Nestled on the Basque Country’s attractive shoreline in Spain, San Sebastian will not be solely a foodie haven but in addition completely lovely too! There are so many unimaginable and finest issues to do in San Sebastian that you just’ll be spoilt for alternative. Especially with all of the Pintxos. Yum!
We had a tremendous time exploring the very best locations within the Basque Country. After exploring the larger metropolis of Bilbao, we ventured over to San Sebastian; and boy it was superb!
So, that will help you organise your journey to Gipuzkoa and particularly San Sebastian, I’m sharing among the finest issues to do in San Sebastian that we completely cherished.
Just ensure that to reach hungry! You received’t cease consuming the Pintxos and attempting Kalimotxos (crimson wine and coca cola; it’s a factor right here).
1.) Old Town (Parte Vieja)
Nestled between Alameda del Boulevard and Monte Urgull’s base, San Sebastian’s Old Town is dwelling to an assortment of attractive Basque structure, yummy eating places for Pintxos, and loads of little alleys and plazas to discover.
My motto is, eat as you stroll; which works completely within the foodie metropolis of San Sebastian. You can cease at every little pintxos bar and simply have a calming day exploring.
To get the very best expertise, e book this pintxos and wine tour of San Sebastian. It’s so good and also you’ll be launched to among the finest pintxos in San Sebastian. We cherished it.
Not solely that, it’s among the finest issues to do in San Sebastian when you’re planning to stroll stroll the town. You see, you’ll be capable of discover cobblestone streets a lot simpler than by automobile (or the rest for that matter).
As you wander via the Old Town, you will notice a lot to see and do. Make positive to go contained in the Pescaderia or Fish Market, the Plaza de la Constitucion, and the municipal library with its neoclassical structure. The latter is simply beautiful.
Oh, additionally, only a few strides away from the Plaza de la Constitucion, you’ll be able to see the Iglesia de San Vicente, the oldest church in San Sebastian.
Constructed method again within the 16th century, Iglesia de San Vicente has a surprising Gothic attraction and a meticulously carved retablo that has been there for the reason that late 1500s. It’s effectively value popping inside to see.
Read extra: Best locations in Spain to go to
2.) Buen Pastor Cathedral
Known as the most important church in all of San Sebastian, Buen Pastor Cathedral is a towering icon and a well-known landmark of the town. Its 75-meter-high tower is simply large!
Constructed out of sandstone from the close by Monte Igueldo, it options Gothic Revival structure designed by Manuel de Echave, a notable Basque architect.
Now, in my view, the inside is just a little easier in comparison with its sister church buildings. That being mentioned, it’s nonetheless among the finest issues to do in San Sebastian for a historic really feel of the town.
Don’t neglect to see the stained-glass home windows, too. Not solely that, the organ housed there is likely one of the largest in Europe with hundreds of whistles.
Read extra: Best locations in Spain to go to
3.) Isla de Santa Clara
Isla de Santa Clara is only a tiny dot off the coast of San Sebastian however it’s the good getaway when you’re on the lookout for a peaceable little go to.
To get right here with ease, e book this San Sebastian boat tour that can take you proper to Santa Clara. It’s so particular and an effective way to discover the island. Just ensure that to e book these tickets prematurely; the boats can refill within the peak months.
Once right here, you’ll get to see how attractive Isla de Santa Clara is; and why it’s been labeled as a web site of Historical National Interest Site.
There are hidden swimming pools that can cool you on a heat summer time day, whereas the string of picnic areas, eating places, and cafes supply a pleasant escape from the busier elements of the town.
You also can take a brief scenic stroll to the island’s lighthouse. It’s among the finest issues to do in San Sebastion on a heat summer time’s day.
It’s a spot you’ll be able to’t miss if you journey to San Sebastian.
Read extra: Best locations to go to in Northern Spain
4.) La Concha Beach
thought of the Summer Capital of Europe by Queen Regent Maria Cristina, La Concha Beach is regarded all through the land as one of many continent’s most breathtaking shorelines.
Aptly named after its shell-shaped bay, La Concha Beach is flocked by vacationers and locals alike.
Nestled between Mount Igueldo and Mount Urgull, La Concha Beach is well-protected from the tough waves and currents of the Atlantic Ocean.
It makes it the proper place to relax in the summertime. You see, there’s a lot to do, from; kayaking, swimming, and stopping by the close by cafes.
Afterwards, it’s also possible to stroll alongside the promenade for a beautiful day of sightseeing. For me, it’s finest at sundown.
