San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is a breathtaking city on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s northeast. It is the capital of Gipuzkoa, one of the three provinces that make up the Spanish Basque Country.
SanSeb, as it’s come to be known among expats and tourists, is world-famous for a myriad of reasons: Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, two beaches framed by a delightful bayfront promenade, world-class surf at Playa Zurriola, and a Hollywoodesque yearly film festival. When it comes to food, its culinary scene is unparalleled: San Sebastián is the city with the greatest concentration of Michelin stars per km2, as it is home to eleven restaurants which hold a combined total of nineteen stars. Its picturesque cobblestoned old town, with upscale shops and lively pintxo bars is the perfect maze to get lost in wines, bite-sized regional specialties, fantastic sea views and lots of history.
A typical day in Donostia might include some sun-bathing and sea-dipping in the morning, a mouth-watering pintxos lunch standing at one of the outdoor tables of a bar, and a leisurely stroll around the Old Town to take in its sights and charm.
A walk along the seafront promenade includes some mandatory stops to take fabulous pictures of the Monte Urgull, the Miramar Palace and its gardens, the Isla de Santa Clara, the Peine del Viento sculpture and the imposing Monte Igeldo.
Take the funicular up to Mount Igeldo’s top and you will be in for a treat: the most fantastic views of the entire bay, the city and its surrounding mountains will open up right in front of your eyes, and if you are up to it, you can also enjoy a few exhilarating rides on the mount’s amusement park’s attractions.
Take in the sunset over the water and see the sailing boats as they come back to port or walk along the Urumea river and marvel at the intricate details of the bridges that cross it. Enjoy a drink on the rooftop of Tabakalera, a cultural hub of exhibitions and art, or take a short walk in the Cristina Enea gardens, a beautiful park that although is located in the heart of the city, is far away from the hustle and bustle of it. You might cross paths with squirrels, ducks and peacocks roaming free and see the swans elegantly swaying on their pond.
By now, your appetite will guide you to one of the restaurants in town, Michelin-starred or not, all food in San Sebastián is equally delicious and unforgettable. Tempted yet?
If you want to know more about San Sebastián, and what it has to offer in terms of real estate, contact me to discuss your options. Donostia is what dreams are made of and you can own a piece of it!
Get in touch to kick-start your house-hunting project with me today.
Bárbara Pintos, your REALTOR® in San Sebastián, Spain.
Ph. (+34) 644 074 958
Email. hello@barbarapintosrealtor.com
