The city of San Sebastian is known for its beaches and its good cuisine, but this city has a romantic side that you will fall in love with. Our romantic journey begins at the Playa de la Concha and guide you through the beautiful architecture and landscapes of the city. Stay at our luxury hotel by the bay of La Concha, we guarantee the best romantic setting while staying in San Sebastian.

Our tour begins by a walk (about 7 Km) from Zurriola beach to the Peine del Viento. This San Sebastian coastal walk will allow you to explore the 3 beaches that the city offers and its wonderful views. Halfway through this walk, why not take a break in the famous Talosaterapia La Perla, a beautiful spa to relax and enjoy thermal waters. Don’t miss the 360º view room with spectacular panorama of the whole bay.

Following the path along the edge of La Concha Bay, you reach the City Hall of San Sebastián. This impressive building was, at its beginnings, the casino of the city, built in 1887. The style of its construction is reminiscent of the houses of the French Riviera. At his feet, there are magnificent gardens, in which you can walk, called Alderdi Eder. These gardens are composed mainly of different floral sets that accompany the Tamarindos, the most representative trees of the city. Next to this, we can also find palm trees. All this flora accompanies the huge carousel that recalls the “Belle Epoque” era. However, this carousel is not the original that was built in 1900, it is a reconstruction of 1998. It is decorated with paintings from different painters, such as Van Gogh, Lautrec, Cezanne or Picasso. From the carousel you can enjoy a nice view of the la Concha bay.

Following this walk, going a little away from the coast, you will discover a wide and pedestrian street full of beautiful trees that accompany some of the most beautiful buildings that still evoke the memory of the “Belle Epoque” style, such as the Victoria Eugenia Theater. Continuing this route, we will arrive at the Plaza Guipuzkoa.

This square is in the heart of the city and is presided over by a statue of the sculptor José María Usandizaga. The square is surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens where you can go relax, watching the surroundings. The people of San Sebastian have grown up playing in this square and it is known for its romanticism. Also, many events are held here, so if you are lucky to arrive during one of them, you will find some demonstration or local celebration that you can join and enjoy, such as book fairs or children’s attractions or the impressive nativity scene placed in the square for Christmas.

We end this romantic route recommending the visit of Buen Pastor Cathedral. It pays tribute to the other European medieval cathedrals and its needle is about 75 meters high, being the tallest building that can be found in San Sebastian.

Without hesitation, San Sebastian has nothing to envy to Paris, you will find the perfect romantic spot to enjoy with your partner, to walk around, admire the sunset on one of the beaches around San Sebastian or have a nice cider.

We hope you enjoy an unforgettable visit and a fantastic stay at our hotel in San Sebastian.
Do not hesitate to contact our staff about the San Sebastian hotel deals.

San Sebastian in January, a New Year has come, but in San Sebastian, what we are really waiting for is the 20th of this month. Once again, the Donostia’s citizens go out to the streets to fill them with festivities and celebrate the city’s patron saint, to the drum rhythm. The main square is quickly filled with the drums’ sound, turning it into the centre of the celebrations. Everybody is welcome to join, the youngest as the elderly people and locals as tourists. Come to San Sebastian to enjoy this deeply rooted tradition and stay at our hotel for family in Donostia.

The Tamborrada St Sebastian festival (meaning drummed festival literally) consists of a series of drums’ parades. The participants are all dressed up with soldiers’ uniforms, initially the one from the Gipuzkoan battalions who fought during the War of Independence. Eventually, as the events grows, different uniforms are presented nowadays. Therefore, the ones who carry drums are dressed in military suits, while the replicants, who carry wooden barrels, are dressed as cooks.

This is one of the most important holidays for the people of San Sebastian and lasts during 24 (intense) hours. The party begins the evening of January 19 with a traditional dinner that includes consommé, elvers, sirloin and for dessert, pantxineta or mamia. The youngest children also have their turn each year, around noon, when they form the largest Tamborrada (about 5,000 children participate) and play in unison.

There is no accurate year when the celebration of the Tamborrada started. The truth is that the city, because of its geographical location, has historically been the epicentre of confrontations with invading armies, whether Spanish, French or English. The fact is that military music was constant in the city, as well as the desire for fun of the San Sebastian’s people. And at some point, local historians situate around 1836 the beginning of the Tamborrada, perhaps to imitate or mock the armies.

The Tamborrada is a street festival. You do not have to be a neighbour or belong to an association to enjoy it and be part of it. In fact, not all donostiarras belong to the companies that go out in procession. Throughout the night from January 19 to 20 and all day long, the streets of all neighbourhoods (Gros, Amara …) are full of not only locals but tourists who come to live the Tamborrada. Get a brochure upon arrival, it will indicate the routes of each drum parade or just use your ears to follow the sound of the drums and watch the parade through the streets of each neighbourhood.

