Sunny days spent on sandy beaches and evenings strolls through the quaint Old Town are among the joys of visiting San Sebastian. Picturesquely set on the crescent-shaped Bay of Concha, this elegant town is one of Spain’s most fashionable beach resorts. The expansive shoreline extends for several kilometers along a curving coastline, bookended by the Urgull and Igeldo hills. San Sebastian delights visitors with its scenic beauty and savory cuisine, and surprises with its lively ambience and cultural attractions. Visit the royal palace and its gorgeous gardens, amble along the terraced seaside promenade that overlooks the town’s inspiring architecture, and then wander atmospheric cobblestone lanes in search of authentic pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. These tantalizing small bites include specialities such as seasoned olives, grilled prawns, clams in pepper-parsley sauce, marinated sardines, and salted cod omelette.

San Sebastián, or Donostia as it is called in Basque, has a circular bay with pristine white sand beaches that have long attracted wealthy beach-goers in search of sun and sophistication. This is what made the city famous during the Belle Époque era and it is also where Queen Maria Cristina established her royal summerhouse. The evidence of San Sebastián’s glamorous past can still be seen throughout the city.