San Sebastián · With kids

Sheltered, shallow and tidal, with a wooded island offshore. Lifeguards in summer, showers, and hire chairs along the promenade. Any age.

A 1912 funicular climbs to a small hilltop park with a rickety wooden rollercoaster and a boat ride through a fake mountain. Ages 3+.

A whale skeleton, a shark tunnel and a Basque maritime history floor, out on the harbour wall. About two hours; ages 3+.

Small boats run out to the island in the middle of the bay through summer: five minutes, a shallow beach and a short lighthouse walk. Ages 4+.

It rains here in every month; the aquarium and the Eureka science museum are the fallbacks. Pintxo bars are standing-room from eight — go at seven.