The celebration continues in the bars, especially the pintxos bars, where you can enjoy local drinks and most of all, the exquisite Basque cuisine. You might enter some establishment reserved for the associations during Tamborrada, but don’t worry, there are enough places to go in San Sebastian for everyone to enjoy.

Live the party intensely like a Donostiarra, while having a txakoli or a San Sebastian cider (which is also when the Basque cider season begins), eating some pintxos and wait for the Tamborradas to pass while you are staying at our hotel on the beach front in San Sebastian.

We hope you enjoy an unforgettable visit and a fantastic stay at our luxury accommodation in San Sebastian. Do not hesitate to contact our staff about our hotel deals.

Visiting San Sebastian in november is an excellent period. Even the days are not very cold, and you want to go for a walk, in search of new secret corners. If you are one of those who prefer to go beyond the usual tourist circuits, then, this article will interest you. We encourage you to stay at our hotel on the Paseo de la Concha, a strategic location, so you can explore Donostia from another point of view. Then we talk about 4 atypical corners of the Guipuzcoan capital to discover this October.

Polloe Cemetery

It is possible that you have never considered going into a cemetery as a tourist attraction during your visit to Donostia, although this is a bit special. Not in vain, the cemetery of Polloe oozes history and art and, in addition, is full of curiosities. To get to know them, since September 30, free guided tours are being organized until the end of the year.

San Sebastian Museum Cement

One of the most curious museums in San Sebastian is the Cement Museum. And it is not usual for this place to appear in conventional tourist itineraries, even though it is a very interesting museum. The Cemento Rezola Museum aims to show visitors the importance of this material not only in the Basque population, but in all of humanity. The museum offers an entertaining way to a great stranger such as the concrete with which it coexists daily. It opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Palacio Miramar San Sebastian

Although the Miramar Palace is one of the main attractions of Donostia, most visitors are happy to see it only from a far. Now you can walk through its interiors through guided tours that are being organized from October until the end of December. With the help of an expert guide, you can learn about the history and anecdotes of this English-style palace built at the end of the 19th century. Each visit lasts 30 minutes and at a price of 3 euros.

Casa de los aviones

If you are one of those who love to walk and walk and are not afraid to get away from the centre, then, a beautiful surprise awaits you on Calle Aldapa, halfway to the Euskotren de Loiola and Intxaurrondo stations. Exactly at number 26, in a residential street, you will find a facade next to a set of aircraft models that, without a doubt, will get your attention. We do not know much more about this “airplane house”, although, what is true, is that nobody would expect to find something like this in this residential area without any tourist interest.

We hope you enjoy an unforgettable visit and a fantastic stay at our hotel in San Sebastian. Do not hesitate to contact our staff about the San Sebastian hotel deals.

For the fifth consecutive year in Donostia, it will be held from the 6th until the 10th of December at the Boulevard de San Sebastián the Sagardo Apurua. It is about the recreation of an old cider house in San Sebastian in the shape of a hamlet where different activities will take place. The culture of cider and the character of our land will be gathered in Donostia. Come, taste and enjoy the Donostia Cider!! Do not miss this opportunity to enjoy our oldest traditions and come to our hotel in the Concha Bay to let yourself go.

Just 10 minutes’ walk from the Hotel de Londres located on La Concha beach, San Sebastian, you can find the celebration of Sagardo Apurua. In this celebration an old farmhouse is recreated where you could go to take cider, one of the most famous drinks in the area. The cider festival is one of the most important in Euskal Herria, so you cannot miss this great opportunity that will immerse you in the ancient traditions of the people of San Sebastian.

In the Sagardo Apurua an old wine-producing hamlet is recreated in the heart of Donostia and life is given to its interior. The cider is transported through the Urumea river and then, with the help of a couple of oxen, the agricultural products of the time and the new cider are transferred to the Sidrería. Let’s make the Sagardo Apurua, let’s taste the good cider of San Sebastian! It is a day full of activities for children and adults, which is celebrated in Donostia, Capital de la Sidra, during the December holiday bridge.

The cider as we all know is a drink that is part of a ritual that is almost always collective, where several people come together for their consumption, friendship is shared, the camaraderie, the good atmosphere, and therefore, the same “vasu” for the whole group. Cider does not have gluten, so it is suitable for celiacs, is good to protect the vascular system, helps prevent heart attacks and prevents kidney stones. It also has antioxidant properties, elevates good cholesterol and aids digestion. Everything is good news!

