As much as I loved parts about living in Andalucía, (near-daily sunshine, I’m looking at you!) I am so happy to be in The Basque Country. The food, the people, the natural beauty, the culture and getting to live close to San Sebastián all make my heart flutter. This city is so special to me, and if I save up a good chunk of an expat pension, perhaps I’ll buy property there one day and make my lil’ dream of living there come true.
San Sebastián captures the hearts of many of its visitors…so much, that hearing anything negative about the city rarely happens. Ok, maybe a gripe or two about its priceyness, but not much outside of that. It’s a comfortable size, so it’s not sprawling and overwhelming like Madrid (which I love as well!), it’s got that world-renowned food scene that you may have heard a thing or two about, and it’s a hop and a skip away from the French border.
San Sebastián has a long and varied history: what was once a quaint fishing village is now a world-class resort town, thanks to the Queen of Spain making this city her royal summer residence at the Miramar Palace overlooking La Concha Bay. It’s also set to be the European Capital of Culture, along with Wrocław, Poland in 2016.
And did I mention how beautiful it is?
San-Seb, as I affectionately call it, has those rolling, emerald-green hills so characteristic of Basque Country, no less than three(!) beaches, and architecture that rivals the streets of Paris; it’s streets are chock-full of Belle Époque buildings.
Come for a weekend, and you’ll want to stay forever…don’t say I didn’t warn you!
May 1, 2013
Oh-I’m tearful and drooling! I lurrrrve Donostia and long to live there….ETA and all!
May 1, 2013
Ah, you really don’t even notice the ETA after awhile, especially in the cities!
May 1, 2013
Beautifuk! Stunning photos. I do wish I had of gotta the chance to see it for myself
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May 2, 2013
Thanks!Hope you can come see it one day.
May 2, 2013
I’ve been to San Sebastian twice, and I’m always overwhelmed by how beautiful it is, how quaint it is, and how good the food is! And your photos are getting lovelier and lovelier!
Cat of Sunshine and Siestas recently posted…Habla de Tu Ciudad: An Online Training Course
May 2, 2013
Aw, thanks, Cat! Isn’t it the perfect place to stay for awhile?
May 2, 2013
Nowadays, there’s no problem concerning ETA. I was in San Sebastian a couple of weeks ago, and I enjoyed the atmosphere of the city.
Love the pictures Christine and I like your blog
Maria recently posted…Things to do in San Sebastian on a 3-4 days trip
May 2, 2013
Yeah, lately things have been quiet on the ETA front…hope it stays that way. Glad you enjoyed San-Seb as much as I do!
May 2, 2013
The closest I’ve been to San Sebastian is St Jean de Luz in France! This visit has left me wanting more and now so do your pictures. Love this area!
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted…Forbidden in Potsdam
May 3, 2013
Ooh, I love St. Juan de Luz!
May 2, 2013
Stunning photos Christine! I love the warm Iberian light! I really can’t wait to visit the Basque country someday!
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May 3, 2013
Hope you can make it here someday too! I’ll trade you for a few days in Colmar!
May 5, 2013
I can stare at the first photo for minutes. You’ve really captured the moment there!
May 15, 2013
The sunlight was working out in my favor that day! Thanks
May 6, 2013
I was ON MY WAY to San Sebastian when you posted this. Great timing! We had a wonderful time, what a beautiful place.
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May 15, 2013
Good timing! Hope you enjoyed it!
May 7, 2013
Nice to visit for a short stay but the weather is bad up north. It rains alot. You have great posts on Spain. Check out Santander or the picos while your up north. Try the rest then come to Valencia and enjoy the best of Spain. Good luck
May 15, 2013
Yes, the weather tends to be rainy, but it is also the reason why the north is so lush and green! That’s a good trade-off for me. I’ve been to Santander, Picos are definitely on my radar. If I ever make it to Valencia, you’ll see it here!
June 12, 2013
Loved the photos of San Sebastian! We finally made the trek there mid-May. Sadly, the weather was horrible (downpour all but 2 hours when we rushed up to the ruins) but I still fell in love with the city, its people and of course, the food! Already trying to plan my return trip!!
June 13, 2013
Aw, the weather has been just awful this year! They say the worst since 1985! Hope you can come back and soak up some sun
June 12, 2013
Sooo gorgeous! I’m going in two weeks and can’t wait, especially after seeing your lovely photos.
Do you have any favorite places to eat there? (I hate it when people ask me that question, so apologies for imposing it on you
)
Jessica of HolaYessica recently posted…How to Find & Rent an Apartment in Spain
June 13, 2013
I do! I’ve been meaning to do a post on this! E-mail me and I’ll send you my list of recommendations
July 10, 2013
Can’t get past the rain. The weather is awful. The food is great.
July 10, 2013
But the rain is why it’s so beautifully green!
October 10, 2013
Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing. We are traveling to San Sebastián for the first time in November. We can’t wait
October 11, 2013
That’s great! I hope you get some nice weather while you’re up here!