Where Does One Begin?
From 1721 until 1808 San Sebastián (Donostia) enjoyed peace until Napoleon’s troops occupied it. August 31st 1813 is a key historical date.
Anglo-Portuguese troops led an intense barrage against the city (Napoli’s) and caused a huge explosion and fire which burned the city to ashes.
The citizens made the decision to rebuild the city, complete with its walls. The population at this time was around 2,500.
In the 19th century the city was again the scene of war. The city came through fine and it prospered. In 1863 Donostia was named permanent capital of the province of Navarre. This brought about a change in the city’s role, and was the cause of the walls eventually being demolished.
Yesterday, I climbed to the castle/Fort ruins atop the mountain and took photos which follow in this post.
Towards the end of the 19th century, with the royal court of Madrid took up summer residence in Donostia at the Palacio de Miramar (Miramar Palace). The city became a popular tourist destination and spa resort. A casino was built in 1887 in what is now the Ayuntamiento (City Hall), attracting Europe’s upper classes.
The city reached its peak during the First World War. While the rest of Europe was at war, San Sebastián (Donostia) became the most cosmopolitan city in Europe. Examples of the splendour of the era are the Ayuntamiento (City Hall) and the Hotel de Londres. Such an amazing hotel along the beach!
Present Day:
The fun loving life came to an end with the arrival of the dictatorship of the Spanish general Primero de Rivera who outlawed gambling.
The Spanish Civil War, intense in the Basque Country, nevertheless did not cause great damage to Donostia. In an attempt to stress the Spanishness of the city, General Franco spent every summer in Donostia in the Palacio de Aiete (Aiete Palace) until his death. During this time, nationalist feelings grew in Basque society.
The arrival of democracy in Spain radically changed society. The transition from dictatorship to democracy, and the first years of democracy, were intensely felt in San Sebastián (Donostia). Even today you feel the impact of political conflict on everyday !
I couldn’t post photos and drool over how fabulous this city is without giving its history! San Sebastián or Donostia ( whichever name you choose ) historically claims its right to Upper Class life dating back centuries!
Enjoy the photo barrage below!
***Thanks to Mother Earth travel for some historical information noted above
Perfect Beaches!
The Three Beaches of San Sebastián
This is the biggest and most central beach in the majestic Concha bay. It has been recognized as the most beautiful city beach in Europe!
“Concha” means shell, which refers to the shell shaped bay. The golden sand beach has a length of about 1350 meters, and its width is 40 meter on average, depending on the tide. The bay really offers a unique picture; it is surrounded by great, green mountains, and in the middle of all this you will find the picturesque island of Santa Clara.
# 2 – La Playa de Ondarreta
The Ondarreta beach is also located in the Concha bay. The water is calmer close to this beach, since it is located at the foot of the Igueldo mountain and right in front of the Santa Clara island, which offers a lot of protection against the wind. It is connected with the Concha beach through the “Pico de Loro” (the parrot’s beak); a small passage made of rocks which disappears when the tide is high (see picture above). This is the Atlantic Ocean after all, which means that the size of the beaches strongly depends on the tides.
Ondarreta beach is only 600 meters long and has an average width of 100 meters, which makes it a lot smaller than the Concha beach.
#3 – La Playa de la Zurriola
La Playa de la Zurriola is the surf beach of the city and belongs to the surfer neighbourhood Gros. You will be able to spot some surfers here. You can also try to surf yourself, by taking some classes at one of the several surfing schools.
Due to the surfer atmosphere there are more young people attracted to this beach and you can find several cool beach bars. The waves on this beach are a lot stronger compared to the other beaches, since this one is not protected by the bay.
PLAYA DE LA CONCHA: In Sun and Rain
The City as seen from the Ground and Above
San Sebastián Food!
This city is considered one of the gastronomic capitals of Europe ! Some of the worlds top chefs are here in the high-end restaurants but the city also both the best tapas and pinchos across Spain!
I discovered the most amazing restaurant the other day and found out that it is always busy you can barely get a table from noon until dinner time because of the people that come in for their tapas
That’s It! There is and was so much more! I need to hike just burn off the calories I ate!
KEEP WALKING!