This gastronomic fair leaves space for adults who can taste this old drink, but also for the youngest. One of the most striking moments of this celebration is the cider pouring contest where citizens along with all the braves who want can face to try to show their prowess by pouring the apple-based drink.

Do not miss the next holiday bridge in December and go to Donostia to enjoy this event that is expected year after year in our luxury accommodation in San Sebastian.

You surely agree that the best plans are gastronomic, and in that, San Sebastián has no rival. Our city has a huge culinary offer that is divided among its various restaurants with Michelin stars, its pintxos taverns, its markets, etc. Now in October, the gastronomic proposal of San Sebastian is completed with an event that you cannot miss if you consider yourself a person of good food. We are referring to the Congreso San Sebastián Gastronomika, that will turn the capital of Gipuzkoa into the epicentre of global haute cuisine. If you are visiting Donostia soon and staying at our hotel by the beach in San Sebastiàn, we strongly recommend you to attend to enjoy a unique experience!

What is San Sebastian Food Festival Gastronomika?
Gastronomika is a congress attended by the most renowned chefs and kitchen experts in the world to present their culinary innovations. San Sebastian Gastronomika  will take place on October 7, 8, 9 and 10 and, in addition, it will celebrate its XX edition in a meeting full of activities for professionals in the field of gastronomy as well as for the general public.

It will be developed in the Elkargunea Center Kursaal San Sebastian, located in the center, very close to the beach of Zurriola.

Espacio Market
As we mentioned earlier, this event will take place over 4 days. In it, the attendees will have the opportunity, not only to surround themselves with some of the best chefs in the world and to blend in an environment of the most inspiring, but to taste delicious delicacies thanks to more than 200 stands installed.

It will be in the Market Space, which will open its doors every day between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., where different tasting zones, bars and areas will be set up in which the guest chefs will carry out their demonstrations.

But the Market will not be the only place where you can savour the most innovative gastronomic proposals, since the attendees will also have at their disposal the Street food of the Kursaal porch. In particular, this will be a space to try different tapas and other San Sebastian cuisine, such as fabada, croquetas, cod and a long etcetera. What is clear is that you will leave with a full stomach!

Workshops, championships and presentation
In addition to the stand area, the San Sebastián Gastronomika Congress will be a constant learning environment. Thus, it presents a large agenda of activities ranging from monographic cooking workshops to wine tasting sessions and even championships to choose the best Russian salad or the best Spanish grill.

All this will be seasoned with interesting presentations given by famous chefs, who will take advantage to share their knowledge with those present.

As you can see, it is a very complete event, perfect if you like gastronomic plans. Just one last tip: go hungry!

I hope you enjoy an unforgettable stay at our hotel in San Sebastian! Do not hesitate to contact our staff if you require any information.

September just started, with all that it implies. For many, the holidays are already more than exhausted and extinct; others may still be enjoying their last days before returning to the routine. September is a month of transition, change and adaptation. Therefore, we propose a plan that will help you return to your obligations with a smile and, above all, with a good reading, because the long-awaited Old and Second-hand Book Fair is here! If you are going to be in San Sebastian these days and you are going to stay at our hotel in Donostia, we will tell you all the details so that you can squeeze this event to the maximum.

What to do in San Sebastian Donostia?
Since every year at this time, this fair has become the essential event that marks the end of summer in San Sebastian. As in previous editions, the public will find an interesting selection of old and out-of-print books, which add to a wide assortment of records, photographs, comics, old magazines and much more.

As for the theme, it will be very varied, so that it can adapt to the tastes of everyone. This means that it will be possible to acquire Basque-themed books, but also history, art, cooking and many more.

It is, therefore, the ideal occasion to find those books that you had wanted to get for so long. Very likely in this edition of the Book Fair you will find them. Do you want some advice? Do not hurry and take your time.

When and where?
The XXXIII edition of the Old and Second-hand Book Fair landed on August 31 in San Sebastian and will last until September 16, so you still have several days to enjoy this event.

It will be developed during these two weeks in the Plaza Gipuzcoa, one of the places to go in San Sebastian where you will have the opportunity to get lost between the different bookstore and publishing stands until you find the title you were looking for.

The Old and Second-hand Book Fair will be open every day between 11 am and 2 pm and, in the afternoon, between 5 pm and 9 pm.

If you still do not have reading for next fall and you will visit San Sebastian Spain, come by here and we assure you that it will be very difficult for you to leave empty handed!

I hope you enjoy an unforgettable stay at our hotel in San Sebastian! Do not hesitate to contact our staff if you require any information.

