Festival de la calle san sebastian: Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián

Posted by alexxlab
February 17, 2023
0 Comments

San Sebastián Street Festival 2017

After Christmas Day, Puerto Rico and most of Latin America celebrates Epiphany, or Día De Los Reyes Magos, on January 6th. After more gift-giving, Puerto Ricans celebrate what they call Octavitas the week after – or some of the last festivities of their long Christmas, which start right after Thanksgiving in November. The truth of the matter, though? The official end of the holidays in the Boricua calendar is the San Sebastian Festival.

Typically celebrated on the third week of January (Thursday – Sunday), the annual 4-day festival takes place in and around Calle San Sebastián in Old San Juan. Many of the historical cobblestone streets are closed to motorized vehicles; artisans and food vendors set up shop; local musicians and general public alike bring their instruments and sing bomba and plena numbers. In a nutshell: all aspects of Puerto Rican culture convene in what most regard as the best festival of the island. This is the perfect crash course for tourists eager to learn more about the Indian Taíno, African, and Spanish heritage.
History of the San Sebastian Festival

San Sebastián, or Saint Sebastian, was an early saint and Christian martyr – one of the many victims of the persecution under the Roman emperor Diocletian in the Third Century AD. As a Spanish (Catholic) colony, the day of Saint Sebastian was commemorated with a feast on January 20th.

The first-ever San Sebastian Festival only lasted one day (the feast day) and was organized by one of the priests of the San José Church, which is located right on Calle San Sebastián in Old San Juan, in the 1950’s. However, the festival wouldn’t be popular until after a hiatus of about 20 years.

In the 1970’s, the San Sebastian Festival was kick-started once more and extended to a 4-day affair full of art, live mulato music, dancing, and mestizo food. People line up on balconies, bring their instruments, buy local crafts, and party until the wee hours of the morning. Think of it as the Puerto Rican Mardi Gras, but with a mix of African, Taíno Indian, and Spaniard traditions instead.

San Sebastian Festival: The Setup + Travel Tips

Nowadays, the typical SanSe (nickname of the festivities) setup is as follows:

– Each day of the San Sebastian Festival is divided in 2 parts: Day and night festivities. Most colorful parades, cabezudos, and costumes march down the cobblestone streets in the afternoon (approx. 5pm), making it the ideal time to bring the entire family. After sunset, college students start to pour in with their wonderful instruments, lighting up their streets with plena and bomba music and everyone walking by joins the party!

– After around 8 PM, the live (free!) concerts tend to begin. The common venue is Plaza Quinto Centenario, but may vary from year to year.

– Shopping may be done either during the day or night. However, vendors may rotate, so if you find something you like, buy it then.

– Along Calle San Sebastián and (mainly) El Cuartel de Ballajá, local artists and artisans sell their crafts and paintings, including jewelry, pottery, and handmade wooden sculptures. However, it is recommended you walk all over Old San Juan, as they may set shop anywhere they find a space!

– Drinking on the streets is usually permitted, but along certain perimeters. The police erect barricades and clearly mark the areas, so you shouldn’t worry. Needless to say, the specials are incredible and the atmosphere is extremely local.

– Concerts must end by 11pm.
– Bars must close by midnight.
– Noise-makers – Vuvuzelas and whistles are not permitted. Anyone using a vuvuzela will be fined $1000.
– Drones are not permitted.

The Department of Transportation (DTOP) is expecting more than half a million people to attend the festivities in Old San Juan over the four days. It is very highly recommended that you use public transportation versus trying to drive into Old San Juan, leave your car at home!!!
Click on this Link for invormation on Public Transportation during the festival. he AMA buses and other Guaguas (multi person vans) will operate from the Sagrado Corazón station into Old San Juan from 3p until 10pm on Thursday and Friday, 9am until 10pm on Saturday, and from 9am until 9pm on Sunday. The AMA buses and guaguas will operate from Old San Juan to the Sagrado Corazón station until 1am on Thursday and Friday, until 2am on Saturday and 12 midnight on Sunday. The other buses and guaguas will operate similar hours.
At both Sagrado Corazon and Bithorn Stadium there will be parking at $5 per car, (which includes a round trip ticket for the driver). The bus transportation for the other passengers in the car will cost $1 RT. Taxis will also be there taking people for $5 pp.

The Tren Urbano will operate according to their regular hours.

There will be taxi service at the Convention Center for $5 pp. The parking there is $8 per car.

