San Sebastian: On the banks of the Bay of Biscay and surrounded by green mountains, San Sebastian is a delightful city that provides a feast for the senses. No matter what words people use to describe San Sebastián, nothing can compare to the pleasure of taking in its wonderful surroundings, strolling through its streets and gardens, or sampling the area's renowned gastronomy. The best-known image of San Sebastián, but no less eye-catching for all that, is its almost perfectly shell-shaped bay, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. The city, home to 180,000 people and the cultural and tourist capital of the Basque Country, works its seductive charm on visitors and caters for all tastes. We invite you to discover and experience the delights of San Sebastián, take part in its customs, uncover its charms and enjoy a city that lives and breathes sport like few others. Donostia-San Sebastián's splendour during the Belle Époque, when it was a place for the European aristocracy's summer holidays, has left beautiful constructions, such as the Grand Casino (present Town Hall), the Miramar Palace, summer residence of the Court, or the bridges over the Urumea River. The houses of the Old Quarter, full of bars and restaurants, date from previous times. In the Old Quarter, the local passion for gastronomy is palpable. From the miniature cuisine of the 'pintxos' to the restaurants of the creative cuisine masters, good eating is one of Donostia's commandments. Another distinguishing element is the intense cultural life, going from small performances in the different quarters to great events, such as the Jazzaldia, the Musical Fortnight, or the International Film Festival. Donostia-San Sebastián is a cultural, tourist, service, and congress focal point. Many of these events are celebrated in the Kursaal Palace. The two glass cubes provide an avant-garde image to a classical setting that also offers contemporary shapes in the sculptures by Eduardo Chillida (the Wind Comb) and Jorge Oteiza (Empty Construction) that, as the donostiarras and the visitors, show above the sea.
The Aquarium of San Sebastian has been lodged for more than 100 years in a building on Mount Urgull's feet, in one of the most visible zones of La Concha Bay. It is an institution for which its own building, while being at the same time its identity seal, had become an obstacle for its progress. Divided in two parts, the built-in facilities in the last years were developed in contiguous spaces to the mount, whereas the exhibition area was located at a building in intense contact with the sea. Despite their inner connection, they were divided by the stairs which connect the two levels of one of the most important strolls of the city, the 'Paseo Nuevo', which lost integrity when arriving to the surrounding area of the Aquarium, turning into just simple stairs that connected with the port. The facilities acquired in the last years would had to be redefined, the building that shelters the exhibition completely renewed, a public elevator should connect the two levels of the new stroll and a new restaurant would have to be constructed in the present building's cover.
Biarritz – France; Biarritz is a popular and lively town on the Atlantic coast in south-west France (in the Atlantic-Pyrenees department of Aquitaine). It has a great deal of appeal - it avoids some of the excess of the French Riviera, and makes an interesting well-placed destination. Biarritz is a popular and lively town on the Atlantic coast in south-west France (in the Atlantic-Pyrenees department of Aquitaine). Described sometimes as shabby and faded but don't let this put you off, it is charming and the glimpse at the wealth of days gone by only adds to its charm. The wealth of Biarritz was founded in the middle ages on whaling, but as early as the 18th century the focus of the town was turning towards the beaches - initially because doctors started recommending the Biarritz seafront as a cure for various ailments. Napoleon famously bathed in the sea here in 1808.
21st Edition
Donosti Brochure