During the summer season the plans and activities multiply. It’s time to go to the beach, walk through the emblematic neighbourhoods of San Sebastian and, in short, enjoy the outdoors. If you are thinking about going to Donostia this summer, we encourage you to stay at our luxury hotel in Donostia and make the most of everything that this city has to offer. On this occasion, we propose a plan that you cannot refuse. How would you like to get to the lovely Pasaia from San Sebastian aboard a catamaran? It is your opportunity to make an unforgettable seafront promenade!

Pasaia is one of those places that do not go unnoticed. As soon as you cross the estuary of its natural harbour, you discover two of its treasures. We are referring to the towns of San Juan (Pasai Donibane Spain) and San Pedro (Pasai San Pedro), two locations located facing each other. Both stand out for their colourful houses and squares full of life. Hence, Pasaia is one of the unavoidable places to visit in San Sebastian Spain. The best thing is that not only the destination will be worthwhile, but also the way to reach it.

San Sebastian boat trip – Where to take the catamaran in Donostia

The catamaran service that covers the San Sebastian-Pasaia route operates only for two weeks in the month of August. Normally, it is available from August 7 to 20 with a single departure every day in the morning. Places are limited, so you should book in advance if you do not want to miss the opportunity.

The meeting point is, in its case, the Donostia-San Sebastián dock, from where the motorboat will depart punctually towards Pasaia. The company that carries out this route is Itxaszerbi, so you can get more information on its website.

What you will see during the crossing

If you have always wondered how La Concha beach looks from afar, you can now check it on board this catamaran. And it will cross the Bay of La Concha to continue towards Pasaia. You will skirt Mount Urgull and have the chance to visualize a different perspective of the emblematic Zurriola beach, the one for delights surfers.

After leaving behind the coast of San Sebastian, you will see an incredible area of cliffs that leaves you with your mouth open. After passing near the Lighthouse of the Silver, you will already be in the natural entrance that ends at the port of Pasaia. The Basque Maritime Factory of Albaola, Mater Museum or the house of Victor Hugo are just some of the monuments that you will find on your path.

And finally, around 30 minutes after embarking on the pier of San Sebastian, you will touch land and you can start your journey through beautiful Pasaia. Enjoy your excursion!

I hope you enjoy an unforgettable stay at our hotel in San Sebastian Spain! Do not hesitate to contact our staff if you require any information.

It seemed that it did not finish arriving, but, finally, the summer has been inaugurated. Also, in our city the rise of temperatures is already beginning to be noticed. So, it’s time to go out and enjoy the outdoors! The summer season is a good time to discover the parks of San Sebastian. These green lungs will help you cope better with the heat. On this occasion, we want to emphasize the Cristina Enea Park (San Sebastian). Surely, you’ve heard a lot about it and, if not, when you’re visiting Donostia and staying at our hotel with sea view in San Sebastian, it’s an excellent opportunity to get to know it thoroughly. And it is that this park is already groomed and prepared to accompany you in the summer of 2018!

A little history: this is how the largest park in San Sebastian was born

Yes, you read correctly, the Cristina Enea Park is the largest in the city. Located in the neighbourhood of Egia, near the bank of the Urumea River, it has an area of almost 95,000 m2. It has a pond that covers 780 m2 and a splendid palace, among many other attractions.

In its origins, this park was the private garden of the estate of the Dukes of Mandas, Fermín de Lasala and Collado and Cristina Brunetti. Not in vain, the park took its name from the own duchess (Cristina Enea means “de Cristina” in Euskera). When he died in 1925, the duke donated the park to the city.

Everything you can do during the San Sebastian summer in the park

The Cristina Enea Park is an unceasing source of entertainment. These are just some of the activities that await you this summer:

Ride a bike. The park is full of walking paths, although access by bicycles is limited. It is only allowed on the path that joins the footbridges of Mikel Laboa and Gladys del Estal, so go degreasing your bike!

Observe exotic tree species. This green lung is home to numerous tree species that you’re not used to see normally. For example, the park has an impressive red sequoia, a cedar from Lebanon or a ginkgo, among many others.

Walk among peacocks. In addition to the ducks of the pond, in the Park of Cristina Enea live other very showy birds, like the peacocks. It is common to cross with them during the walk, so take a moment to admire its colour.

Come with children. The park has a children’s area with slides, swings and other attractions so that they also enjoy the visit.

Go to the Glad is the Day festival. Since 2015, the park has become the stage for Glad is the Day, a San Sebastian music festival that brings diverse proposals from the local independent and underground scene. This summer will be held on August 5 and will be a day that will be enlivened by DJs, flea markets and a lot of activities for everyone.

I hope you enjoy an unforgettable stay at our hotel in San Sebastian Spain! Do not hesitate to contact our staff if you require any information.

