Spanish language schools in San Sebastián, Spain

Spanish Courses in San Sebastián

San Sebastián is a beautiful Spanish city and municipality on the shore of the Bay of Biscay, 20 km from the border with France. It is the capital of the province of Gipuzkoa in the autonomous community of the Basque Country.

The population speaks Spanish and Basque (Euskera). The origin of Euskera remains a mystery: linguists find no similarities either with other European languages or with languages from other parts of the world. Due to the mountainous terrain, the region long remained isolated, which allowed Basque to survive. In everyday life, beautiful, "pure" Spanish dominates, and Basque is heard only occasionally.

But there is no need to worry about the language: Spanish predominates in San Sebastián — beautiful and pure, although from time to time you can hear conversations in Basque.

Spanish language schools in San Sebastián offer general intensive Spanish in groups, individual lessons, preparation for official exams, specialized programs, practical workshops, and masterclasses.

Advantages of San Sebastián for Learning Spanish

• Cultural center of the Basque region. Many festivals and events.
• Gastronomic capital of Europe. San Sebastián has seven Michelin-starred restaurants and over 200 bars specializing in pintxos (small snacks in northern Spain served with aperitifs while waiting for the traditionally late dinner; traditionally made from fish and seafood, with tortilla and croquettes).
• "Little Paris." The city’s architecture is inspired by the French capital, which gives it elegance.
• Beach and city together. San Sebastián combines a resort atmosphere and a rich cultural life: beaches, sea, and mountain landscapes neighbor museums and theaters.

Disadvantages of San Sebastián for Learning Spanish

• Seasonal price increases. Accommodation costs rise during the high season.
• Bilingual environment. Although Spanish dominates, the periodic presence of Basque can slightly complicate language practice for beginners.

Language Schools in San Sebastián

There are fewer language schools in San Sebastián than in larger Spanish cities. The quality of education is not affected by this. Pay attention to the Linguaschools Spanish language school in San Sebastián. As for the prices of Spanish courses in San Sebastián, the costs are listed below.

Approximate course prices per week:

• Individual lessons — from 12 €
• Intensive group courses — from 180 €
• Combined formats (Spanish + surfing, yoga, gastronomy) — from 45 €
• Courses for 50+ listeners — price depends on the program

Preparation for official exams (from 295 €):

• DELE — Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (Cervantes Institute).
• SIELE — Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española.

Courses for Spanish teachers (from 360 €).

Apartments, host families, and student dormitories are available. Prices are per week and vary by season.

Cost of Living

Overall impression. San Sebastián remains one of the most expensive cities in northern Spain, but the price level here is still lower than in Barcelona. The main expense is rent.

Rent and utilities. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about 1,095 € per month; outside the center — about 750 €. Utilities for housing of 80–90 m² and unlimited internet add about 130 €.

Food. A meal at an inexpensive cafe costs about 14 €, a three-course dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant — about 50 €. In a store, a liter of milk costs about 1 €, a loaf of bread — 1 €, a kilogram of chicken fillet — about 6 €.

Transport and leisure. A single bus ride costs 1.85 €, a monthly pass — 32 €. A gym membership costs about 46 € per month, a movie ticket — about 8 €.

Income and summary. The average net salary in the city is about 2,270 € per month. This is enough for one person renting a one-room apartment in the center to spend about 1,900 € on all basic needs. A couple or family significantly save by renting outside the center, where the main expenses drop to about 3,100 € per month. Overall, San Sebastián offers a high quality of life with reasonable expenses for those whose income equals or slightly exceeds the local average salary.

Culture, Attractions, and Nature

San Sebastián combines beach and urban leisure. Seven Michelin-starred restaurants and over 200 bars make gastronomy an attraction. Parisian-style architecture emphasizes the city's elegance.

The beaches of the Bay of Biscay and surrounding mountains are popular among surfers, yoga lovers, and active recreation enthusiasts; often these activities are included in language programs.

Safety

Numbeo rates San Sebastián's crime index at 29 out of 100 and the safety index at 71 out of 100, ranking the city among the safest in Southern Europe. Most categories — from thefts to violent assaults — are marked as "low," and about 65% of residents feel safe even at night. Although half of respondents note a moderate increase in crime over five years, absolute levels remain below average for tourist cities in Spain.

Is It Worth Going?

San Sebastián is one of the best destinations for learning Spanish. Gastronomy, natural beauty, and a vibrant cultural life make it an ideal choice for students. You will remember Spanish courses in San Sebastián forever.