WHAT TO SEE IN GIPUZKOA
Let yourself be carried away by the spirit of Donostia!
Donostia / San Sebastian
San Sebastian, capital of the province of Gipuzkoa, is a city whose economy is mainly based on retail and tourism.
Sights such as La Concha Bay and its modern French-style architecture have led to the development of tourism on a global scale. San Sebastian/Donostia – as a result, San Sebastian is a European city that is already famous for its international events such as film festivals and music festivals (mainly jazz).
History
San Sebastian owes its name to the ancient monastery of San Sebastian/Donostia that was located at what is now Miramar Palace.
The city has undergone several phases since it was founded as a fortified settlement and it was not until the 17th century that it was granted the status of a city by Felipe IV. After being pillaged several times and the whole city practically being burnt down, it was completely rebuilt in the 19th century. It was in this century that the city expanded, with the walls being demolished, and it became the capital of the province of Gipuzkoa.
San Sebastian at night
In San Sebastian there are basically three night-life areas, each with its own distinctive identity. One of the busiest places is the Old Town, the district that never seems to sleep.
Calle Reyes Católicos, at the back of the Buen Pastor Cathedral, is the trendiest part of the city, with modern venues and the hippest music.
The youthful Gros district is also a hub of sprawling bars for people who like a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
You can find a variety of pubs such as Dioni’s (a gay bar), Côte (where you can enjoy the best drinks) or Zibbibo (cocktails and drinks).
You will also find nightclubs such as Bataplán, La Rotonda, Victoria Eugenia, People Disco, Staff and Beboop.
Visit the beaches in San Sebastian
The beaches of San Sebastian/Donostia are one of the main attractions in the summer season. They all have their own personality. La Concha, the best known, and Ondarreta, with the friendliest atmosphere, form La Concha Bay. Zurriola, the youngest and most surfer-friendly of the beaches, and the small, secluded beach on Santa Clara Island complete the line-up of beaches that are part of a single Environmental Management System, and are equipped with all amenities for bathers.
Visit the architectural monuments
Architecture is living history in San Sebastian. Each building represents a different period and style and when you explore them you discover part of the city’s story. In San Sebastian/Donostia, traditional buildings stand alongside French-style structures in the style of the Belle Époque, as well as avant-garde and modern buildings that are a departure from the more traditional styles.
Santa Clara Island
Few cities can boast an island in the middle of a bay, and San Sebastian/Donostia is one of them.
You can enjoy its small beach, strolls to the impressive lighthouse building, trails with picnic areas or coffees on the bar’s terrace, and its proximity to the bay’s beaches also makes it possible to swim there all year round. With the autumn tides, some people have managed to reach it on foot at low tide. From the island you can enjoy an unbeatable view of the city.
Gastronomic tours
Surfing!
Surfing is hugely popular in San Sebastian. Thousands of surfers from across the world come to Zurriola Beach in San Sebastian with the sole intention of riding its waves.
It is precisely for this reason that in San Sebastian they hold dozens of local, national and international competitions throughout the year, especially between the spring and the summer. During those months it’s easy to mistake Zurriola Beach and the area around it, e.g. the Sagües district, with any Australian or Californian surf city.
San Sebastian is really committed to sustainable development and developing and promoting this sport.
The Surf City Donostia Cluster brings together agents who work closely together to ensure the continued development of the scene towards a well-balanced, innovative and competitive sector.
But it’s not just the city’s waves that are world-renowned. The local surfers themselves lead the way in this sport.
Visit the Aquarium
Almost a century old, but younger than ever, San Sebastian Aquarium, recently refurbished, can boast one of the most modern oceanographic museums in Europe.
Passing through its 360º acrylic tunnel suspended in the middle of the water, surrounded by large sharks and huge manta rays, or touching live fish in its touch tank are just some of the fun options offered by this museum.
Camino de Santiago. Stopover in San Sebastian.
Lovers of active tourism and hiking have an unbeatable opportunity to enjoy their hobby on the Camino de Santiago as it passes through San Sebastian along a route that is suitable for walkers and mountain bikers alike.
This Jacobean route along the coast passes through San Sebastian alongside amazing views of the Ulia cliffs, crossing the city through La Concha Bay. There are several remnants of the historic pilgrimage in the city, such as the carvings of the saint in the San Vicente and Santa María churches, in the old part of San Sebastian, or the small Santiago church, in the Amara district, which bear testimony to this tradition.
Enjoy San Sebastian’s Gardens
