Have you ever been to San Sebastian? This city located in the Basque Country is one of the most visited cities in northern Spain. It also has a great variety of things to do and discover. You will love it!
6 Musts in San Sebastian
Keep reading to find out more about 6 things that you can’t miss in San Sebastian.
A walk by La Concha beach
La Concha Beach is one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Spain. Walking along the bay and enjoying the promenade is a unique experience that will make you relax while you contemplate the beauty and immensity of the Cantabrian Sea.
You can take a boat and visit the island of Santa Clara, which is located in front of La Concha beach.
And, of course, in summer there’s nothing better than a refreshing bath in its clear waters and a stroll along the fine sand of this magnificent beach.
Crossing the Maria Cristina Bridge
Crossing the Maria Cristina Bridge is one of the most romantic things you can do in San Sebastian. This bridge over the Urumea River was built in 1904 and dedicated to Queen Maria Cristina who was spending summers in the city. Four obelisks dominate the bridge, two on each side, reflecting its grandiosity.
See the Miramar Palace
The Miramar Palace is a must-see place in San Sebastian, being one of the most famous buildings in the area. As we have already mentioned, Queen Maria Cristina and King Alfonso XIII were spending their summers in Donosti and stayed in this beautiful palace overlooking the bay. It is not permitted to enter inside, but you can visit its gardens and enjoy the spectacular views from there.
Fun fact: the Miramar Palace was the setting for the filming of several scenes of the “Vampire Academy” series.
Getting amazed by the Basilica of Santa María del Coro
Located in the old part of the city, the basilica of Santa Maria del Coro is one of the most visited monuments of the city. This basilica of mixed style (Gothic, Neoclassical, Baroque and Romanesque) and its facade full of precious elements, is one of the most beautiful things to see in San Sebastian.
Try the delicious pinchos
If San Sebastian is famous for anything, in addition to everything we have mentioned, it is for its delicious and unique pinchos.
In fact, it has become one of the mandatory things to do when you travel to San Sebastian: stroll through the old town and go from bar to bar trying local wines (txakoli) and pinchos, tasting the city bite by bite. It doesn’t matter if it’s for lunch, dinner or breakfast, you’ll be thinking about the city’s pinchos all the time!
Enjoying the Semana Grande
Visiting San Sebastian around mid-August is a great idea, as it’s when the Semana Grande de Donosti is celebrated.
The Semana Grande de Donosti is one of the most important festivities of the city. During eight days there are activities for everyone to enjoy San Sebastian. Parades of giants, gastronomic contests and fireworks are some of the events that take place during this important week.
The tradition of celebrating Semana Grande was started in 1876 to recover the lost tourism. Today it has become one of the most important events for everyone who wants to learn more about the culture, gastronomy and traditions of San Sebastian.
At Dencanto Community we hope you visit San Sebastian soon, as there are plenty of things to see and do in this wonderful city. And if you want to improve your Spanish during the trip, don’t miss the opportunity and sign up for the Intensive Spanish course that we offer in San Sebastian. We are waiting for you!