Transportation to San Sebastián is easy via rail as the city is on the Madrid - Paris line.
By air the city can be reached through three destinations:
Ground Transportation:
Those arriving at San Sebastián Airport can reach the Hotel in two easy steps:
Those arriving at Bilbao Airport , may travel to the Hotel
in San Sebastián in three steps
(or click here for information about pre-arranged
shuttle service):
Those arriving at Biarritz Airport (France) can travel to the Hotel in San Sebastián in three steps
(or click here for information about pre-arranged shuttle service):
INFORMATION ON THE SURROUNDING AREA
MONUMENTS
Urgull's first stronghold was on the site where the castle -"Castillo de la Mota"-, built by Sancho VII el Fuerte (the Strong), now stands. Over many centuries several kings added to the walls, and it was here that Francis I of France was held prisoner after his defeat at Pavia.
The Old Part (historical center) is a must, as this is the home of the all the traditions of San Sebastián. Many bars and restaurants can be found all along its narrow streets.
The Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square) is the center of the Old Part. It used to serve as a bullring, and that is why its balconies are all still numbered.
The churches of Santa María and San Vicente, together with the San Telmo Museum and The Aquarium are the most important sights to be visited in the Old Part.
In the city center, you will find the Alderdi-Eder gardens, with the Town Hall overlooking them. Here you will find the tamarind, the tree which lends character to the town.
San Sebastián is surrounded by three mountains, Igeldo, Urgull and Ulia, and from each of them, beautiful views of the incomparable countryside can be admired.
Buen Pastor Cathedral, the Plaza de Gipuzkoa, the Palacio de la Diputación Foral (Country Council), as well as Cristina-Enea Park and Palacio de Ayete are also worth visiting.
BEACHES
San Sebastián itself has three beaches: La Concha, Ondarreta and La Zurriola.
La Concha was made fashionable by Queen Isabel as from 1845 and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Ondarreta lies at the foot of Mount Igeldo. The villas and gardens which adjoin the beach give it its aristocratic charm.
These two beaches -La Concha and Ondarreta- form a beautiful bay.
A new beach called La Zurriola, placed on the right bank of the Urumea river, was opened in 1995. Two important services of the city are going to be situated on both ends of this beach: at one end will be The Conference Centre and the "Kursaal" Auditorium, and at the other end, next to the "Ulía" mountain, will be the new yachting harbour of San Sebastián.