NOTE- ALL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES (taxis, buses, guaguas) WILL DROP YOU OFF ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE CAPITOL BUILDING> YOU HAVE TO WALK FROM THERE. For the way home- ALL TRANSPORT LEAVES FROM CONSTITUTION AVENUE, ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE CAPITOL BUILDING.
The ferry (Acuaexpreso) will operate from Cataño to Old San Juan (fee 50¢) from 6am on Thursday and Friday and starting at 8am on Saturday and Sunday. The ferries will operate from Old San Juan to Cataño until 1am on Thursday, until 2 am on Friday and Saturday, and until 12 midnight on Sunday.

Photo Credits: My Destination Puerto Rico

Concurrida y emocionante apertura de las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián

Una tarde soleada con brisa fresca creó el ambiente perfecto para que diera inicio oficialmente la edición 53 de las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, que se extenderán hasta el próximo domingo, 22 de enero. Emoción y algarabía era lo que permeaba en la multitud que dominó la calle adoquinada de principio a fin, acompañadas de música y baile, mientras cantaban el tradicional tema musical “Voy subiendo, voy bajando” y el estribillo “Yo soy boricua, pa’ que tú lo sepas”.

A las 5:00 p.m., previo al tradicional corte de cinta y de que arrancara la comparsa con la imagen del santo patrón abrió la procesión, compuesta por cabezudos, bailarines y pleneros, las aceras de la calle adoquinada estaban abarrotadas por los ciudadanos para darle paso al desfile.

Los actos protocolarios de la festividad precedieron a la comparsa de apertura, que este 2023 tiene como lema “Brilla la tradición”, y que fueron moderados por la animadora y presentadora de televisión Jaileen Cintrón en una tarima ubicada al comienzo de la calle San Sebastián, al lado de la escuela Abraham Lincoln.

Luego de que el padre Benjamín elevara una oración para bendecir las tradicionales fiestas, culminó exclamando fuertemente en tres ocasiones: “¡Qué viva San Sebastián, mártir valeroso de Cristo!”, lo que encendió a las masas.

El alcalde de la Ciudad Capital, Miguel Romero, enfatizó que esta celebración presencial, luego de 36 meses, han significado un rescate y abrazo a lo que son las actividades religiosas y culturales, que tradicionalmente han formado parte desde los inicios de este evento.

Para honrar los orígenes de la celebración que resurgió en la década de los años 70 cuando el historiador Ricardo Alegría encomendó a Rafaela Balladares que rescatara la festividad, Romero pasó a reconocer y entregar por primera vez los premios “Rafaela Balladares” al Museo de Las Américas, al Comité del Centenario de Rafael Tufiño; y al colectivo artístico Agua, Sol y Sereno, encargado de la elaboración de los cabezudos.

“¡Puerto Rico! Agua, Sol y Sereno están muy contentos, cada uno de los y las artistas que trabajan con nosotros. Les hemos querido rendir homenaje junto a este premio a Rafaela, maestra de esta comparsa de cabezudos, que nosotros hemos mantenido como una tradición. Hace 30 años que comenzamos aquí sin permisos, sin que nadie nos invitara, trayendo nuestros zancos y cabezudos, y nos acogieron”, indicó el gestor cultural Pedro Adorno, director del mencionado colectivo mientras agradecía al Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña.

De igual modo, recibió el premio María Ángela López Vilella, directora ejecutiva del Museo de Las Américas, y Pablo Tufiño, hijo del fenecido artista, quien invitó a la ciudadanía a disfrutar dos de sus exhibiciones durante las fiestas, una de ellas “Rafael Tufiño: por las calles de San Juan”, ubicada en la Galería San Juan Bautista de la Casa Alcaldía de San Juan, para que puedan conectar con las vivencias de este maestro mientras vivió en la Ciudad Amurallada.

“Mi papá era un sanjuanero de primera y uno de los primeros que trabajó en la fundación de estas fiestas”, mencionó con orgullo y agradecimiento.

El alcalde de San Juan aprovechó la oportunidad y quiso reconocer a “tres puertorriqueños que han hecho de su vida un testimonio de qué es lo mejor que puede dar Puerto Rico”, cada uno destacado en sus respectivos campos, para dedicarle estas fiestas, entre ellas a la periodista y meteoróloga Ada Monzón, a quien se refirió como “esa voz que nos da confianza cuando la cosa se pone duras y nos amenaza una tormenta, que es un ejemplo para las niñas, las mujeres y los jóvenes puertorriqueños”.

