San Sebastian

SAN SEBASTIAN or Donostia in the Basque language, is gloriously situated around the shell-shaped La Concha Bay, protected from the Atlantic by a wooded islet, the Isla de Santa Clara. San Sebastian has for a long time been considered one of the most elegant and fashionable Spanish seaside resorts, since it became a popular summer retreat with the Spanish aristocracy in the late 19th century. Of late the city has been hailed by many as one of the gourmet temples of Europe.

San Sebastianīs lovely old town, the Parte Vieja, is quite fascinating although none of the buildings predate 1813, when it was reconstructed after a devastating fire.  Of note are the 19th century Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), the Museo San Telmo and the Plaza Mayor.  This vibrant  area is also famous for being the home of pintxos (pin-chose) the generic name given to  the deliciously elaborated Basque gourmet tapas which overflow every bar counter.  Just deciding which one to try is probably the most difficult decision youīll have to make while in San Sebastian.  But do try them, you wonīt regret it.

La Concha Beach and the promenade are the perfect places for relaxing, strolling and people watching. At the western tip of the beach stands one of the greatest monuments of modern Spanish sculpture, Eduardo Chillida’s "Peine de los Vientos" (Wind Comb). Here you can also take the charming old funicular to the top of Mount Igueldo for stunning views over the city and bay.  Later, if you feel like being pampered, head to the La Perla Thalassotherapy Spa right on the La Concha beach.

San Sebastian offers without doubt some of the finest and most innovative gastronomy to be found anywhere in Europa.  The city has numerous Michelin Starred restaurants and dining here is simply a pleasure not to be missed.  Legendary chefs like Juan Mari Arzak (ARZAK), Martin Berasategui, Pedro Subijana (AKELARRE) and more all have restaurants in San Sebastian.

This elegant city hosts a number of internationally recognised events annually including the International Jazz Festival every July and the International Film Festival every September.

Due to itīs location San Sebastian is also an ideal base from which to enjoy numerous day excursions and some suggested days trips include:

Suggested Day Trips from San Sebastian:

BILBAO

Just 1hr 15mins from San Sebastian and  easily reached by car or regular bus service. Bilbao is home to the magnificent Guggenheim Museum and a fine Old Quarter.

BIARRITZ

Just 30 miles from San Sebastian.  Easily reached by car and there is also a bus and train service.  Biarritz, located in the French Basque Country, was for several decades the most fashionable resort in Europe and itīs easy to see why. Be sure to visit the Musee du Chocolat (Chocolate Museum).

PAMPLONA

1 hour from San Sebastian and easily reached by car or regular coach service.  Pamplona is internationally famous for itīs San Fermin Festivities, the running of the bulls held every July (6th – 14th), that attracts tourist from all over the world.

RIOJA WINE REGION

2 hours from San Sebastian and easily reached by car.  The Rioja Wine region produces some of the best wines in Spain and is also notable for itīs fine cuisine, traditional & avant garde wineries and charming historical towns and villages.

Please contact us and we can help you plan an unforgettable stay in San Sebastian.

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Accommodation

If you like the look of the above Suggested Tour we will gladly prepare a quote for you. The itinerary is not rigid and can be modified to suit your needs.

Below is a selection of the accommodation we would recommend for this tour. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property. If you have registered to use our Spain Travel & Holiday Planner, you need only click on to insert it into your itinerary.

San Sebastian	Hotel Code	Classification	Information
4 nights in San Sebastian	TBC57	Central Hotel
	TBC58	Central Hotel
	TBC59	Central Hotel
	TBC60	Central Hotel
	TBC61	Central Hotel

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