"San Sebastian, Spain" a San Sebastián Travel Page by isabeau

San Sebastian has a beautiful beach, but the selection of appealing hotels along the beach is limited. The casco viejo has character but seemed typical to the others I visited in Spain. The hike up Monte Urgull offers spectacular views and great photo opportunities.

For more views, I took the funicular, built in 1912, to the top of Monte Igeldo. At the top there is also a small, neglected amusement park, which seemed surreal in that setting.

In general, San Sebastian is very attractive and not "tourist tacky" like most beach town resorts. It is easy, and pleasant, to walk around this city...and there is a youthful energy here. San Sebastian attracts a lot of wedding parties because it is a stunning backdrop for wedding photos.

The area near The Good Shephard Cathedral was lively in the late afternoons when local families would gather...the children running wild, and parents lost in conversation with friends. Because most people live in apartments, rather than houses, the plazas become one big backyard, and a wonderful place to observe families interacting. I noticed a lot of young families, and the most beautiful babies!!!!

Thousands of Basque separatists peacefully marched through the city, while I was there, shouting for the release of political prisoners.

In addition to the two nights I spent in San Sebastian, I spent two nights in the less touristy, and more quaint Hondarribia.

In Hondarribia I walked a lot, relaxed, took in the view of France across the bay and, explored France's Pais Basque. I drove to St. Jean du Luz and up to Bayonne, caught the "Metro Basque" and visited St. Jean Pied de Port. This is one of the starting points for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, and a very beautiful spot.

Back in Hodarribia, I met a taxi driver, Joseba, who gave me a tour of the Basque countryside between Hondarribia and San Sebastian. He took me to a restaurant in a village called Olaizola, for what he referred to as a real Basque meal!