San Sebastian 2018/2019 Guide

7

6

A JOURNEYTO THECOUNTRYOF THE BASQUES

MUST-SEESIGHTS

Explore Basque culture in San Telmo Museum and discover the secrets of the Basque language, the oldest in Europe. All preserved in a former Dominican convent with a cloister, extended with the addition of an internationally acclaimed avant-garde building. Page 55

10MUST-SEESIGHTS

It is an unrivalled setting, the jewel in the crown of San Sebastian. The Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea. Relax in La Perla Thalassotherapy Centre - a legacy from the Belle Époque - and then go for a swim (even if it’s winter!) at the beach. Page 18 LACONCHA: THEQUEENOF ALL BEACHES

AONE-HOUR STROLL ALONGTHE SEAFRONT

Walk along the six-kilometre coastline that joins Sagüés to the Peine del Viento (Wind Comb), along the Paseo Nuevo that skirts around Mount Urgull. An uninterrupted promenade, always with the sea alongside, and dotted with some of the finest pieces by Basque sculptors such as Chillida, Oteiza and Basterretxea. And perfect for going running!

3 beaches, 3 styles. The surfers go to Zurriola, you go to La Concha for canoeing or stand up paddle boarding and the swimmers go to Ondarreta Beach, from which it is easiest to get to Santa Clara Island. You can also get there by boat or relax in the fine sand. Page 69 A SEA FOR EVERY SPORT

The Old Town is the city’s most authentic district, the place where a gothic church, baroque basilica, a square that used to be a bullring (hence the numbered balconies), narrow alleys bursting with atmosphere and the “baserritarras” (farmers), sell the best vegetables in the city, are all concentrated within just a few square metres. Page 12 THE REAL SANSEBASTIAN? IN THE ‘OLDTOWN’, OF COURSE

PINTXOS (TAPAS)

There are as many ways to enjoy these miniature gastronomic delights as there are districts in the city. The Old Town is the epicentre and the place that brings together old-school bars with some of the most modern ones you will find. Gros has a younger, more local feel, while in the Centre and Antiguo district, the atmosphere is more relaxed and laid back. And if you still want more, sign up for some cooking classes, where you will become a genuine San Sebastian chef. Page 38

OFFTO THEPORT!

THE LOOKOUTOF SANSEBASTIAN

MADE IN SANSEBASTIÁN

San Sebastian’s port has provided refuge for generations of whale hunters and fishermen who have battled against countless storms. All of those stories are brought together in the Naval Museum and in the Aquarium, which are both located in the very port. Go there to immerse yourself in San Sebastian’s intense seafaring history. Page 14

The best way to remember the city is to take a piece of it with you, either in the form of a bottle of txakoli wine, a pantxineta custard slice or Idiazabal cheese. Or perhaps an exclusive gift from one of the city’s boutiques, a surf board ‘made in San Sebastian’, or a piece of local art....the list is endless! Page 84

Igeldo, Urgull and Ulia are San Sebastian’s three mountains and they are the perfect size for making your way to the top. They will all reward you with the finest panoramic views for your photos and they each have an added surprise. Igeldo? A funicular and an age-old amusement park. Urgull? A romantic cemetery. Ulia? Cliffs overlooking the sea.

BELLEÉPOQUE ARCHITECTURE

At the start of the 19th century, San Sebastian became one of the most exciting cities in Europe, and its Romantic Area with a pronounced Parisian feel, is proof of this. Enjoy the arcades facing Buen Pastor Cathedral, Gipuzkoa Square and the famous Hotel María Cristina. Page 62