San Sebastian overlooks a golden sandy bay between the Urgull and Igueldo. Almost the entire city embraces La Concha Bay. On the east side of the city the Monte Igueldo marks the boundary. This is an incredible place where to enjoy the view over the city.

The jewel of San Sebastian, La Concha beach, recently ranked in the top 15 beaches in Europe according to tripadvisor. There is no doubt; the charm of our urban beach is unique in the world and something everyone appreciate.

A typical activity that all local practice many times during the year is to walk from the centre of San Sebastian to Ondarreta (direction Monte Igueldo), on the beach. In spring and summer, if the weather is friendly, many people prefer to put their feet in the sand rather walking on the Paseo de la Concha (De la Concha Ibilbidea). Early in the morning, at noon or late evening every moment is perfect for a stroll chatting.

And what is better than a walk during a fantastic sunset? You can, of course, watch this incredible show from the windows of your room with sea view in our hotel...

San Sebastian is a wonderful city full of interesting attractions and activities. Although a breath of air along the Playa de la Concha is a must for all travellers visiting the city...All along the urban stroll, until the end of the bay, you’ll be accompanied by a very special railing. Designed by Juan Rafael Alday and installed at the beginning of the twentieth century, it is one of the symbols of San Sebastian.

Another splendid decorative architectural element that you will find is the streetlight. San Sebastian has over a hundred different lanterns. Without a doubt, the most beautiful are the modernist ones located on the Paseo de la Concha right over the ramps of access to the beach. These has also been created by Alday. Be sure that you’ll get a great photo here to share with your friends.

We hope you enjoyed our short description, although we are convinced that you will benefit lot more from the actual stroll in the Playa de la Concha.

If you prefer a dinner with views of the Bay have at your disposal our new Attic Terrace Sea View ...

Click here for more information about the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.

I hope you have a great experience during your stay in Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra and enjoy your time in San Sebastian.

If there is anything we can assist you with please do not hesitate to ask our staff.

Best Regards,

Elena Estomba Garín,

General Manager at Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.

Imagine waking up in the morning with these views from your terrace...

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And in the evening you can touch the sun with your fingers...

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Have a glass of wine on your private terrace...

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We hope you enjoyed the photos... If you want to see the show live, our rooms double Terrace Sea view and Plaza view are on sale ... You will find them available on our website ... And for those seeking unbridled luxury we have created a jacuzzi room with terrace and sea view ... You have to book in advance, this room is unique...Do not hesitate to contact our staff if you need any information.

Kind Regards,

Elena Estomba Garín,

Directora Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra

The Plaza Easo (Easo square) of San Sebastian will hosts in the upcoming weekend the new edition of the “Fiesta del Aguardiente y la Queimada”. This party, already on its 19 th edition, is promoted by the Brotherhood of the “Queimada” and the group “Trisquele” of the house of Galicia. They'll cheer the day with Galician music and dances . But the actual stars in this party are, octopus, ham, pie, sausage pie Galician Santiago, and many other dishes.

Those who attended the last edition still remember a fantastic Octopus Dish... two meters diameter and 60 kilos of potatoes... This delicacy was offered as free tasting...

What is Queimada?

The drink is a traditional Galician alcohol. It is considered to be protecting against curses and bad ghosts. Possibly this is due to its high alcoholic level. Its main ingredients are rum and sugar. Very often it is added lemon or orange rind.

But, as mentioned, the will not be only drinks... In the enclosure of the Easo square a dining area with tables and chairs for 100 people will be prepared. Here you’ll have the chance to enjoy the best products of the Galician tradition. Furthermore many stalls will be selling a variety of Galician cheeses, sausages, handmade pastries, pies and of course wines.

Do not miss the chance. For three consecutive days, from Friday to Sunday from 10.00 to 22.00, the most typical Galician cuisine will be in San Sebastian.

Click here for more information about the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.

I hope you have a great experience during your stay in Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra and enjoy your time in San Sebastian.

If there is anything we can assist you with please do not hesitate to ask our staff.

Best Regards,

Elena Estomba Garín,

General Manager at Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.

