San Sebastian is the jewel in Spain’s Basque Country. Known as Donostia in Basque, it is situated above the scenic La Concha bay. It has a two-mile-long promenade of white sand beaches that just invites you to lie down and work on your tan.

The Old Town
The Old Town is where one can get a glimpse of the history of San Sebastian. Its main square or Plaza de la Constitución is now filled with café tables instead of the bulls and bullfighters that used to occupy this former bull ring. You can make a tour of the little shops around the square, taste the delicious pastries that are the specialty in some bakeries and buy souvenirs that proclaim Basque independence. You can also visit the Baroque and Gothic churches that are a part of this old town of San Sebastian.

Aquariums
You can also visit the Aquarium where you can look at rays and sharks as they swim lazily around. It also features a show of fishing techniques used by Basque fishermen throughout the ages. The Naval Museum also has many interesting exhibits that show the intimate connection between the Basques and the sea.

Bilbao
Bilbao is the capital of the Basque Country. Under Franco it was a grimy, depressed city but recently it has become a vibrant Basque city that has assumed its role. It now has an opera house, a convention center and its pride and joy – the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural marvel that proclaims the new Bilbao.

A Visit to the Guggenheim
The first stop for any tourist is almost always a visit to the Guggenheim. Its stunning design and construction can hold your attention for hours as you contemplate its limestone and titanium structure. Inside, you can choose which of the twenty galleries you will visit. You can even learn beforehand about a particular artist from the teaching aids on the ground floor.

Lekeitio
Lekeitio is a small fishing village where you can stay while you explore the coast and the hill villages. It does not have much to offer by way of sightseeing except for a good example of a Basque Gothic church.

A Visit to Guernica
From Lekeitio you can visit the nearby town of Guernica made famous by Picasso’s painting of the same name. It is the site of the oak tree of Guernica, a symbol of Basque nationalism throughout the ages.