San Sebastain -- 4) Playa de la Concha (continued)

Continuing my walk towards the east, I encountered more breathtaking sights that showcased the beauty of the beach, sailboats, and the vibrant boardwalks. Here are some additional photos.

San Sebastain- 3) Funicular ride

While walking the waterfront along the beach, I had opportunity to take a funicular ride that took me up Mount Igueldo, providing panoramic views of the city and its stunning coastline. 

The Funicular de Igueldo has been in operation for over a century, dating back to its opening in 1912. It starts its ascent from the Ondarreta Beach area, allowing visitors to easily access the funicular station from the beach promenade.

San Sebastain -2) Palacio de Miramar

Along the waterfront walk, I stopped to visit the Palacio de Miramar, also known as the Miramar Palace, located in the city of San Sebastián, Spain. Situated on a hill overlooking the Bay of La Concha, this palace serves as an iconic landmark and a testament to the city's rich history.

Originally built as a royal residence in the late 19th century, the Palacio de Miramar was commissioned by Queen María Cristina of Austria, the regent of Spain at the time. Designed by the renowned English architect Selden Wornum, the palace exhibits a harmonious blend of architectural styles, primarily influenced by the English countryside mansions and the French Second Empire style.

The palace features a grand façade adorned with intricate details, and gardens that offer panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding landscape. 

Today, the Palacio de Miramar is no longer a royal residence but serves as a cultural and educational institution. Visitors to the Palacio de Miramar can explore the exterior of the palace.  Although the interior is not typically open to the public.

San Sebastain -- 1) Playa de la Concha

San Sebastián, also known as Donostia in the local Basque language, is a beautiful coastal city located in the Basque Country of northern Spain. Renowned for its stunning beaches, world-class cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene.

One of the main attractions of San Sebastián is its picturesque beaches, particularly La Concha Beach. With its crescent-shaped bay and crystal-clear waters, La Concha is often considered one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe. 

The photos in this post are from my walking along the waterfront promenade that extends from the central area of the beach to the west. This scenic walkway offers breathtaking views of the coastline and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of San Sebastián.

 The vibrant atmosphere of San Sebastián is palpable as people engage in various activities along the waterfront, from families enjoying picnics to joggers and cyclists taking advantage of the scenic route.

The walk offers stunning views of the cityscape as well. The skyline of San Sebastián, characterized by a mix of traditional and modern architecture, creates a unique juxtaposition against the natural beauty of the beach and the sea.

A Detour from Camino de Santiago - 1 on the way to San Sebastain

I decided to take a detour from walking the Camino de Santiago to explore the enchanting cities of San Sebastián and Bilbao. During my journey on the bus from Estella to San Sebastián, I had the opportunity to capture some incredible photos. As we passed through Puente la Reina, I was pleasantly surprised by the picturesque view of the bridge, and I managed to capture a stunning shot. The ever-changing Spanish countryside showcasing diverse geological features along the way. Here are some of the photos I took during this one and half hour bus ride.

Puente La Reina

Arrived San Sebastain

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*Puente la Reina is a historic bridge located in the town of Puente la Reina in Navarre, Spain. Also known as the Bridge of the Queen, it is a remarkable medieval bridge that spans the Arga River. The bridge holds great historical significance as it was an important crossing point for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, the renowned pilgrimage route to the Santiago de Compostela. Constructed in the 11th century, Puente la Reina is an architectural gem characterized by its elegant Romanesque style. The bridge features six pointed arches supported by robust stone pillars, and its design showcases the craftsmanship of that era. Crossing the bridge offers not only a functional passage but also an opportunity to appreciate its historical and architectural beauty.

Walking Camino De Santiago

I took a month off to travel to France, Spain, and Portugal. My journey had two main purposes: walking the Camino de Santiago and exploring several cities in Spain and Portugal.

During my time away, I dedicated a significant portion of my trip to the transformative experience of walking the Camino de Santiago. I have documented this incredible adventure in a separate blog, which you can find here: Walking Camino de Santiago (anniescaminoin2023.blogspot.com. My hope is that by sharing my personal account, it will inspire you to embark on your own Camino journey someday.

Feel free to read about my experiences and reflections, and may it ignite a desire within you to embark on this extraordinary pilgrimage in the future.

I am still in the process of documenting my entire trip, so I encourage you to check back regularly for updates. Stay tuned for more stories and insights about my journey through France, Spain, and Portugal. I hope you enjoy reading about my adventures and find inspiration in my experiences. Thank you for your interest, and happy travels!