CITY OVERVIEW: SAN SEBASTIAN
San Sebastian: Population: 180,344
San Sebastian: Location: Northern Part of Spain (Pais Vasco)
 A
cosmopolitan city if ever there was one, (the border with France
is only 25 km. away), San Sebastián has a French feel to
it in the design of the streets and buildings of the city's Romantic
district. If you walk through the Plaza de Gipuzcoa, or along
Calle Prim, with its surprising modernist houses, or contemplate
the block formed by the Victoria Eugenia Theater and the María
Cristina Hotel, which overlooks the river Urumea, you are taken
back in time to late nineteenth-century Paris.
The city center stretches along
the La Concha Bay, a stunningly beautifulsight. During the warm
spring and summer days, this beach area is a favorite destination
for locals and tourists who want to relax and enjoy the sun. It
is said that San Sebastián has the nicest city beach anywhere
in Spain. The area next to the beach is full of vendors, bars,
and restaurants. To one side of the bay is the old fishing port,
which today is still used by the local fisherman. Overlooking
the bay to each side, are two mountains, both of which provide
excellent views of the city and the bay.
 One
of the most charming parts of San Sebastián is the Parte
Vieja. This area, surrounded by the monumental Sagrado Corazón
and the fortified remains of Urgull hill, centers around the secluded
fishing port and the Plazas Constitución and Trinidad.
The latter plaza is tucked away in one of the oldest corners or
"txokos" of the city, which contains not only a small
ball court, but a special area used for the ever popular stone
dragging competitions (oxen are used in this event). Close by,
visit the Old Casino, once the summer residence of the Spanish
Monarchy, and which today houses the Town Council. Another interesting
spot is the Miramar Palace, the former meeting place of Spanish
Nobility.
 Though
the past is gone, San Sebastián and the Parte Vieja is
still alive and kicking. Throughout the area you will find hundreds
of bars, small inns, and restaurants streching along the narrow
and winding streets. Each location is very inviting, so make sure
you drop in to one of these places and sample some of their world
famous tapas. The Parte Vieja is also home to some of Spain's
finest craftsman and artisans who specialize in wonderful Basque
country products such as leather works and basketry.
San Sebastián is an
ideal destination for someone who wants to visit a part of Spain
that is very different from the rest of the country. You will
enjoy the friendly, intimate way of life this provincial capital
offers, while still enjoying the wealth of cultural activities
normally associated with the larger Spanish cities.
For someone who wants
to experience a part of Spain less traveled, San Sebastian is
an excellent choice!
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