San Sebastian

Urban Coastal Beaches

Population: 186k

Cost of Living: High

Train Access: Yes (Euskotren Trena)

Bus Access: Yes (Lurraldebus, Dbus)

Weather: San Sebastian has an oceanic climate, with mild to warm summers and cool, wet winters.

San Sebastian, officially known as Donostia-San Sebastián, is a stunning coastal city in the Basque Country of northern Spain. Renowned for its beautiful beaches, exquisite cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene, it is a city that effortlessly combines traditional charm with modern sophistication. The city is famous for its well-preserved Old Town, the Parte Vieja, which is a maze of narrow streets lined with bars and restaurants serving the local specialty, pintxos. San Sebastian is also celebrated for its annual film festival, which is one of the most prestigious in Europe. The city's architecture is a mix of Belle Époque buildings, such as the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, and contemporary structures like the Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium. The Concha Bay, with its iconic white railing and city beach, provides a picturesque setting that has been attracting visitors for centuries. San Sebastian is surrounded by lush green hills, and the Monte Igueldo offers panoramic views of the city and the bay. The city's commitment to the arts is evident in its many galleries and cultural institutions, and its status as a European Capital of Culture in 2016 is a testament to its vibrant cultural life.

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Schools in San Sebastian

San Sebastian has the San Sebastian International School, which offers an international curriculum and is known for its diverse student body and emphasis on global citizenship. Another institution is the Bilingual European School, which provides a bilingual education in English and Spanish, catering to both international and local students.

La Salle San Luis School offers a bilingual Spanish-English education, with a focus on fostering a multicultural environment where students can develop their language skills. Another example is the Deutsche Schule San Sebastián, a German-Spanish bilingual school that follows the German educational system while incorporating elements of the Spanish curriculum.

Living in San Sebastian

San Sebastian is home to a variety of popular restaurants catering to different budgets and tastes. Arzak, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an avant-garde take on traditional Basque cuisine. For mid-range dining, La Cuchara de San Telmo is known for its creative pintxos and local dishes. Ganbara is a favorite for its high-quality traditional pintxos and local specialties, while Borda Berri offers a more casual atmosphere with a focus on Basque cuisine. For those looking for budget-friendly options, Bar Zeruko is known for its innovative pintxos and lively atmosphere.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in San Sebastian is among the highest in Spain, due to its popularity as a tourist destination and its renowned culinary scene.

Healthcare in San Sebastian

San Sebastian is renowned for its high-quality healthcare system, with several notable hospitals such as the Donostia University Hospital, which is a reference medical center in the Basque Country offering a wide range of specialized services. Another important facility is the Policlínica Gipuzkoa, known for its advanced treatments and patient care.