sueswny

I am thinking of spending a few nights in San Sebastian the last week of July. Is it terribly crowded then? Lots of tourists? I don't think I'll spend much time on the beach itself, but I'd be going into town in the evening for dinner, strolling during the day, etc. Will it be a mob scene? Am I better to stay in Hondarribia or Santander? ( I don't want a place that's "dead," but I don't want hoards of tourists, either.) Help?

cruiseluv

I can't speak for SS because unfortunately I have yet to visit. However, can tell you that Santander is pretty crowded in late July and August, not so much with foreigners but with vacationing spaniards. One time I went in early July and the difference (less people) was palpable. I don't want to give the impression that it is uncomfortable to walk around or anything like that. But in the beach ,restaurants and bars is where you see the difference. Still, if that was the time of year I had available to go back I would do it in a minute!

FREDMADCEL

We will be in SS in the last week of June. What can we expect as far as crowds,weather etc.? We will be in a apt for five days in the old town facing the sea and the end of the river - good choice? Any must sees and restaurants/ bars not to miss? Day trips? And where is the train station in town? I've heard that everything is accessible by foot - true? Thanks

nytraveler

Yes - it wil be crowded, perhaps not quite as much as in August - but this is a tradiitonal summer resort for Spaniards since the weather is so much less hellish than the rest of Spain.

June will also be busy but not SO bad. Weather will be pleasant beach weather (as far as you can predict weather so far in advance).

Weadles

We visited San Sebastian in July, and yes, it was very crowded, touristy, and hot, but we still had a fabulous time. If you can change your dates, you might find that the beginning of July is a little less hectic/crowded than the rest of the month. Good luck, and make sure that you stay at a hotel with AC!

Robert2533

Some Spanish begin their holidays at the beginning of July, others on the 15th, sometimes referred to as the "great exidous" and many of them head to the Basque coast. If you don't already have reservations, you might find the pickings slim.

You might want to download a copy of Maribel's Guide to the País Vasco for a little more information.

kimhe

I can't recommend San Sebastián enough, have lived there and visited almost every year since the late 1980's. Lots of people in the end of July but for very good reasons. Laid back atmosphere. One of the best food scenes in all of Europe. 17 Michelin stars in this little and very walkable city, but the best and most interesting food experiences might just as well be strolling around and have pintxos/Basque tapas at the numerous bars/restaurants in this food-crazy place. If you want fewer tourists, go across the river to the Gros area, some of the very best places are here (Patio de Ramuntxo, Donostiarra, Bar Bergara, El Lagar, Aloña Berri etc). All about going for pintxos in San Sebastián: http://www.todopintxos.com/home/home.php?lang=en

The 45th edition of San Sebastián jazz festival takes place in the end of July. http://www.heinekenjazzaldia.com/?language=en

I always come back to Restaurante Urola:
http://www.restauranteurola.com/english/index.html

Would very much recommend to go for lunch in one of the excellent seafood restaurants in either Getaria or San Juan/Donibane. 30 mins by bus in either direction from SS. You can also walk along the coast to San Juan and take the bus back.
http://thepauperedchef.com/2007/12/elkano-in-getar.html
http://www.euroresidentes.com/eurore...s/san-juan.htm

The article "A different kind of Spain":
http://marshlands.blogstream.com/

Egbert

Do not be afraid of the crowds in July. It's not like Barcelona where you bump into tourists every couple of minutes. You only notice it in the old part of town at the end of the day when everyone goes out to eat and drink. It's a small place so it seems like the streets are packed and they are but it's full of life and excitement as wealthier Spaniards and French on vacation and locals travel from bar to bar eating great food and having fun, a great scene.

kimhe

If you want some peace and quiet in San Sebastián without leaving the city, here are some suggestions.

Have a walk/picnic up at the Monte Urgull park, just behind the Parte vieja/Old town. Awesome views of the sea and the city, a fortress, a military history museum and a couple of cafés. 15-20 min relatively easy walk up to the top.

Walk up Monte Ulía in the eastern end of town, past the Zurriola beach (on the path to San Juan/Donibane). After some 30 mins you will come to a great recreational park with a pleasant café, fabolous views here too.

Take the funicular up to Monte Igueldo in the western end of town. Old fashioned amusement park, and great walks further west. You are now not far from one of the city's three star restaurants, Akelarre.
http://www.monteigueldo.es/eng/

Just behind the train station, on the other side of the river from the city center, is the tranquile and carefully designed Cristina Enea Park. And yes, "peacocks can be found in the centre of San Sebastian": http://www.donostia.org/info/sanseba...jardines&doc=D

Hide away at one of the cafés in relatively peaceful Plaza de Guipuzcoa in the center of town.

Just outside San Sebastián, you will also find the "garden museum" of the famous Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida:
http://www.museochillidaleku.com/index.php?id=1&L=3

kimhe

FREDMADCEL,

Guess you are staying at Hotel Parma, think you will be very happy with your choice.