In a cosy bay in the Basque Country, not far from the French border, the luxurious Spanish city of San Sebastian is located. The resort was established here because of Eugenie Montijo, the wife of Napoleon III, she brought the imperial court to rest in the nearby town of Biarritz. Since then, San Sebastian has been well known as one of the most fashionable resorts of Spain. Its location is ideal for relaxing by the ocean. In the centre of the bay, where the city got its place, there is the island of Santa Clara, the natural breakwater of the scenic central beach La Concha, a hallmark of San Sebastian.
It’s impossible to devote all your time to beaches and restaurants when you are in such a breathtaking city. Numerous excursions help you to discover all of attractions. The prominent church of the city is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro made in the Baroque style. A visit to Catedral del Buen Pastor in the centre of the city will be of great interest too. No doubt, the great statue of Christ and La Mota Castle (Castillo de La Mota) on Urgull Mountain are worth seeing. At the Ondarreta beach you can take a funicular to go up to Igeldo Mountain to experience a spectacular bird's-eye view of the bay and the city. Those who are interested in the history of Basque Society and Citizenship should visit the San Telmo Museum, located right in the centre of San Sebastian in Old Town.
Districts of San Sebastian are also called the South Paris because of footprint of French architects, who designed this place in the time of resort’s rapid construction. Green gardens and parks of the well maintained impeccable city are surrounded by elegant fountains and graceful sculptures. A lot of boutiques, bars and restaurants can be found among old buildings. Gourmets will appreciate the Basque cuisine. Tapas bars are of great demand, serving original Mediterranean snacks. The International Film Festival takes place each September in the city, and The International Jazz Festival, also called Heineken Jazzaldia, should be mentioned as one of the major in Europe as well.
San Sebastian is a centre of the smallest Spanish province Gipuzkoa. No matter of popularity or the number of visitors, the resort is full of the Basque hospitality and comfortable environment.