San Sebastian
San Sebastian
The Basque region's most popular beach, La Concha, is to be
found in the genteel resort city of San Sebastian, 62 miles (100km)
east of Bilbao. The town became fashionable as a summer getaway
during the reign of Queen Isabel when she took to holidaying there
in 1845. Today the town hums with boutiques, surf-shops and
nightclubs, but the elaborate boardwalk and grandiose historic
mansions lend an air of sophistication. For a spectacular view of
the sea and countryside ride the funicular to the top of Monte
Igueldo, or opt for the opposite side of the bay where it is
possible to stroll through shady woods to the summit of Monte
Urgull, topped with a statue of Jesus blessing the city. The town's
Museo de San Telmo, housed in a Dominican monastery, displays some
interesting prehistoric Basque artefacts, and a few dinosaur
skeletons. The house where Victor Hugo once lived is in the nearby
charming fishing village of Pasajes de San Juan, which can be
reached by ferry from San Sebastian.
Website: www.sansebastianturismo.com
Vitoria-Gasteiz
British visitors are reassured by the presence of a statue of
Wellington, the 'Iron Duke', standing on the Plaza de la Virgen
Blanca in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, 41 miles (66km) south of
Bilbao. The statue commemorates Wellington's victory in battle here
against Napoleon's forces. The main reason for visiting this Basque
city, however, is to enjoy the impressive new contemporary art
museum, and soak up some of the charm of this green urban enclave,
packed with avenues and parks. There is also an old quarter, full
of Renaissance palaces, most of which are now art galleries and
museums. The city also has two Gothic cathedrals, one dating from
the 12th century and one, modern but designed in Gothic style,
still under construction.
Website: www.vitoria-gasteiz.org
Pamplona
Hordes of tourists flock to this town in Navarre, Northern
Spain, in early July each year for the Running of the Bulls,
officially La Fiesta del Fermin. The festival, in honour of the
city's patron saint, was made world famous by Ernest Hemingway in
his novel 'The Sun Also Rises', and it has become Spain's most
popular attraction. A bust of Hemingway stands outside Pamplona's
bullring, where the 8-day extravaganza of dancing, dashing through
the streets ahead of rampaging bulls, and drinking begins. The
practice of driving bulls through the centre of Pamplona started in
the 19th century as the most practical way to get them to the ring,
and for many years the city authorities tried to prevent the
practice of running with the bulls. Aside from the festival,
though, Pamplona is worth a visit any time of year, boasting lush
parks, a splendid Gothic cathedral, huge citadel and quaint old
quarter. Pamplona is the capital of the province of Navarre, but
its roots are Basque and a large section of its population are
Basque nationalists.
