In between of La France & España 🎷: San Sebastián

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San Sebastián is a beautiful coastal city located in the Basque Autonomous Community of Spain. It is situated on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, just 20 km from the French border, so you'll find that the people who live here are called donostiarra, in both Spanish and Basque.

San Sebastián is an incredibly attractive city, with golden beaches and lush hillsides. It has a great dining scene and some beautiful architecture, and there is always something going on in terms of culture.

San Sebastián is a city with a lot going on in terms of festivals and cultural events. For example, the International Film Festival takes place in September, and the Semana Grande (a week-long celebration) occurs in August.

There are also music festivals, culinary fairs, and folk festivals that celebrate Basque culture. In addition to all of these big events, there are also smaller events happening all the time, such as performances at the Kursaal, the Teatro Victoria Eugenia, or the Tabakalera.

1. Kursaal

The Kursaal, designed by Rafael Moneo and opened in 1999, is one of San Sebastián's most striking buildings. Consisting of two cubes made of translucent glass with LED lights, the structure serves as the city's cultural and conference centre.

The building was designed to represent two beached rocks and is the largest such facade in Spain and one of the biggest in the world. A lively array of musical and cultural events takes place here year-round.

2. Playa de la Concha

Playa de la Concha is one of the best city beaches in Europe. Tanned and toned bodies spread across the sand throughout the long summer months, when a fiesta atmosphere prevails. The swimming is almost always safe. At night, the view of the bay's twinkling lights and illuminated monuments is magical.

3. Isla de Santa Clara

This little island, lying 750m offshore from Playa de la Concha, is accessible by Motoras de la Isla boats that run every half-hour from the fishing port in the summer.

At low tide, Isla de Santa Clara gains its own tiny beach, and you can climb its forested paths to a small lighthouse. There are also picnic tables and a summertime kiosk.

4. Tabakalera

Tabakalera is a cultural space in a reconfigured tobacco factory from 1913 that is full of art and design. It is also a place for cultural enterprises such as the Basque Film Archive, the Kutxa Foundation, and various galleries and innovative firms. There is an exhibition hall, cinema, and regular line-up of seminars, workshops, discussions, and other events.

5. Parque de Cristina Enea