July 2024.
Took a train (and a bus, thanks to Renfe) from Valladolid to San Sebastian! I have not truly explored north of Spain, ever, so about time to rectify the situation.
Basque country, or locally called, Euskadi, is a beautiful and lot less explored area than southern Spain for example. They have their own language - Euskera (said to be the oldest living language in Europe), traditions and lots of different tasty foods.
First up, San Sebastian - a pretty resort town with a picturesque bayfront promenade, vibrant beaches, delicious wine and pintxo bars and much more.
Catedral del Buen Pastor de San Sebastián (Cathedral of the Good Shepherd of San Sebastian)
The iconic La Mejillonera - yum! Mussels, potatoes, beer and more seafood..
Stayed with A and J at his family's house and they also have the cutest furbaby at home who likes to wake you up with kisses in the morning.
Palacio Miramar - a 19th century palace built in 1893 commissioned by the Spanish royal family.
The beautiful Miramar Tunnel - an interactive work of art by the artist Victor Goikoetxea
La Concha city beach - crystal-clear waters stretching over 1300 metres. PS, it was picked amongst the top 20 beaches of 2023. It is indeed very enjoyable.
More pintxos!
And the famous Basque cheesecake at La Viña
Beautiful views of the city from the terrace of the Catalonia hotel after a very fulfilling lovely lunch at the hotel's Aldapeta Gastrobar.
Took the funicular up to Monte Igueldo. The funicular is just how it was in 1912 with its original wooden coaches. Beautiful views from the ride up and absolutely stunning from up top. There is also an old amusement park, an old tower and couple restaurants on the mountain. To go back down, we didn't take the funicular as from the other side, city buses take you back to old town.
A cute little boat ride on the edge of the mountain!
Errenteria, a small, lively town not far from San Sebastian.
Pintxo pote, a fun Thursday tradition, sort of happy hour, where with every drink you get a free pintxo (tapa) in certain bars.
Daytrip to Hondarribia, a colourful coastal town next to France.
And one of my favourite things to do was this little hike in Pasai Donibane. We took a small boat (barco de Pasaia) over from Pasaia and there's a beautiful trail next to the bay heading towards the Atlantic.
From San Sebastian we took a nightbus to A Coruna, Galicia. Note to self, don't book a bus at 00.50, too easy to mix up the dates. A few hours before getting on the bus we realized the bus had already left.. the last night.. Luckily, there were exactly 2 last seats for the bus going this night. Phew. Like the Spanish saying goes, a flower in the ass.
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