We invite you to take a rural tourism trip to the capital of Guipúzcoa, San Sebastián (or Donosti, if you are from the surrounding area). This city is bathed by the Cantabrian Sea, and juts out into it as it is located at the tip of the Bay of Vizcaya.
How do I organize myself to see it? The truth is that it's complicated, but we're going to help you so that you don't miss the most important sights. Probably the most emblematic place is “Playa de la Concha”, so let's start there. Its promenade, decorated with Belle Époque elements, is one of the most famous in Spain.
The beach overlooks Santa Clara Island, which is guarded by two hills on either side of the cove. Going up by funicular railway, on Mount Igueldo you will find an old amusement park with a unique style. On Mount Urgull, on the other hand, is the castle of La Mota, the last defensive bastion of ancient Gaul. With so much going up and down, you deserve a treat, so, returning to the promenade, you can stop off at the luxurious La Perla spa overlooking the sea, famous for its thalassotherapy treatments.
Moving away from the beach, but without leaving the bay, we can reach the Miramar Palace, the former residence of the royal family during the summer season. It is currently used as a summer school for the University of the Basque Country. Under its gardens there is a tunnel that will take us to Ondarreta beach, La Concha’s little sister where you can find sculptures known as 'Peine del Viento' (Wind Comb), which are constantly being whipped by the waves.
Not tired yet? Just as well, because now we are heading towards the city centre. First, we can go to the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, which with its 75-metre high neo-gothic tower, is one of the most imposing buildings in the old town. If we follow a straight line and walk about 800 metres, we will come across the Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro, proving that the two buildings look at each other.
Moving away from the centre, it's time to learn about local traditions at the Museum of Basque Culture, better known as the San Telmo Museum. It was a former convent that has been converted into the most important ethnographic museum in the Basque Country.
What are we missing? Of course, the Bretxa Market. As you know, San Sebastian is a city of culinary contrasts, as it has 3 restaurants with 3 Michelin stars (the only city in the world to have them, along with Paris), but it also lives a lot from “pintxos and tapas”.
Many businesses are supplied by this market, which sells the freshest food in the city.
As Donostia thrives on tourism, there will be a wide variety of hotels and flats for your stay. Many of them have service worthy of their 5-star rating, and it’s more than one’s celebrity’s favourite choice for whom like to spend their summer holidays near the Concha.
But did you know that San Sebastian is not only famous for its gastronomy or its places of interest? Something that also attracts many tourists are its festivals and events. San Sebastian’s residents have in their hearts the Tamborrada (20 January) and the Semana Grande (15 August), which are the festivities commemorating the city and the Basque Country.
However, also of great importance are the International Jazz Festival and the International Film Festival, which attract all kinds of stars, and add fame to this beautiful city.