“Ustedes saben que soy media llorona. Cuando uno habla por televisión, jamás una piensa la cantidad de personas que a una la ve. Verlos aquí a todos de frente es un honor. Estoy para servirles. Doy mi vida por ustedes”, dijo evidentemente emocionada la meteoróloga de Wapa Televisión, quien previo a los actos protocolares celebró bailando en tarima con el grupo de bomba Junte Loiceño.

El segundo premio fue otorgado al baloncelista José Juan Barea, quien al no estar presente por encontrarse en Estados Unidos, sus padres fueron en su representación; y la tercera dedicatoria es para el cantante conocido como el “Niño de Trastalleres”, Andy Montañez, a quien se le entregará en la tarima del Quinto Centenario el próximo domingo a las 5:00 p.m.

Hotel Arrizul Congress, San Sebastian – Updated 2023 Prices

Coronavirus (COVID-19) help and support

Check travel restrictions information. Only travel for a specific purpose may be permitted, in particular travel for the purpose of tourism may be prohibited.

Option and Price Information
Amenities and Services
Accommodation Conditions
* Notes
Guest Reviews (565)

The Arrizul Congress Hotel is located in San Sebastian’s Gros district, just 300 meters from the Courcaal Congress Palace and La Zurriola Beach.

All rooms are decorated in a contemporary style. Amenities include a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The hotel also offers suites and duplex rooms with a seating area. Towels and bed linen are provided. A free minibar is provided.

A buffet breakfast is served daily at the hotel. Front desk staff speaks English, French and Spanish. In addition, free coffee is available from 12:00 to 20:00 at the coffee corner at the reception. Conference facilities and a gym are also available. The hotel also offers bicycle rental.

The Arrizul Congress Hotel is within walking distance of many restaurants serving local specialty pinchos.

Arrizul Congress Hotel is an 8-minute walk from the Old Town and 300 meters from the Victoria Eugenia Theatre. San Sebastian Airport is 15 km away.

This is our guests’ favorite part of San Sebastian, according to independent reviews.

Couples especially like the location – they rated accommodation in the area for a trip as a couple 9. 1 .

Hotel Arrizul Congress has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Nov 22, 2019 2016.

The most popular amenities and services

Private parking

Free Wi-Fi

Family numbers

Fitness Center

Places for non-smokers

Violens with limited physical capabilities of

Transfer transfer /to the airport

24-hour front desk

Very good breakfast

Benefits of this option

This hotel is located in the top-rated area in San Sebastian. Excellent location score: 9.2

Do you want to sleep well? This hotel is highly rated for very comfortable beds.

Buffet

There is private parking

Select your dates to see availability and prices.

Number type

Fits

Delules double room with 1 bed or 2 separate beds

2 single beds

1 double bed

Show prices

DEVEX DEVIC WITH 1 bed and additional bed

3 single beds

1 single bed

and

1 large double bed

Show prices

Duplex Suite

Bedrooms :

1 double bed

Living room:

1 sofa bed

Show prices

luxury

Bed mining:

1 sofa bed

Show prices

Single room

1 single bed

Show prices

Congress Suite

Bedroom:

1 Big double bed

Living room:

1 sofa 9000 beds

1 double bed

Show prices

Something went wrong. Please try again.

Beaches nearby

Zurriola Beach
8.8 Stunning beach
350 m from property
La Concha Beach
9.1 Excellent beach
700 m from the option of accommodation
ONADARTTA Beach
8.8 Stunning beach
1.8 km from the option of accommodation
Santa Clara island
9000 8.8 Stunning beach
1.8 miles from property

FAQ about property

See what other guests are asking to learn more about this property.

Do you have secure private parking that can park a car and trailer 2 meters high
Thank you for your question. The maximum height is 1.90 m. We go.
You can contact the hotel directly
This is a translation –
Reply August 10, 2022
I need parking. How to book
You can contact the hotel directly
0008
Is there a parking height restriction?
MAXIMUM 1.80 METERS
This is a translation –
Reply July 6, 2022
We have a 2m camping van. Can you post this height?
No, the maximum height of our car park is 1.90 meters.
This is a translation –
Reply July 10, 2022

Landmarks nearby *

Accommodation conditions

Hotel Arrizul Congress takes special requests – add in the next step!

check in

From 15:00

Departure

Until 12:00

Cancel/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary depending on the type of option chosen.
Please enter your dates of stay and review the booking conditions for the requested room.

