Chani: THE CITY I LOVE - SAN SEBASTIAN

First and foremost, I personally reckon San Sebastian is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, in which you can find tradition and modernity everywhere. Every step of the way you have strong mixed feelings as you don’t know whether you are living in the present or in the past.

A bird's eye view of San Sebastian

The city is well-known for its International Film and Jazz Festival, not to mention its excellent and popular “pintxos” (the locals don’t like the word “tapas” at all) for instance, the so-called “la hoguera” (made with half-smoked cod) and the foie gras with apple compote, which in my personal opinion are both absolutely delicious. Moreover, San Sebastian has an annual gastronomic congress that is well-known worldwide and where the most famous professionals compete at the most demanding level.

A small delicacy: La Hoguera

One of the most popular attractions in the summer season is the unrivalled La Concha beach. Those who have the chance to sunbathe and swim there are involved in a mystic experience because La Concha beach is surrounded by some historical stately buildings and countless churches that seem to stare at you penetratingly. On the opposite side, the marvellous La Concha bay is like an open door to the immensity of the Cantabrian Sea. Located in the heart of the Old Town, Constitution Square is another historical landmark. Besides, the Town Hall, which was initially designed as a casino, is one of the most remarkable buildings in Spain. In addition, there is a wide range of museums, such as Chillida-Leku, which is fully in nature and invites tourist to approach art in an unusual way.

Obviously, it is inevitable for me to comment on San Sebastian´s mountains, such as Mount Igeldo, which is an entertaining place due to its amusement park.  One of its funny rides is the old roller coaster, which has a deafening wooden carriage. People can go to this mount by car but it is worth riding up there on the funicular railway, which is one of the most antique in Spain. The experience is unforgettable because you can take pleasure in observing and photographing the city from an excellent viewpoint.

Mount Igueldo

Depending on your preferences or your frame of mind, you can choose between three unbelievable night leisure areas which this city offers to get the most peculiar entertainment. Firstly, the Old Town’s hustle and bustle gives you the impression that the activity never stops at all. Secondly, Reyes Católicos Street conceals the trendiest part, with modern places and amazing innovative music proposals. Last but not least, the Youth’s Gros borough is a place with scattered bars for those who enjoy relaxing.

I strongly recommended you to visit San Sebastian because I am absolutely convinced that you will fall in love at first sight. The city will enthral you, not only physically but also spiritually. 

If you found it too difficult, how about this other video taken from Mark Shea's "Overlander.tv" (a nice Aussie accent!)? It has Spanish subtitles (a rough transcript) and features, on and off, a Basque girl speaking Spanish (though the translation into English is provided too)