For Australian travellers seeking a European escape that combines breathtaking coastal scenery with rich history and world-class cuisine, San Sebastian in Spain's Basque Country is a destination that delivers. Nestled on the Bay of Biscay, this city is a sensory feast, perfect for a long weekend or an extended stay.
A Feast for the Eyes: San Sebastian's Architectural Splendour
Beyond its famous pintxos bars and beautiful beaches, San Sebastian boasts a stunning array of architecture. Many of its buildings are crafted from a distinctive, buttery local limestone that seems to glow in the sunlight.
In the heart of the Old Town, the Basilica of St Mary of Coro, completed in 1774, stands as a masterpiece of Baroque design, both inside and out. Not far away, in the New Town district with its wide, shop-lined boulevards and manicured plazas, the city's neo-Gothic cathedral soars into the sky with its elegant spires.
This elegant urban landscape largely took shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, marking San Sebastian's transformation from a rustic fishing village into a graceful resort adored by Spanish royalty and European aristocrats. The Hotel Maria Cristina, a 'grand dame' from that era, remains the city's most exclusive stay, with room rates starting from around $1000 a night.
Fortunately, not all regal landmarks come with a hefty price tag. Entry to the lovely grounds of the Palacio Miramar is completely free. This summer residence for Queen Maria Cristina, designed by English architect Selden Wornum, offers sloping gardens rich with flowerbeds and a spectacular view over La Concha and Ondarreta beaches towards the forested Santa Clara islet.
Be sure to also admire the city's bridges spanning the River Urumea. The Art Deco Puente de la Zurriola is a particular highlight, with lampposts designed to resemble lighthouses, creating a dazzling spectacle after dark.
Exploring on Foot: From Leisurely Strolls to Heart-Pumping Hikes
San Sebastian is a walker's and cyclist's paradise, blessed with flat, easily navigable waterfront promenades along its river and beaches. These are perfect for a leisurely afternoon. However, if you're looking to work up a sweat and walk off those extra pintxos, the city has you covered.
Tree-shaded footpaths and stairways lead up San Sebastian's three main wooded peaks. By the Old Town, Monte Urgull rises 123 metres and is crowned by a giant statue of Jesus Christ and the remains of a castle with medieval origins. The miradors, or lookouts, here offer terrific panoramas of the city.
Similar breathtaking views await those who scale the other two peaks: Monte Ulia (243m) at the far end of Zurriola Beach, and Monte Igueldo (181m) at the western tip of Ondarreta Beach. For a easier ascent of Monte Igueldo, a funicular that opened in 1912 runs up to an old-fashioned amusement park and a flamboyant lighthouse.
For the truly adventurous, both Ulia and Igueldo offer fantastic clifftop trails that wind beyond the city limits and out into the beautiful, coast-hugging countryside, providing a perfect full-day hiking excursion.
