San Sebastián, however you want it

San Sebastián, locally known as Donostia, is a coastal city in northern Spain’s Basque Country, near the French border along the Bay of Biscay. It is built around the crescent-shaped La Concha Bay, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful urban beaches. The city blends elegant 19th-century architecture with a strong Basque identity, visible in its language, cuisine, and traditions. Its compact Old Town (Parte Vieja) sits at the foot of Mount Urgull, while Mount Igueldo offers panoramic coastal views. San Sebastián has earned global recognition for its culinary excellence, boasting one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita. It also hosts the internationally acclaimed San Sebastián International Film Festival each September, drawing filmmakers and actors from around the world.