Getting to Know San Sebastian

San Sebastian is one the most impressive cities in Spain. Designed in Belle Époque style, beauty, tradition and modernity harmoniously complement one another. This charming little city that accommodates 183,000 inhabitants boasts an abundance of cultural activity.

The beauty of its bay, known as the Pearl of Bay of Biscay (Cantabrian Sea), its marine and mountainous countryside on your doorstep and the high quality of life has in the last two centuries converted this location into a first-rate tourist destination. The magnificent Concha Beach has been recently selected by The Times as one of the 20 best and most beautiful beaches in Europe.

Historically, San Sebastian was established as a small fishing town and from there grew to be a commercial city. After the invasion of the Napoleon's troops, and after near destruction in 1813 from anglo-portuguese invaders, the city was re-born as Queen Isabel II's preferred holiday destination. However it would not be until the end of the 19th Century and beginning of the 20th when San Sebastian was transformed into such a cultured location replete with services, a quintessential tourist destination of Northern Spain.

San Sebastian is also recognized worldwide for its gastronomic prowess, amassing more Michelín stars per metre squared than any other place in the world. The quality of its prime materials (produce) and its famous ‘pinxtos' provide culinary delights not only for tourists, but for residents as well.

Cultural activity growing at the same rapid pace as the increasing touristic trends, the city now enjoys its first rate position as host of many important events such as the International Festival of Cinema, The Festival of Jazz or popular celebrations like La Semana Grande de San Sebastian, to name a just a few.

For all this and much more, San Sebastian continues to be one of the principal tourist destinations in Spain and annually receives over 400,000 visitors.

The Hotel Maria Cristina San Sebastian, lying majestically in the centre of the city opposite the Urumea river and Victoria Eugenia Theatre, finds itself a few metres away from the historic centre of town and the beach, making it the ideal location to enjoy and discover the city.

Local area map - How to get there 

What to see and what to do in San Sebastian

Annual cultural agenda and Festivities