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The city of San Sebastián enjoys an exceptional coastal location, in a shell-shaped bay flanked by the Igeldo and Urgull mountains, at the mouth of the River Urumea. Despite its ancient origins, the city that welcomes visitors nowadays is relatively modern. It has changed radically since 1845, when Queen Isabel II chose it to recuperate from ill health over the summer months. Today, the city is the result of expansion which took place in the 19th century, when the walls were demolished and the mudflats on which it currently stands populated. San Sebastián's tourism saw its heyday in the first few decades of the 20th century, when aristocrats from all over Europe fleeing the First World War settled there, thus leading to the erection of beautiful palaces, theatres, gardens, hotels and cafés. The city has a thriving cultural life, and is famous for its summer festivals. A jazz festival takes place in July, August sees the Quincena de Música Clásica, and in the most important week of all, it hosts its famous International Fireworks Festival, as well as the “Euskal Jaiak” celebrations (Basque cultural festivals) and the San Sebastián International Cinema Festival, both in September. Another of San Sebastián's main attractions is its excellent cuisine. Eating well is part of life for the inhabitants of San Sebastián, many of whom belong to gourmet cuisine societies, which meet to cook, eat, drink and chat together.
The city of San Sebastián enjoys an exceptional coastal location, in a shell-shaped bay flanked by the Igeldo and Urgull mountains, at the mouth of the River Urumea.
Despite its ancient origins, the city that welcomes visitors nowadays is relatively modern. It has changed radically since 1845, when Queen Isabel II chose it to recuperate from ill health over the summer months.
Today, the city is the result of expansion which took place in the 19th century, when the walls were demolished and the mudflats on which it currently stands populated.
San Sebastián's tourism saw its heyday in the first few decades of the 20th century, when aristocrats from all over Europe fleeing the First World War settled there, thus leading to the erection of beautiful palaces, theatres, gardens, hotels and cafés.
The city has a thriving cultural life, and is famous for its summer festivals. A jazz festival takes place in July, August sees the Quincena de Música Clásica, and in the most important week of all, it hosts its famous International Fireworks Festival, as well as the “Euskal Jaiak” celebrations (Basque cultural festivals) and the San Sebastián International Cinema Festival, both in September.
Another of San Sebastián's main attractions is its excellent cuisine. Eating well is part of life for the inhabitants of San Sebastián, many of whom belong to gourmet cuisine societies, which meet to cook, eat, drink and chat together.
The old town
This is where the old, walled city stood, and although few buildings dating from before 1813 remain, the area has great personality. Its narrow streets are full of bars and restaurants and especially come to life at night.
Beaches
There are three beaches in the city of San Sebastián: La Concha, a lovely beach popular since the 19th century, Ondarreta, at the foot of Igeldo Mountain and La Zurriola, on the right bank of the River Urumea.
Aquarium - Naval Museum
These are located in the fishing port. The aquarium is home to a large collection of local marine species, and displays evidence of the link between the País Vasco (Basque Country) and the sea. The Naval Museum houses artefacts explaining the history of naval architecture and related industries.
Festivals of interest
19th -20th JANUARY: FESTIVIDAD DE SAN SEBASTIÁN
Festival celebrating the day of the patron saint of the city, Saint Sebastian. This is undoubtedly a day for celebrating in the street and making the most of San Sebastián's jubilant atmosphere.
JULY: FESTIVAL DE JAZZ
In July, the Jazzaldia (Jazz festival) takes place in the city, and inhabitants and visitors alike can enjoy a series of jazz concerts which attract the big stars of this musical genre.
LA SEMANA GRANDE DONOSTIARRA
During the week of 15th August, the Festividad de la Virgen, the Semana Grande Donostiarra is celebrated. The festive spirit fills the city's streets with a multitude of activities, from morning until well into the night. Participants from all over the world take part in this pyrotechnics event which enjoys an international reputation. As the abba Londres y de Inglaterra is located just inside La Concha bay, you will enjoy the most amazing views of the fireworks.
SEPTEMBER: EUSKAL JAIAK (Basque Festivals)
Over the first fortnight of September the Euskal Jaiak or Basque Festival takes place, in which, for a week, sporting and cultural activities related to Basque folklore take place.
INTERNATIONAL CINEMA FESTIVAL
In the second fortnight of September, the International Cinema Festival takes place in the city at the Palacio de Congresos Kursaal.
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