Interesting Facts

Eating is an obsession and plays an important part in the lives of the locals. San Sebastian boasts three of Spain's award-winning restaurants. Be aware though, most restaurants in San Sebastian close on Sunday evening and Monday.
San Sebastian is the most elegant and fashionable seaside resort in Spain. Though it tries its hardest to be chic, the city remains too family oriented to be able to keep up with the likes of the South of France.
San Sebastian is known for its great summer festivals. The San Sebastian film festival is one that was founded in 1953 and is one of the five leading European annual film festivals. It is held each September and draws more than 100,000 visitors every year!
No women allowed! Believe it or not, Basque men in San Sebastian belong to eating societies that are devoted to cooking, eating, drinking, and talking. And yes, these still remain predominately male attended functions.
Playa de la Concha is the largest and most celebrated beach in San Sebastian. Even though it is crowded, it remains the best of the beaches and offers some of the best swimming around.
Be sure to check out Eduardo Chillada's Peine de los Vientos, the Comb of the Winds. The artwork is a series of terraces built into rocks and adorned with cast iron "teeth." It's these teeth that smooth the winds coming in from the sea. Chillada, the artist, is a native of San Sebastian.
Gone fishin'! Pasaia Donibane lies just three miles east of San Sebastian. This charming fishing village consists of a mixture of houses adorned with pretty painted balconies. The delightful cobbled streets offer the perfect venue for tempting your taste buds with fresh fish from some local restaurants.
San Sebastian may be a lot of things, but cheap it is not! If you're looking for a hotel room, the further you are from the sea, the less expensive your room will be. No need to worry though, even though they are pricey, the rooms are plentiful.
Be sure to check out San Sebastian's interesting old town, known as Parte Vieja. The area was rebuilt after a devastating fire, and therefore, very few of the buildings predate 1813. Nevertheless, it still has plenty of charm. The alleys within the area are cramped with lively restaurants and tapas bars.
Cider production is one of the oldest traditions in Basque Country. At one time, the beverage was a valuable commodity and used as barter. If you're in San Sebastian during late January and early May, a visit to one of the local cider houses is a must.