Beds for children

Child Policy

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children aged 3 and over are considered adults at this property.

To see exact prices and availability, please enter the number of children in your group and their age when searching.

Crib and extra bed policy

0-2 years old

Cot on request

€ 11 per child per night

Baby cots are not included in the total price of the reservation and must be paid separately at the time of stay.

The number of baby cots allowed depends on the option selected. Check conditions.

No extra beds available.

Baby cots are subject to availability.

No age limit

There are no age restrictions for check-in.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Groups

When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Cards accepted by the hotel

Hotel Arrizul Congress accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

1674130 | 1,1664770,1653450,1664870,1650890,1673540,1659950,1664760 | 5,1674130,1668350,1673540 | 4,16669330,16599950 | 5,165999550 | 1,1660,160IAYA of 5.1674130|5.1667860|2.1663890.1663900.1664760.1667860.1663890|5

San Sebastian is a picturesque city in Spain

San Sebastian (Spain) is a famous resort on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, in the Bay of Biscay. More precisely, it is located in the northern part of Spain, in the mountainous Basque Country, at a distance of 473 km from Madrid and only 20 km from the border with France.

This city of 183,000 has two official names, San Sebastian and Donostia San Sebastian, but is often referred to simply as Sanse, Donostia or Donostia.

San Sebastian is recognized as the most beautiful city in Spain, with its layout and architecture strongly reminiscent of Paris. At the same time, it is quite uniform in style, with 5-6 storey buildings. Sanse got its modern look in the Art Nouveau era, and all later buildings simply adjusted to the already set style.

Aristocratic and cozy San Sebastian has everything you need for a good holiday. It captivates with its developed infrastructure, luxurious beaches, high waves for surfing, interesting sights, one of the best thalassotherapy centers in La Perla, and delicious food.

Interesting phantom! It should be noted that this is a very expensive resort, even Cannes and Nice lag behind in prices. Perhaps that is why there are practically no Russian tourists here.

Beaches

Even in the photo of San Sebastian (Spain), you can see that the coastline of this resort is periodically interrupted by picturesque rock formations. The rocks divide the sand-covered coastal zone into several beaches that look like seashells.

All beaches are equipped with toilets and changing rooms, sun loungers with umbrellas are rented, there are many cafes nearby.

Playa de La-Concha

Located near the city center, the beach of La Concha (which means “shell”) is not only the most visited in this resort, but also the most popular on the entire Atlantic coast of Spain. In addition, it is also very photogenic: a picturesque bay closed on both sides by hills, an island right in its center and a promenade equipped for walking.

La-Concha is 1,450 meters long and about 40 meters wide on average. There are almost no waves on this beach, so you can not only sunbathe here, but also make calm swims. In the high season, La Concha is usually crowded, and finding a free place becomes a problem.

Interesting to know! La Concha Beach is one of the top 15 beaches on the coast of Spain.

Playa de Ondarretta

Slightly less prestigious, and therefore less busy and noisy, Ondarretta beach is located near Mount Igueldo. It is fenced off from La Concha by a mountain in which a tunnel was made for comfortable movement between the beaches.

Ondarretta is small, up to 600 meters long, also practically without waves, and is very popular with families with children.

There are many small hotels near Ondarretta Beach, and it is on its outskirts that the original sculptural installation “The Comb of the Wind” is placed, recognized as one of the attractions of San Sebastian.

Playa de Zurriola

The Zurriola beach, 850 meters long, is located on the eastern bank of the Urumea river, not far from the sea bay, and is blown by all the winds. Due to constant strong waves, swimming on this beach is dangerous, but it is very suitable for surfing. Surfing schools are concentrated on Playa Zurriola, there are sports equipment rentals, volleyball courts are equipped, and lifeguards work.

There are many bars here, festivals and concert performances are often organized on the territory.

Attractions of the resort

In San Sebastian, as in all of Spain, there is something to see – although there are not very many sights, they deserve to take the time to get to know them.

This is interesting! San Sebastian occupies a leading position in the world in terms of the number of Michelin stars per 1 m². This resort has 16 Michelin-starred restaurants waiting for connoisseurs of fine cuisine, and gastronomy is recognized as one of the most valuable attractions here.

A list of Michelin restaurants in San Sebastian with prices, menus and photos can be found on this page.

