San Sebastián

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Lglesia de San Sebastian, San Sebastián

Introducing San Sebastián

San Sebastián (Basque: Donostia) has been holding court on the shores of the beautiful, crescent-shaped Bahía de La Concha for a very long time and shows no sign of losing any of its poise or its subtle flavour of high camp. This is no Grande Dame either; more a cool, svelte, diva who has seen them all, from belle époque blue bloods, to 21st-century international rock stars. It’s here too that the gourmet subculture of the pintxo underpins Michelin-starred cuisine. Thirteen Michelin stars fret the San Sebastián firmament of classy eateries, a galaxy matched only by central Paris.

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There are no great cultural icons in San Sebastián, but the city entertains you at every turn not least because of its cheerful, upbeat atmosphere. La Concha beach is one of the world’s most beautiful city beaches and across the river is Playa de la Zurriola (Zurriola Beach), also known as Playa de Gros, less glamorous and with a strong surfing appeal. Add to this the atmospheric Parte Vieja (Old Town), said to have more bars than any other quartier (neighbourhood) in the known world, and the Centro Romántic, with its pedestrianised shopping streets, lined with the handsome façades of Art Nouveau buildings.

The city is also exuberantly Basque by nature and is the event capital of Europe’s Atlantic Arc, with cultural and corporate happenings around every corner. These include the annual San Sebastián Jazz Festival and International Film Festival.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. zebec avatar
    Trip Report: Basking in Basque Lands (vol.1)

    by zebec 02 August 2011

    Aupa! What follows is both subjective and lengthy. It is intended for those yet to visit the area. Years ago, we took note of a famed…
  2. slaintekt avatar
    Re: Basque Country Bilbao or San Sebastian

    by slaintekt 13 February 2010

    Hello there - I've been to both Bilbao and San Sebastián/Donostia three times each, and having stayed in both, I would choose staying…
  3. uffe avatar
    RE: Accomodation in San Sebastian (2 adults + 1 child)

    by uffe 15 April 2009

    The others pensiones I have come across that have kitchen facilities are the following: Olga's Place (better location than Parte Vieja?)…

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