San Sebastian... Something for Everyone

An October 2006 trip to San Sebastian by annakf

San Sebastian is a beautiful city in the Basque Country of northern Spain that has amazing beaches for the lovers of sun and surf and hiking trails in secluded mountains for the wilderness lover. Great place!

  • 3 reviews
San Sebastian is one of my favorite cities in Spain... and anyone that has visited many places in Spain knows that that means a lot. San Sebastian has beautiful beaches that are welcoming to families, singles, surfers, the young, and the old. Tree covered mountains (equipped with picturesque hiking trails) slope into the beaches and surround the city. My friend and I climbed up one of the mountains (the one that has a statue of Jesus rising up through the trees), and discovered an old castle that overlooks the harbor. In the center of the harbor is the very picturesque mini-island of Santa Clara. In the summer it is possible to take a ferry to the island. Every element of my stay in San Sebastian, from the food to the lodging to the perfect weather the city often enjoys, added up to make my weekend in San Sebastian a perfect one. San Sebastian is truly an amazing city that thoroughly succeeded in taking my breath away.

Quick Tips:

The best tip I could offer to get the most out of a stay in San Sebastian would be to question the locals on where to visit and dine. Basque Country is known for delicious cuisine, so almost anywhere that servers food will be good. The owner of the hostel I stayed in recommended two day trips to my friend and I; one to Biarritz, France, and one to Bilbao. Both destinations are about an hour and a half away from San Sebastian and both definitely worth the trip. You can buy bus tickets (both trips less than each) from the ticket windows surrounding the bus station and need not plan ahead.

Best Way To Get Around:

San Sebastian is not that big, and you would definitely get the most out of the experience by walking everywhere. There are buses that travel around the city and the taxis are not very expensive.
Pension Amaiur is definitely one of the best hostels experiences I have had. Virginia, the owner, is very welcoming and hospitable and gave my friend and I great advice on places to go in San Sebastian as well as information on day trips. The hostel is in a great location (the center of the historic part of town) and really feels like home. All of the rooms are private and individually decorated. There is a homey kitchen equipped with complimentary tea, cocoa, and coffee, as well as a refrigerator and appliances the guests may use during their stay. The rooms run from about 18-24 euros a person per night. When I return to San Sebastian (it is a really great place...I will return) I will definitely be staying at Pension Amaiur!
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by annakf on December 25, 2006

Pension Amaiur
31 de Agosto, 44 San Sebastian, Spain 2003
+34 943-42-96-54

KursaalBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Kursaal is a delicious restaurant with an incredible view. The restaurant is a giant glass square set directly on the beach, just across the river from the historic district of town. For about $20 the diner can enjoy two plates (an appetizer and an entrée), bread, beverage, and dessert. The chef is famous in San Sebastian and everything we sampled at the restaurant was delicious.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by annakf on December 25, 2006

About the Writer

annakf
annakf
Atlanta, Georgia

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