We went to Donostia-San Sebastián in early June. It is the European Capital of Culture for 2016.

Historically, it is a resort town, located in the Basque Autonomous Community, an area with its own local language – Euskara (basque in basque) – apparently unrelated to any other languages in Europe.

For several days, the sky was overcast and judging by the number of bathers on the beach, the sea might be a bit cold (we did not try the water ourselves).

Mount Igeldo and  Santa Clara island in a distance.

This is after all the Northern coast of Spain and not the sunnier Mediterranean side.

It has one of the best in-city beaches in Europe. The beach is flat and deep.

One can sunbathe and swim right next to major historical buildings and churches.

Zurriola Plage

La Concha Plage, Mont Urgull in the background

La baie de La Concha and La Concha Plage

Paseo de la Concha

At the eastern end of the Paseo and the beach.

The city sits at the mouth of the River Urumea. Zurriola Bridge and mouth of the Urumea.

The Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium was designed by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo and completed in 1999. It is the home of the San Sebastian International Film Festival.

The complex is stunning at night. During the day, it is a bit of a contrast from the 19th century buildings in the area.  But it’s not an eyesore since it is really isolated on the waterfront.

We would love to spend more time here and enjoy the festivities of the European Capital of Culture but we had to do a day trip to the nearby Bilbao – posts to come soon.

The city has a great website here if you plan to visit.