San Sebastian
Discover San Sebastian
Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Cantabrian”, San Sebastian, capital of the Basque-Spanish province of Guipuscua, is renowned for its harbour: the bay of Concha, surrounded by the rocky mountains Igeldo and Urgull, is home to one of the most famous urban beaches on the Spanish Basque coast. For your San Sebastian camping vacation, note that the old town stretches out at the foot of Mount Urgull: its colorful buildings, old churches and numerous boutiques all contribute to San Sebastian’s image as a romantic city. The seaside resort also draws its charm from its wide Haussmann-style avenues and Belle-Époque buildings: the La Perla thermal baths, the Victoria Eugenia theater and the Hotel Maria Christina. A day in San Sebastian includes a climb up Mount Urgull, where you can see the remains of the city’s ramparts and cannons pointing towards the ocean: Donosti, like Bilbao, is a must-see in the Spanish Basque Country.
Top 7 things to do in San Sebastian
Here is a list of San Sebastian’s must-sees and must-do’s during your camping vacation in the Spanish Basque Country:
- Visit the old town Stroll through the typical streets of San Sebastian. Push open the doors of the two old churches, Saint-Vincent and Santa-Maria. Admire the city’s emblematic monuments and discover the famous Constitution Square.
- Taste the pintxos You can’t pass through San Sebastian without visiting a tapas bar! Take advantage of the friendly atmosphere of these restaurants to enjoy a drink and a good meal of pintxos (tapas). You’ll find them in the city’s historic center or in the Gros district.
- A tour of the museums San Sebastian is home to a large number of museums. From the House of History to learn about the city’s past, the San Telmo Museum to reflect on society, the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum for fashion lovers, the Real Sociedad Museum for soccer fans, the Science Museum, the Naval Museum, the Aquarium… there’s something for everyone.
- Discover Monts Igueldo and Urgull From the top of Mont Igueldo, enjoy a breathtaking panorama of San Sebastian and the ocean, and have fun at the mount’s amusement park, which you can access by one of the oldest Basque cable cars, introduced in 1912. At Mont Urgull, recharge your batteries in the midst of nature and admire the breathtaking views.
- Take a stroll in La Concha Bay This large, beautiful bay borders San Sebastian. Stroll along the beach, breathe in the pure iodine air and discover the island of Santa Clara, home to Windy Beach.
- Admire the city’s sculptures Scattered throughout the city, various works of art can be appreciated as you stroll along with your nose to the wind. At the end of La Concha Bay, discover outdoor sculptures designed by Eduardo Chillida. At Paseo Nuevo, admire a creation by Jorge Oteiza and at Zurriola beach, you’ll find Bakearen Usoa, an emblem of freedom and togetherness by Nestor Basterretxea.
- Surfing at Zurriola beach Whether you’re looking for an introduction to surfing through a surfing course, or to watch professional surfers practicing their favorite sport in a relaxed atmosphere, either way you’re sure to have a great time.
