Seaside in San Sebastian

by | May 22, 2017 | San Sebastian, Spain

Buenas tardes familia y amigos,

Arrived yesterday, Sunday, via train in San Sebastian as known in Spanish or Donastia as known in Basque. San Sebastian lies on the northern coast of Spain in the Spanish Basque Country just below the border with France. As many of you may remember, some five years ago in 2012 I visited Biarritz just above the border in French Basque Country. In both cases, the train journey is scheduled for 5 and half hours whether from Paris to Biarritz or from Madrid to San Sebastian. Unfortunately, yesterday’s excursion incurred an hour and half extension due to emergency track repairs roughly an hour out of Madrid.

My lodgings in San Sebastian are simply the best yet on this trip. A hotel apartment – one bedroom, close to full kitchen with washer/dryer combo, living room, and nicely appointed bathroom. Plus a corner unit, so great natural light into the living areas – may try to get some photos out at some point.

San Sebastián

Today, Monday, the weather cooled off into the sixties with overcast skies but that didn’t put me off from switching to shorts and sandals as this is a beach destination. Decided the weather indicated a big walking day so headed to the east side of La Concha Bay. Road the funicular to the top of Mounte Igueldo (see gallery for photos of the funicular). At the top, one is rewarded with panoramic views of San Sebastian, La Concha Bay, and the open seas of the Bay of Biscay.
In addition, to the beautiful vistas, a Parc d’Attractions provides diversions for the youngest of patrons. I especially noted the railway being run by a group of gnomes who unfortunately seemed to be just standing around lacking direction. I immediately thought of my grandson Ollie who undoubtedly would have got them sorted out as choo-choo trains are supposed to be in constant action!

Gnomes Railway

On the walk back, stopped into snap a couple of photos of the Royal Club de Tennis as the main courts were clay – the favored playing surfaces apparently in both France and Spain. Need to get my game back to some semblance of competence and thus get a game in on a clay court – items come off the bucket list, items go on the bucket list!

La Concha Beach

While the beaches were only lightly populated on my walk over, they were pretty much deserted on my way back. Nevertheless, it was high tide which cuts into well over half of the beach area. As hopefully, you can see from the photos, even at high tide the beach area is extensive with the main beach of La Concha considered one the premier beaches in Europe.

Later on, located a bigger grocery store as opposed to the more condensed mom and pop versions found on several streets. As part of my effort to get more of a feel what living like a local entails, went for a shopping run to stock the apartment. Seems that food costs in Spain are quite reasonable. As for wine, well it is a bargain here! That might not be the best thing for me on second thought. 😉

The weather is supposed to be better tomorrow – so possible beach time!

Hasta pronto,

Papi