Being just 20km from the French border, San Sebastian (Donostia in Basque) is an ideal hop off when travelling to Spain. Where better to top up your tan, fill up your tummy and empty your wallet in this seductively urbane resort?
Probably the most difficult decision you will have to make here is which of the beaches to choose from?
To the west in La Concha bay the gentle sandy slopes make paddling a pleasure even for the most senior of citizens who come here to while away their twilight years and take surprisingly speedy paseos along the water's edge.
A decidedly younger set make for Zurriola beach to the East where there are bigger waves - ideal for a spot of surfing.
Food plays a big part here. The old town to the West is great if you want tasty pinxos side-by-side with other tourists. Over in the East you are more likely to hear locals asking for today's specialities. You can download an app to find the best pinxos here.
Highlights
sophisticated resort
beaches
surfing
food
Station stroll ideas
Tourist info have provided a set of downloadable maps and guides here and if you are feeling peckish you could have a go at using the pinxos app on your phone.
Guided tours
If you would like a personal guided tour, Tourist info have provided this list of private guides.
Luggage
If you want to stroll without a care in the world, including your luggage, you could try using the nannybag app to find a place that will take your bags.
Getting there
San Sebastian is just a 30 mins from the Spanish Border. There are no cross-border trains and if you are coming from France, you will need to get a train to Hendaye and then walk the short distance to Irun to continue your ride.
If you are planning on stopping in Bayonne (or Biarritz) you could get an air-conditioned wifi-enabled bus instead, which takes an hour.
Useful links
Tourist info: https://www.sansebastianturismoa.eus/en