Old Town

The historic quarter of San Sebastian – Parte vieja (Parte Vieja) – is limited by Mount Urgull, the Urumea River and La Concha Bay.

San Sebastian was founded in the XII century, but in 1813 it was almost completely destroyed by fires and Anglo-Portuguese troops. As a result, the architecture of Parte Vieja only dates back to the 19th century.

Historical part – it’s lined with stone, narrow and well-planned pedestrian streets, which are beautiful houses with flowers on the balconies. The labyrinths of these streets end with the Constitution Square – this is a square space where all city holidays and fairs take place.

Perhaps the main attraction of the Old Town is not architecture, but a series of endless tapas and pintxos bars. Most tourists walking around Parte Vieja are not looking for museums and monuments, but places where you can order cold Basque beer and all kinds of tapas (snacks).

Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Basilica of Santa María del Coro (XVIII century) is one of the main attractions and architectural decoration of San Sebastian. The shrine, whose facade is decorated with stucco and carved decor, is a striking example of the Baroque style. Above the main entrance is a majestic sculpture of the patron saint of the city, Saint Sebastian.

The interior of the basilica impresses with a special atmosphere of tranquility and luxurious decoration. Elements of neoclassical and gothic styles can be traced in the interior; images of the Virgin Mary and St. Sebastian are placed on the central altar. There is also an icon with Old Slavonic inscriptions in this temple – ministers say that it was put up at the request of immigrants from Ukraine living nearby. The basilica also houses several paintings, in particular, a painting by El Greco.

The Basilica of Santa María del Coro is located in the center of the Old Town, next to the southern slope of Mount Urgull. The exact address of the attraction: Calle 31 de Agosto, 46 - 20003 Donostia, San Sebastián, Spain.
The temple is open every day, you can visit it from 10:15 to 13:15 and from 16:45 to 19:45. Entrance for tourists 2 €.

San Telmo Museum

The San Telmo Museum is dedicated to everything related to the history of the Basque Country. The exhibition halls present historical, artistic, archaeological exhibits. Here you can see household items and clothes, paintings by famous painters of Spain, frescoes based on the plots of Basque legends. Among the most significant sights are 11 frescoes by José Maria Serta.

The permanent exhibitions are housed in a restored building of a medieval Dominican monastery. Nearby there is another, completed building, which organically fits into the rocky panorama of Urgull – there are ticket offices, a restaurant, and temporary exhibitions.

Museum address: Plaza Zuloaga 1, 20003 Donostia, San Sebastian, SS, Spain.
The attraction is available to visitors on Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00.
The cost of a full ticket is 6 €.

Aquarium

A very interesting landmark of San Sebastian is the first Aquarium and Museum of Oceanography in Spain, which are located in the building of the Sea Palace.

Interesting fact! The Aquarium has existed since 1928 and is the most popular tourist attraction in the Basque Country, with about 300,000 visitors every year.

The aquarium consists of 3 parts:

Oceanarium (pool) with an area of 480 m² with a glass underwater tunnel that provides a 360° panoramic view. Various representatives of the underwater world live in the aquarium: stingrays and sharks swim slowly, colorful anemones and other fish frolic, small jellyfish shine like electric bulbs.
Areas with themed aquariums featuring a variety of underwater flora and fauna from around the world.
“Tactile” aquariums – they are notable for the fact that you can touch the sea urchins living there, stars and other inhabitants.

The Palace of the Sea rises in the historic quarter of San Sebastian, at the end of the promenade. Exact address: Plaza de Carlos Blasco Imaz, 1, 20003 Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain.

The attraction is available for viewing at the following times:

from October 1 to Easter: from 10:00 to 19:00;
from Easter to the end of June: from 10:00 to 20:00;
in July-August: from 10:00 to 21:00.

Tickets for adults cost 13 €, for children 4-12 years old – 65 €. For 2 € you can take an audio guide.

Good to know! At 12:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in the Aquarium you can watch how divers feed the sharks and other inhabitants of the aquarium.

Mount Urgull

Monte Urgull, rising to a height of no more than 100 m, simultaneously acts as a natural and historical landmark.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a park was created on the territory of Urgull, where local residents and guests of the city like to relax. The slopes and the summit are covered with lush green vegetation, among which many paths are laid, comfortable benches are installed, and an observation deck is equipped.

