Campus
Isabel II.a Etorb., 15, 20011
Bar Campus is the best location for watching live sports in Amara. Their pintxos, sandwiches, bocadillos, and “platos combinados” are excellent and reasonably priced. However, their tortilla is a thing of legends! Without a doubt, one of the very best in the city.
El Chef
Antso Jakituna Hiribidea, 21, 20010
El Chef stands out as a high-quality Chinese restaurant, a rare concept in a city (and country) not overly enamoured with Chinese cuisine. The food and service here are excellent.
Pizzeria Il Gusto
Isabel II.a Etorb., 15
Il Gusto is, for me, the best pizza in the whole city. Buy by the slice or go the full distance; either way, you won’t be disappointed. Be aware though that they only offer takeaway.
Txirrita
Isabel II.a Etorb., 4, 20011
Txirrita is a traditional bar with its original owners still going strong after decades of service. This is a good place for traditional pintxos. However, their mussels (only served at weekends!) are simply outstanding.
Aukera
De Felipe IV Hiribidea, 3, 20011
Aukera is Amara’s top pick for fish and seafood. Though the bar looks much like any other from the outside, you’ll find a selection of delicious fresh fish and seafood that rivals any bar in the Old Town. The txuleta is also unmissable! Alternatively, head here during the week for some raciones and to catch the game.
Esparru
Karlos I.a Hiribidea, 16, 20011
Esparru is a sizable bar and restaurant that offers a great range of pintxos, raciones, and full plates. The meat here is particularly good. Good option for more formal, sit-down meals but also great for just grabbing a ración on the go.
Schools in Amara
Amara Berri
Amara Berri is a public preschool and primary school famed for its progressive methodology. Only Modelo D is offered here. You will likely need to live in or around Amara to get a place for your child here.
Peñaflorida and Usandizaga
Peñaflorida is a public high school in Amara, where students do la ESO. The school doesn't offer Bachillerato; after obligatory education, students head to Usandizaga to do their final two years before university, finding a job, or pursuing other further education.
École Larrun
Larrun is unique in San Sebastián in that it offers full immersion in French, Basque, and Spanish. This makes it an appealing option for parents who prioritise French learning and curricula for their children. The school offers classrooms from 2-18 years old.
Escuela Oficial de Idiomas
The Escuela Oficial de Idiomas offers foreign language classes for adults at a very low cost. It's competitive to get a place in one of the classes so make sure you apply early!
Public Transport Links in Amara
The main bus lines going through Amara are:
To go to the city centre: 28 and 26
To go to Gros: 17
To go to Igara: 43
You can also take the “topo” train to the city centre and further afield. Confusingly, the station called Amara is in the Plaza Easo. Though this is technically Amara, most would consider it the centre! Anoeta will likely be your closest station if you live in Amara Berri or Zona Aoneta.
Car Parking in Amara
Amara offers plenty of private garages for rent or to buy. These options are probably best if you want to protect your car from the elements. Alternatively, apply for resident parking. You must be “empadronado” in Amara to be able to park in the designated resident spots without risk of fines.
Finding free parking spaces is usually relatively easy during the day. However, in the evening and (especially) on match days, it can be challenging!
Cost of Living in Amara
Amara is one of the more affordable neighbourhoods in San Sebastián. However, a property will still set you back 5,571 euros/m2 (April 2025). For context, the average in the city is 5,953 euros/m2.
Compare prices in different neighbourhoods to get an idea of where might suit your budget.
Amara FAQs
Is Amara Safe?
Amara is a safe neighbourhood with few problems with crime or anti-social behaviour. Normal precautions are always recommended though to keep you and your property safe.
Is Amara a Diverse Neighbourhood?
Amara is one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in the city. However, newcomers won’t find a huge amount of diversity in any neighbourhood in Donosti as the city remains dominated by Basque and Spanish residents. People looking for cosmopolitan cities would be better suited to Madrid, Barcelona, or other large cities around Spain.
Does Amara Have Pintxo Pote?
Yes, Amara’s pintxo pote is every Wednesday night in the bars in and around Isabel II. You’ll find a bustling atmosphere, with people of all ages enjoying a drink and snack with family and friends.
Is Amara a Good Neighbourhood for Children?
Amara is a great neighbourhood for children as it’s mostly flat,
Is Amara a Quiet Neighbourhood?
Some parts of Amara are perfect for people looking for peace and quiet. Avoid homes looking onto the main road or above bars to ensure a great night’s rest. The best homes for silent nights and mornings will be ones overlooking quiet squares or on roads with limited traffic and footfall.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth Living in Amara, San Sebastian?
It’s definitely worth living in Amara, San Sebastian! This cool barrio has everything most families could ever need within a few streets, including bars, restaurants, schools, supermarkets, and entertainment options.
While Amara doesn’t boast the glamour of some of the city’s other neighbourhoods, it’s a great option for people looking for a slightly more budget-friendly option at just a stone’s throw from the centre. You’re bound to fall in love with the lively and family-friendly atmosphere the neighbourhood offers.
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