CHURCHES AND MONUMENTS There is an assortment of churches in the old part of town and a cathedral. In the Parte Vieja, you must visit the church of San Vincente (calle 31 de Agosto) from the 15th Century and the oldest church in the city. Other churches include the Catedral del Buen Pastor (Plaza del Buen Pastor), a neo-Gothic construction from the end of the 19th Century. The Iglesia de Santa María (Calle Mayor) was originally Romanesque dating from the 17th Century but altered in the 18th Century to reflect Baroque styles.
Palacio de Miramar
Standing along La Concha, this palace was opened in 1893 by Queen Maria Cristina. It fell into disrepair in the 1930s but the council took it over in the 70s and today you can look at the lawns and gardens.
Open: 8am-9pm
Tel. 94 331 9022
Palacio de Ayete
This was the summer home of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Maria Cristina until Palacio de Miramar was completed. The residence is closed to visitors but you can visit the grounds.
Open: 8am-9pm
Plaza de Giupuzcoa PLAZAS AND GARDENS The boardwalks fronting onto the beach are the best place to sit and relax.
Outside the Miramar Place is a pleasant public garden. It was first built in 1893 in English style and was used by Queen Maria Cristina. Its lawns have lovely views over La Concha beach.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES Museo de San Telmo
Entry to this museum is free. It is housed in a 16th century monastery on Plaza de Zuloaga. There is a good art collection featuring paintings from the Renaissance, Baroque and 19th Century, particularly Basque painters. There’s a pretty cloister and a chapel decorated with frescoes.
Plaza de Zuloaga 1
Tel. 94 348 1580
Open Tues-Saturday
Museu Naval
Learn all about Basque seafaring traditions here
Paseo del Muelle 24
Monte Urgull Parque
tel. 943 43 00 51
www.gipuzkoa.net/kultura/untzimuseoa
BEACHES Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondaretta
These crescent shaped beaches are packed in the summer months. It is possible to swim from the shore to Isla de Santa Clara, a small island in the bay. Boats also go out there but if you swim there are rafts that can be used as rest ss out to the island. Leave someone to watch your possessions on the beach if you go.
At the westerly end of Ondarreta is a sculpture by a famed local artist Eduardo Chillida. It is titled El Peine del Viento (the Wind’s Comb) and is shaped with three combs exposed to the elements. There’s also a preserved 1920s Monte Igueldo funicular railway that you can use to ascend the of a hill for views over the city.
If you walk along the wide promenade Paseo Nuevo you will come to the Aquarium at some point at the base of the hill in Plaza Carlos Blasco de Imaz (tel. 34 943 44 00 99, www.aquariumss.com). It features a walk-through tunnel where you can enjoy 360 degree views of sharks, rays and fish.
OTHER AREAS Monte Urgull
This hill overlooks the town and the beach and is only a 30 minute walk. Go to Plaza de Zuloaga in the old town and take the staircase up. There is also a path behind the aquarium. A statue of Christ s the hill.
Monte Igueldo
Ride the funicular to the op to get a view of the Bay of Biscay and the coastline.
SHOPPING
There aren’t big department stores in San Sebastian but you will enjoy browsing specialty shops along streets off Alameda del Boulevard and the Avenida de la Libertad.
AROUND SAN SEBASTIAN Costa Vasca is a rugged coast that attracts fewer tourists due to the cooler weather, rough seas and odd terrorist action. It’s one of the prime surfing locations in Spain but bring a wetsuit as the water is cold. Zarauz, only 15km west of San Sebastian, stages a round of the World Surfing Championship in September every year. Other towns to visit include Guetaria (Getaria) with a small beach and fishing harbour and Mundaca (Mundaka) for surfing. Buses run to Zarauz and Guesteria from San Sebastian, Bilbao and Guernica. Buses run from Guernica to Bermeo via Mundaca. Hitch hiking is not too successful in this region.
BP Spanish Cities Guide 
