Yes, I understand what you mean about staying in town. Actually, I am planning to go again to the area next summer so I'am looking forward to your report when you come back!

Have a great trip!

Try to visit lovely Hondarribia which is close to San Sebastian. It is very charming with its old town(where Parador is located in the castle) and fisherman's quarter below. You can also take a 10 minute little ferry ride across to Hendaye, France with its broad beaches.
We had a bad experience, the only one in 6 weeks, at the overpriced Parador Gil Blas in Santillana del Mar; make sure you request a freshly decorated room-ours was a mess.The food at the parador was also sub-par. The town is lovely and worth a few hours. We would have preferred to have stayed in Ribadasella.