San Sebastian Honeymoon, Spain

As a honeymoon destination, San Sebastian offers couples one of the best city beaches in the world – the shell-shaped golden sands of Playa de la Concha – as well as an elegant resort town of wide tree-lined boulevards, belle époque architecture, fashionable shops, delicious tapas bars and fine dining restaurants serving unique Basque cuisine.

Things to do and see
Explore the narrow streets of the Old Quarter (or La Parte Vieja), which nestles beneath the wooded slopes of Monte Urgull, one of two mountains that frame the resort.

Stroll around the main square, La Plaza de la Constitución (once used as a bullring), admire the elaborate Baroque facade of the 18th century Santa María church, visit the elegant 16th century Gothic church of San Vicente, then pop into the excellent Museo San Telmo on Plaza Zuloaga to see an impressive collection of Basque artifacts that date from prehistoric times.

Afterwards, wander along the wide promenade of Paseo Nuevo and perhaps hike up to Monte Urgull for panoramic views overlooking San Sebastian, the Bay of Biscay and across the still waters of La Concha Bay to the Isla Santa Clara and Monte Igueldo.

Or stroll along the Paseo de la Concha to the opposite side of the bay where you can ride the cable car to the top of Monte Igueldo for stunning views of the city and coastline.

Elsewhere, explore the manicured gardens of the Palacio de Miramar, the former summer home of King Alfonso XIII, which sits between Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta. Or wander the grounds of the Palacio de Ayete, built in 1878 and used by the military dictator Francisco Franco from 1940 until 1975.

Accommodation
San Sebastian is an ideal base for trips to some of the Basque country's most fascinating towns. It offers a good range of accommodation including one of the finest belle époque hotels in Spain – the opulent Hotel Maria Cristina, located in the heart of the city.

Or try the stylish 19th century Londres y de Inglaterra, conveniently located on the northern edge of Playa de la Concha (and less expensive than the Hotel Maria Cristina).

Best time to visit San Sebastian?
The best time for San Sebastian holidays is between June and September when the average temperature is 22°C, rising to 31°C in July and August. Autumn and spring temperatures range from 12°C to 16°C. The water temperature during summer averages 20°C. For more climate info: San Sebastian Weather Guide

Location – San Sebastian is located just 21km from the French border at Irun, 100km east of Bilbao and 483km north of Madrid.

Getting there – By air, San Sebastian airport receives several daily flights from Madrid and Barcelona; the nearest airport with international flights is Bilbao. The French resort of Biarritz is just 50km away across the border, with bus and train connections between San Sebastian. How to get to San Sebastian . . .