So you’ve tried my foodie recommendations and stuffed yourself on pintxos in San Sebastian’s many pintxos bars. Perhaps you’ve been for a cider tasting, or a guided tour through the city’s eateries. But what do you do when you (briefly) want a non-food related activity? Well, read on….
Admire the incredible architecture
Virtually all of the Old Town in San Sebastían (the Parte Vieja) was rebuilt after being destroyed in 1813 by the allied Anglo-Portuguese troops, who were attempting to break the hold of Napoleonic forces on the town. As a result, many of the buildings are a beautiful, highly photogenic mix of neoclassical and neogothic style. The only street that survived the bombing is Calle 31 de Agosto, where many of my favourite pintxos spots are, as that’s where some of the army officers were located.
The City Hall, formerly the Grand Casino
Constitution Plaza
Two of the most beautiful churches in the Old Town are located at either end of a long stretch of streets, meaning you can stand on the steps of one and juuuust make out the gorgeous facade of the other. The Santa Maria Church was constructed in 1774 and is as stunning inside as it is out.
Pretty gorgeous huh?!
Looking towards Buen Pastor
Buen Pastor is a young by comparison, as it was constructed in 1897. Its spire makes it the tallest building in the Old Town.
Go for a Paddle or a Promenade
The Concha of San Sebastian stretches between the two headlands of Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo, in an almost perfect crescent of golden sand. We visited in early May so didn’t venture further than our ankles into the still-chilly water of the Bay of Biscay, but I can imagine in August the beach would be packed with eager swimmers. Instead, we promenaded. The gentle walk gave us plenty of time to pick our favourite beach-front mansions and enjoy the vitamin D.
Ride the Funicular to the top of Monte Igueldo
When it’s time to give the feet a rest, what could be better than riding a cute red funicular to the top of a hill for panoramic views over the city? For €3.15 return, we took our seats in these little cars that reminded me of nothing so much as the very similar cable car in Wellington, New Zealand. Rising slowly up the hill on a single track, a split half-way allows the cars to pass. At the top an amusement park awaited the summer hordes, while we chose to walk through to the other side of the mountain to where a lone white lighthouse gazed over the wide ocean.
Gin, Anita, Kate and I – obviously well-coordinated!
Relax in Zurriola
On the other side of Monte Urgull lies another golden crescent of beach. Surreal is populated by surfers, waiting for that perfect break, and by families kicking a football. We loved it partly for its proximity to our favourite breakfast spot, Loaf, where crusty warm loaves and strong coffees just begged to be taken across to the sea wall and enjoyed in the sun.
The gorgeous Zurriola bridge
Panoramas at Monte Urgull
A gentle climb from the back of the Old Town will take you up to the top of Monte Urgull (really more of a hill!) for beautiful panoramas directly over San Sebastian.
The modern statue of Christ that stands atop the medieval fort
Map
So there you have it – all my top San Sebastian tips! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my foodie recommendations here.
Have you been to San Sebastían? Where were your favourite spots?