We are already in May! A month of preparation for the summer, of bright days and warmer temperatures. It is an ideal time to make trips and discover new places. Do you want to visit San Sebastián city of culture? During this month, the city offers various proposals for all audiences and preferences. On this occasion, from Hotel Londres we want to encourage you to explore San Sebastian Donostia from a cultural point of view and, therefore, we propose you to make a route through the best art galleries in the city. Would you like to discover them?

1. Arteko; San Sebastian Art

Founded in 1996, this gallery was born with a very clear objective: to bring art closer to society. Since then, he has been responsible for disseminating the work of various artists, organizing exhibitions of sculpture, painting, photographs, etc., with a varied program and, in addition, uninterrupted.

Until the end of June, the Arteko gallery hosts the exhibition ‘El tiempo del cielo’, by the San Sebastian author Miguel Pínter. It is a work that combines the novel with painting, the two passions of the artist.

2. Kur Art Gallery San Sebastian

Kur Art Gallery opens its doors in 2002 with the aim of responding to the need to have a space to professionalize the sale of works of art. This gallery is centered, above all, on sculptures.

If you dare to visit this place, you can admire the exhibition ‘Cultures of the World’, by Luis Candaudap, a journey through the stereotypes that are responsible for sizing the world through various iconic creations.

Where is it? Paseo Zurriola 6

3. Ekain Arte Lanak

In the heart of the Old Part of Donostia, this art gallery represents a wonderful find during the walk. It has an area of 120 m2 distributed in two exhibition spaces. In the gallery background it is possible to find works from several disciplines: photography, sculpture, painting and graphics. On the other hand, in the exhibition hall, the samples are signed by important artists, although at affordable prices.

Both the name of the gallery and the logo are a nod to the ancestors, as they refer to two bears drawn more than 15,000 years ago in an Ekain cave.

Where is it? Iñigo 4

4. Vetusart

Finally, this list would be incomplete if we did not mention the Vetusart art gallery. It is a relatively new space, since it opened its doors only in 2016, but the truth is that it has managed to become a benchmark. Its purpose, as its founders explain, is to represent and exhibit the next generation of contemporary Basque artists.

Its location, in front of La Concha Bay, has also helped a lot in that this gallery has grown exponentially.

Among the artists whose works have passed through this gallery are Javier Muro, Iñigo Manterola, Bosco Sodi, Maximilian Pelzmann, etc.

Where is it? Calle Hernani, 21

I hope you enjoy an unforgettable stay at our hotel in San Sebastian Spain! Do not hesitate to contact our staff if you require any information.

With warmer days, we can finally say that spring is finally here. These are the days where one would want to go out onto the street more or perhaps even travel. If you have been fantasizing about the idea of knowing San Sebastián for some time, now is the time! The upcoming weeks are full of activities so that you can make the most of your free time. On this occasion, we want to talk to you about the Olatu Talka festival, a multidisciplinary event where music, theater, dance and much more take place. To put it simply, everything that has to do with culture! At Hotel Londres (one of the best places in San Sebastian) we encourage you to book a comfy place to stay and to plan well your visit to Donostia. We are more than happy to help you!

The Olatu Talka festival is conceived to encourage the participation of all. As a result, a complete agenda of activities that will fuse culture and fun together takes shape.The event happens from the 25th to the 27th of May, a weekend that promises to be full of intense fun thanks to a program composed of more than 200 kind of activities. More than 2,000 people are working to make it possible.

Among the events already scheduled are second hand markets, batucada workshops, parades with music, popular foods, concerts, games, awareness events, etc. This way, the festival manages to give new uses of public space, as well as raise awareness about relevant issues while combining social criticism with art and culture.

Diversity, inclusive mobility or sexist violence will be some of the axes of this ninth edition of the festival.

Also, come to the opening ceremony!
The opening ceremony of the festival will be held on Friday, May 25 at the emblematic Plaza Zuloaga, the best area to stay in San Sebastian, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event will have music and dances that will enhance the diversity of Donostia. On the stage, the Easo Jazz Orkestra and the percussion band of the Francisco Escudero Conservatory, as well as the School of Music and Dance will be in charge of delighting all those present.

Olatu Talka was born in 2010 with the purpose of promoting the San Sebastian Culture Capital 2016 initiative, awarded to San Sebastian. Once finalized with this honorary title, the festival continued to hold more editions until the one that is to come, given its great reception.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to be one of the more than 20,000 people attending the festival.

I hope you enjoy an unforgettable stay at our hotel in San Sebastian Spain! Do not hesitate to contact our staff if you require any information.