The city manages to seamlessly combine history with the contemporary. The historic quarter, in fact, is overflowing with busy cafés, bars and restaurants. The city attracts visitors from around the globe for its famous year-round surfing alone.
The city hugs a crescent of shoreline, with mounts Urgull and Igelda to either side. La Concha (the shell) beach is the most crowded, and has a significant party atmosphere. There are numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures if you wish to break from the city’s cosmopolitan charms. Hike the hills around the city, or participate in any number of water sports. The Pyrenees Mountains and French Basque Country are short drives away.
Above all, it is next to impossible to get bored in San Sebastian. Even for a teenager.
Where is San Sebastian?
San Sebastian is situated in Gipuzkoa, Spain’s smallest province. The Bay of Biscay is to the north, and the Navarre is to the southeast. France lies just a few minutes’ drive to the northeast. It has a mild climate with moderate temperatures year-round, contributing to its allure as a destination for surfing enthusiasts.
San Sebastian for Film Buffs
Its popular film festival was established in 1952, one of many events year-round that attract hordes to this border city. Each fall, San Sebastián hosts the Horror and Fantasy Film Festival , an international showcase of scream flicks. It comes each year soon after the International Film Festival.
San Sebastian Sightseeing and Attractions
There are several attractions in San Sebastian that can appeal to both teens and their parents. They include:
- The Aquarium-Palacio del Mar was one of Spain’s first natural science museums. This is a fine aquarium with a diverse mix of species and themed exhibits. There is also a restaurant and gift shop.
- Museo Chillida-Leku (located in Hernani) is a unique art gallery featuring the works of one of Spain’s most famous artist-sculptors. Set in a lovely 16th-century timbered Basque farmhouse, the highlight is wandering the property outside the building to view his large-scale metal and granite sculptures.
- Igartza historic buildings (located in Beasain) consists of a medieval palace, mill and ironworks. The ironworks visit provides an unusual glimpse of the technology of the Middle Ages that allowed for working with metals. The mill’s sand-colored stones, archways and creeping vines make it an architectural splendor. The palace, however, is the focal point. Although it is newer than the other buildings, dating back to the 16th century, it features a lovely façade blending stones with traditional Basque timbering.
- Photomuseum (located in Zarautz) presents the history of photography from its beginnings to modern times. Visit for the fascinating collection of antique cameras and daguerrotypes.
There are several good spots in San Sebastian for shop-a-holics of the teen and the adult variety.
La Libertad Avenue is a primary thoroughfare leading to La Concha Beach, and is lined with a diverse mix of shops. The city’s old town, however, has the most charm and unique shopping. Besides a blend of lively cafés and bars, this area features antique shops, book stores and nautical souvenir shops.
The great thing about San Sebastian is your teenager will actually think it's cool, and you can slip in a couple of museums since they have unique items like unusual photos and sculptures, or a medieval palace. More ambitious teens and parents can sign up for surfing lessons year-round.