At the top of Monte Urgull there are several sights of a historical nature, one of the objects is the remains of the defensive castle Castillo de La Mota, built in the 12th century. A small historical museum of history is located in a dilapidated fortress, admission to it is free.

At the time when the park was being created, a grandiose 12-meter statue of Christ “The Sacred Heart” was installed on the roof of the fortress. Christ seems to be hovering over the city, protecting it from harm and blessing all the inhabitants.

Mount Urgull is located in the very center of San Sebastian, at its foot lies the Old Town. You can climb to the top along a serpentine path or along a beautifully decorated alley, which originates in the historical center, on Marie Street.

Mount Igueldo

At the top of Igueldo (Igueldo) there is an observation platform from which you can see the luxurious beaches, the bay with the island and other attractions of San Sebastian, which attract many tourists to this resort.

Monte Igueldo is also known for the Amusement Park, which was organized back in 1925. At the top of the mountain rises an old lighthouse-museum, and a variety of attractions are located near it.

You can get to the top of Monte Igueldo on foot, by car or by bus. You can also get there by funicular, the station of which is located on the square, known as the Funicular Square. By the way, the funicular itself can be considered a local attraction, as it is the oldest in the Basque Country.

The opening hours of the funicular, observation deck, lighthouse-museum and attractions in the park vary depending on the season, day of the week and weather. The site monteigueldo.es always has information about what and when is available for viewing on Mount Igueldo on a specific date. The current prices are always listed there.

Installation “Comb of the Winds”

The original Peine del Viento installation was created by the famous Spanish sculptor E. Chillida in 1977. This attraction is built into huge boulders three rusty metal structures weighing 10 tons each. On the boulders themselves and metal bulks, sea waves hit and break with noise.

The sculptural composition is designed to remind people that nothing man-made can withstand the forces of nature for a long time.

Although this installation cannot be considered a serious attraction for a sophisticated tourist, many people take photos against its background as a memento of the city of San Sebastian in Spain.

Windcrest is located on the outskirts of Ondaretta Bay, quite far from the historic quarter.

Booking.com

When is the best time to visit the spa?

Climatic conditions in the Basque Country differ significantly from those in other areas of Spain: it is much more windy and rainy there.

The best time to go to the city of San Sebastian in Spain is from May to October, but the best time for a beach pastime is July, August and September. In the high season, the weather here is very pleasant – the temperature is + 24.5 ° C, and there are few rainy days – no more than 3 per month. The water temperature in the sea during this period is kept at +21.5…+23°C, and the highest temperature usually occurs from mid-June to the end of the first decade of September.

But it is in the high season, as in all resorts in Spain, that there is the largest concentration of tourists and the highest prices.

Good to know! At the peak of the season, the resort hosts many festivals, in particular, in September – the International Film Festival with the participation of world-class celebrities.

In the low season, San Sebastian seems to fall asleep, and there are no crowds at all. Indeed, the weather is not conducive to relaxing by the sea: the sky is almost covered with clouds, the average air temperature is about +10…+12.8°C, and the water in the sea is +12°C. In October, breaking tidal waves are often observed: very strong and high Mareas Vivas. The most unfortunate month for travel can be called November, when it rains for about 10 days.

How to get to San Sebastian

How to get to San Sebastian? This question is of interest to many tourists, so now we will briefly consider several possible options.

Plane

There is a small airport 15 km from the center of San Sebastian. Every day it receives planes from Barcelona and the main city of Madrid, there are no direct flights from other countries at all. Several regular buses leave from here directly to the city center – they stop at the very exit from the airport. Travel by bus will cost 2. 5 €, by taxi – up to 10 €.

A more convenient option is to land at Bilbao and Biarritz airports. Bilbao is in Spain, 102 km away, and Biarritz is in France, but it is much closer, only 40 km from San Sebestian. These airports receive many different flights from other countries, and there is no need to make an additional transfer. Buses stop at Bilbao and Biarritz airports to San Sebastian Central Bus Station at Plaza de Pío XII. From Bilbao, a bus ride will cost almost 17 €, from Biarritz – 7 €.

Train

San Sebastian is connected by rail with almost all major cities in Spain and France. For example, from Barcelona you can drive in 5 hours and 45 €.

Long-distance trains arrive at San Sebastian’s main train station, Estación del Norte. But this resort also has another station, Amara, where commuter trains arrive – this is where trains from the French border town of Hendaye arrive. Estación del Norte and Amara are located near the central part of San Sebastian.