San Sebastain- 6) Old Town

The narrow, winding streets are lined with well-preserved buildings, many of which date back several centuries.  The Old Town of San Sebastin is renowned for its culinary scene. It is home to numerous traditional bars and restaurants that serve pintxos, a Basque version of tapas. Visitors can enjoy a variety of small, delicious dishes showcasing the region's finest ingredients.  The day I went it was very busy.  Most of the bar and restaurant were full. I walked in a small place and enjoyed my beer and tapas outside.

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.