Read extra: Best locations to go to in Northern Spain
5.) Plaza de la Constitución
Plaza de la Constitucion, located within the Old Town, is likely one of the liveliest elements of San Sebastian and a terrific spot to go to from 5pm onwards.
Known as the guts of the town, it’s the place many of the metropolis’s occasions, holidays, and feast days are held all yr spherical.
One of the preferred happenings within the Plaza is the flag-raising ceremony each 21st of January and drawing a flock of locals and guests alike.
That being mentioned, Plaza de la Constitucion attracts crowds no matter timings. It’s full of bars serving pintxos and among the tastiest Basque wines.
It has been on the coronary heart of San Sebastian for the reason that 1800s and is a spot it’s best to undoubtedly arrive hungry and thirsty.
Read extra: Best locations to go to in Northern Spain
6.) Museo de San Telmo
Located on the base of Monte Urgull, Museo de San Telmo is Basque Country’s oldest museum and likewise one of many bigger museums within the space.
It’s among the finest issues to do in San Sebastian that’s completely devoted to the historical past of the Basque Country, and effectively value a go to.
You see, Museo de San Telmo was initially a Sixteenth-century Dominican convent however with a latest addition of a brand new constructing.
Inside, there are effectively over 20,000 artefacts housed inside. It’s so value a go to.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Bilbao
7.) Miramar Royal Palace
Featuring English Tudor-style structure, Miramar Royal Palace was constructed by famend English architect Selden Wornum.
Over the years, the Miramar Royal Palace has been the summer time residence of many Spanish Royal Families and have become a agency favorite to go to.
Now, the palace itself doesn’t present guided excursions and isn’t open to the general public. However, you’ll be able to nonetheless stroll alongside its well-manicured gardens and have a picnic in a tranquil spot.
Afterwards, ensure that to pop again into the historic centre of San Sebastion and seize a well-earned glass of wine and pintxos.
It’s one of the best ways to finish a day in San Sebastian.
Read extra: Best locations to go to in Northern Spain
8.) Monte Urgull
Over the years Monte Urgull has served to be a everlasting backdrop of San Sebastian’s skyline. In reality, I’d go so far as saying that it defines the panorama of the town.
When you go to, you’ll be able to hike to the highest in the direction of the Twelfth-century Mota Castle. It’s a quaint historical past museum, with a 39-foot tall statue of the Sacred Heart constructed within the Fifties. Well value seeing.
To get there, you might begin from the Old Town and select both the Plaza de Zutoaga or the aquarium as a place to begin. It is usually a leisurely stroll as much as the highest, with most elements of the pathway shaded and effectively sorted.
Aside from the buildings sitting atop Monte Urgull, the Polbariña is a homely cafe close to the Mota Castle which has some tasty ice lotions, too.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Bilbao
9.) Ondarreta Beach (Playa de Ondarreta)
Just a stone’s throw away from the Miramar Royal Palace, visiting Ondarreta Beach is likely one of the finest issues to do in San Sebastian for a pleasant chilled day.
Best of all, it’s good to relax on the sand in the course of the summer time season.
With Monte Igueldo bordering the shore, Ondarreta Beach has a completely spectacular vista that you may’t miss. Truth be instructed, even in winter, this seashore is ideal for just a little stroll.
Oh, and don’t neglect about stopping by Zurriola Beach, too. It’s a terrific place to relax out on the shoreline.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Bilbao
10.) Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro
Located on the coronary heart of the Old Town, Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro is a splendid church with an 18th-century Baroque architectural fashion. It jogged my memory a lot of the church buildings in Sicily, particularly in Noto. They are attractive.
Honesty, its exterior has essentially the most epic Churrigueresco facade. Plus, when you head inside you will notice the massive Gothic vaults that make this church so particular.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Bilbao
11.) Monte Igueldo
Located west of San Sebastian, Monte Igueldo is a must-visit pure attraction you’ll be able to’t miss within the metropolis.
Now, it’s well-known for lots of issues, however the classic funicular is a complete gem. You see, the funicular, inbuilt 1912 and working since then, is essentially the most thrilling method to get to the highest of Monte Igueldo.
As you experience the funicular, you’ll have a surprising 360-degree vista of your complete San Sebastian and the coastlines throughout the Basque Country.
Best of all, you’ll find an old style amusement park proper on the tip. There are rides that you may attempt, equivalent to carousels and a picket curler coaster that’s so kitsch.
Not solely that, it’s also possible to go to the El Torreon Tower close to the park and keep on the well-known Hotel Mercure San Sebastian Monte Igueldo. We cherished it.
Read extra: Best locations in Spain to go to
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