SAN SEBASTIÁN, SPAIN

SAN SEBASTIÁN

San Sebastian is one of the most touristic cities in Spain. 

It is located in the autonomous community of the Basque Country. An autonomous community in Spain can be compared to a state in the United States, there are differences but it can be an excellent comparison to make it easier to understand.

This well-known city is also known in the Basque Country as Donostia, a name in Euskera, the language of the Basques, which is the oldest living language in Europe.

Flag of the Basque Country

According to excavations, there is evidence of Roman settlements in what is now the Old Part of the city.

San Sebastian is located on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea, its most famous beaches are the beaches of Ondarreta, La Concha, and Zurriola.

         Ondarreta Beach                            La concha Beach                        

            Zurriola Beach

The city's altitude ranges from 585 meters above sea level, although the Igueldo (205 m), and Urgull (127 m) mountains to the west and east of the city stand out.

                  Igueldo                                                Urgull 

The Cathedral of the "Buen Pastor", built at the end of the 19th century, is the largest and most important religious temple to see in San Sebastian.

The Paseo Nuevo, which goes all the way around Mount Urgull, bordering the Cantabrian Sea, is another must-see in San Sebastian.

This walk takes less than an hour and starts at the beautiful port, passing the mouth of the Urumea River.

Between the beaches of La Concha and Ondarreta stands a green mound, the Miramar Palace, another of the most beautiful buildings to visit in San Sebastian.

This mansion, surrounded by a garden, was built at the end of the 19th century by the Queen Regent María Cristina as a summer residence for the Spanish monarchy.

San Telmo Museum, is the most important museum to see in San Sebastian.

This museum was a Gothic convent from the 16th century. Some of the most important paintings are by Sorolla, El Greco, and Rubens.

 

San Sebastian has some very special festivities, the most representative are:

The night of San Juan: It marks the beginning of the summer by burning all the bad things and celebrating the arrival of this long-awaited season. 

31st of August: On 31st August 1813, the English and Portuguese troops defeated the French and razed the city, which was burnt to the ground, except for the street that today bears the name of 31 de Agosto, in the Old Part of San Sebastian. Every year on this day, the event is commemorated in this street marked by history, which is also home to the oldest houses in the city.

From my point of view, I would like to recommend a tour of the city's bars and try the typical Basque pinchos and tapas. My favorites are the Tortilla and Bacalao.

    

In addition, if you like sports, I recommend going to Zurriola beach where you can go surfing, as it is a beach frequented by surfers.

I also recommend visiting the nearby island of Santa Clara and swimming at its beautiful beach.

Finally, my favorite thing to do in San Sebastian is to go up Mount Igueldo and watch the beautiful sunset.

I am sure that if you visit this beautiful city, as well as enjoy it, you will want to come back.

Written by - Daniela Villapalos