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San Sebastian also known as Donostia, sits along a white sandy bay amid the Urgull and Igeldo hills. Fishermen's houses, a smart community and modern districts make it one of the most attractive cities on the Cantabrian coast. The Museum of San Telmo, the Peine de los Vientos, and the Kursaal are examples of how the city brings together modern and traditional features. Meanwhile, the province of Guipuzcoa, of which San Sebastián is the capital, blends sea and mountains, offering the traveller landscape, sports and cuisine, as well as interesting monuments. Basque cuisine has a recognised global reputation.
The town centre streets of San Sebastián open out, overlooking the La Concha Bay. Monte Igeldo marks one end of it, a wonderful point for enjoying views over the city. At the bottom is Torrepea Point, where the “Peine de los Vientos” ("Comb of the Winds"), a sculpture by the famous Basque artist Eduardo Chillida, is situated. Here Ondarreta beach begins, alongside a garden area, and the Pico del Loro. This was the place chosen by Queen Maria Cristina to build the Miramar Palace, her summer residence. A lovely promenade with stylish railings and street lamps runs along La Concha Beach, on whose sands is the Perla del Océano Bathing Area, a former royal bathing hut. Still looking at the sea, you arrive at the old Casino, nowadays the City Hall. In this area, amid the sea and the River Urumea, is the old town and the way to Monte Urgull, the marina and the fishermen's district. The summit of Urgull is dominated by La Mota Castle and a depiction of the Sacred Heart. One path takes you uphill while another skirts the hill and takes you beside the breakwater.
San Sebastián is a cosmopolitan city with a strong Basque character, which is clear in its cultural events. The "tamborrada" or "Semana Grande", with its fishing boat regatta, tells us something of the tradition; while its prestigious film and Jazz festivals say a great deal about its global aptitude. All these are occasions when it is well worth experiencing the city, although you must book your accommodation in advance.
San Sebastián satisfies the tastes of any traveller, offering a long coastline of excellent beaches and fishing villages, while inland there are natural areas where you can find important historic towns.
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