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Latest San Sebastián hotel reviews
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Doesn't matter where you are in the world, taking snaps of loos can get a photographer into trouble and joins the list of taboo places to photo - like military establishments, government installations and Sheiks palaces, but then again there must be loos in those places too.
Seems that most of Spain shuts down for siesta - well after all the late nights (dinner starts at 9pm), hard drinking and then up early to start work before the real heat of the day kicks in, suppose siesta is a necessary part of life in Spain.
The toilets at the San Sebastian water front are very (excuse the pun) convenient when watching the fishing boats come and go, or close enough to be used when visiting the old quater - but watch out for siesta time.
The outside of the loos is a convenient place for political slogans - gives the loo user something to think about while answering the call of nature, but what I found amazing is the opening hours 10.00 - 14.00 then 16.00 - 20.00 - see, even loos have a siesta.
Written Mar 14, 2008
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If you park the car at the 'Paseo Berria-Paseo Nuevo', you have to be sure that the weather in the sea is good. Nowadays, when there are big waves the local police do not allow passing to the Paseo Berria by car. But it is really dificult to park the car in Donostia....
Written Jan 20, 2005
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You might see buildings splattered in red and yellow paint whilst walking around town. I was in close proximity to an attack and whilst I didn't feel personally threatened be aware that it does happen. I presume it was the work of ETA.
Written Jan 7, 2005
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San Sebastian is a very safe town. It's a very clean town. Late at night, as with every place in the world, be aware of where you're going, but don't think that you're going to be mugged and stabbed in San Sebastian.
One thing to be aware of is the Basque nationalist movement. Throughout San Sebastian you will see posters and spray paintings related to Basque autonomy. Don't be frightened by these. You may also run into a march, protest, or gathering. Don't worry, these don't get violent unless the Central Government decides to break them up forcefully.
There is a "terrorist" organization active in the Basque Country called ETA. Their goals are the creation of a more autonomous, if not independent, Basque Country. All of their targets and actions are political. You, as a tourist, will not be harmed by ETA.
Could you get hurt because of the political situation? Yes. If you provoke the violence by disturbing a protest or march. Or if you engage the Civil Guard who is breaking up one of these gatherings. But, the fact is, care is taken to not harm those not related to the situation. I recommend doing some research about both sides views of the situation. Read as much as you can about the situation before you go.
But do not be affraid. Feel very safe. Be smart, but don't feel threatened.
Updated Sep 4, 2003
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San Sebastian is, unfortunately, an important point of Basque nationalism. Politics aside, you may encounter occassional manifestations of extremism such as marches, police charging and such. I believe the chances of you suffering from this are slim and should't keep you away from visiting this wonderful city
Written Aug 26, 2002
I only post the bill so you will know what a lunch for 2 will cost, I am not boasting. 456 euros
Written May 10, 2011
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Owners of casas particulares often solicit guests at the RENFE station. Be wary, as this is illegal.
Updated Aug 30, 2005
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Not a threat really. ETA has not been a threat to tourists or people at random on the street. So fear of ETA is nothing serious.
Written Dec 7, 2004
Take care when you park the car, he he
Written May 4, 2004
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ETA is very active here. You can see a lot of graffiti on the walls. Two days before we came in Donostia, one girl was killed by mistake trying to put explosive under one car.
Updated Apr 8, 2004
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Reviews and photos of San Sebastián attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for San Sebastián sightseeing.
ETA is very active here. You can see a lot of graffiti on the walls. Two days before we came in Donostia, one girl was killed by mistake trying to put explosive...
29 members live in San Sebastián
Q: My husband and I are hoping to go to SS in June, we will be arriving by train. Long journey from England! I have been looking...
A: AS San Sebastian is on the coast it is flat. But the surrounding land quickly climbs upward. WE (also in our 70s) stayed in a lovely rural B&B 5 minutes drive away from...
Read 7 Replies
1
I’ve been to Donostia (that’s Basque for San Sebastián) several times, and every time I visit I’m amazed at how enjoyable and interesting the city is. I first went to Donostia in 1996, when my father...
2
Donostia (San Sebastián), holds the Kontxa Bay in its arms; on the right hand, is Mount Urgull; on the left, Mount Igueldo; in the middle of the bay, there is an island (Santa Clara). On Mount Urgull...
3
Enter Spain through the Basque Country...
San Sebastian, 45 minutes from the French boarder, gives onto the Atlantic ocean. This city is really popular among french and english people as being the closest one to these countries that...
4
The pearl of the Basque Country
Donosti (San Sebastian), is a charmer city. As the other parts of basque country, is not to much touristic, maybe for the political conflict, i don't know. But the buildings, the beaches, the...
5
The most beautiful city I've ever visited. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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