Surprise, surprise – this week I have a photo from last week’s trip to the País Vasco! Let’s start with its most famous city, beautiful San Sebastián.
The word “picturesque” is so overused to describe pretty seaside towns, but I’ll allow myself to use it when it comes to San Sebastián. I’ve never seen such a fancy town. In the newer part, the streets are paved in shimmering black and white tiles, while the tiny paths in the old quarter open up to give you glimpses of intricate Gothic churches. Even the people were dressed fancier than in Barcelona (and I live in a posh area!), from the toddlers to the abuelitos to a fair number of the guiris.
The charming streets and smartly dressed people add a sophisticated air to the city, and it gets even better when it’s all topped off with a very well-groomed beach. White fishing boats bob up and down in the half-moon bay.
It’s lovely at any hour of the day, but I was especially taken with this cute message written on the sand – “Bajen.” “Come down.” (Although my brain was too happy thinking about a delicious pintxos dinner to actually do it).
Besos!
-Jess
I love this – great capture!
Thanks very much!
Love San Sebastián! Beautiful picture!
I really liked it too! Thanks very much.
Hola Yessica – Enjoy reading your blog. We were in the Basque region in March & April and spent quite a bit of time in San Sebastian & Hondarribia (wee smaller sister town) & loved it too. We are aiming to live somewhere round there in about a year’s time. Here are a few blog post links on our visit:
http://localfoodhound.wordpress.com/2013/04/23/hola-san-sebastian/
http://localfoodhound.wordpress.com/2013/05/01/getaria-costa-vasca/
Duncan
Thanks very much, Duncan!
And thanks for sharing your blog posts too – I had a great time reading them. I wish I’d stopped off at Getaria now, as it looks stunning. And full of delicious food too, of course.
I hope i’ll be able to go there, at least for a couple of days, during this summer 🙂
I hope you get to go too! It’s a really pretty little city. I think it would be hard not to like it.
One of my most favorite spots in Spain! I am dying to try out the Arzak family restaurant! This place is absolutely charming and filled with great food!
You’re right, “charming” is the perfect word to describe San Sebastián. It is SO pretty and the food is SOOO good.
After discovering Basque food I always look for Tabernas Vascas wherever I go. Never been disappointed so far. I will know a lot more about the Pais Vasco after my next trip. I think that message in the sand was an invitation for extraterrestrials to come down and try their food.
Hahaha I like your thinking! Basque food is definitely amazing, I’ll be on the lookout for more now too.
Hi Jessica, this post is great – I’ve been wanting a bit of an inside thought on San Sebastián. I’d love to go there to surf and explore the streets (same for Biarritz, not too far away). Loving the blog!
Thanks very much! San Sebastián is a really beautiful place, and I’ve heard great things from my surfer friends.