Captivemoments - Thursday 28 March

Holy Thursday, the Easter Triduum begins. One of the traditional events of Holy Week in San Sebastian is the washing of the  feet. The bishop performs the act after the liturgical ceremony of the late afternoon. During the pray of the Day, in the “ Catedral del Buen Pastor (Cathedral of the Good Shepherd), several parishioners will have their feet washed by the bishop. Jesus Christ did this same action to his disciples during the Last Supper.

Captive Moment - Friday 29 March

Another moment of great tradition is the Via Crucis at the Urgull. The Way of the Cross on Good Friday begins at Guardetxe, the road behind the church of Santa Maria rises to Monte Urgull and ends on the esplanade before the chapel of “Cristo de la Mota”. The Via Crucis “lives” fourteen moments since Jesus is captured and sentenced to death until he is buried. Participants walk silently and stop at these fourteen times with the cross. The Via Crucis of Urgull is a very solemn moment. Silence is interrupted only by the voices of the priest, the music, and the sound of the sea breaking on the Paseo Nuevo.

Scenes from the Passion of Christ will be performed in the street in front of the pediment Amara at 8 pm Friday. The religious group “Mundo Nuevo” will perform the act.

Gastronomy

Our special tip is to try to taste the most typical sweet of Easter, the “Torrija” in a very special place, the restaurant Mugariz. The "title" of this piece of art is " Torrija empanada en nata y yema de huevo, tostada a la sartén y caramelizada. Crema helada elaborada con leche de hojas de higuera". A sort of pie with cream and egg yolk and caramel accompanied with a special Ice cream. No need to add any comment ... the photo already explain everything ...
More info: http://www.mugaritz.com/#&panel1-1

During your stay in San Sebastian, you definitely want to perform a mini pintxos route. Respecting Catholic traditions, many people  in these days only have dishes that does not contain meat. We have prepared a list of tapas and small dishes without meat that worth to be tasted. 

A classic and representative pintxo of this great bar. The name is due to its shape, a "txalupa"”little boat”, ready to embark on your mouth ... The high quality ingredients, carefully selected and mixed, forms a delicious tapa. On top of the typical piece of bread it  incorporates a mixture of mushrooms and prawns with onion, cream and  grated cheese.
http://www.pinchosbergara.com/

Egosari Sebastian is a classic bar in the old part. Their specialty is definitely the skewer. Our advice? The cod and shrimp skewer..If after the cod skewer you want to stay for dinner, the restaurant has tables and very good quality / price restaurant menu. More info:   http://www.egosari.es/

Another dish of Easter are the legumes. Your last step would be in Gasteiz Bar-Restaurant for their “Basque beans”. Served as pintxo and accompanied by a little chilli and pan, they are really delicious. More info: http://www.restaurantegasteiz.com/

Enjoy a fantastic Easter!

Click here for more information about the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.

I hope you have a great experience during your stay in Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra and enjoy your time in San Sebastian.

If there is anything we can assist you with please do not hesitate to ask our staff.

Best Regards,

Elena Estomba Garín,

General Manager at Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.

We have chosen for you three great churches so you can enjoy a fantastic afternoon stroll through the streets of Donostia. The obligatory stops are the Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro, the Catedral del Buen Pastor (Cathedral of the Good Shepherd). Click on the map to view the location.

Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro

You will find this wonderful church just at the end of Calle Mayor, at the foot of Mount Urgull, framed by two towers.

This stunning eighteenth century baroque piece of art will leave you unforgettable memories. In this work of art include the Baroque façade churrigueresco hue, dominated by a statue of St. Sebastian Martyr and altarpiece dedicated to the Virgen del Coro, patron of the city. If you look from afar the structure seems to bulge directly from the slopes of Mount Urgull.

The church is rectangular with a semicircular apse and secondary units. In the northern part at the bottom you’ll find the nave Santa Maria. The octagonal pillars reach up their hooks a height of 15 meters, as the central vault with a height of over 27 meters.

Entering, on you right hand, you will find the pulpit. The most spectacular feature is undoubtedly the Chigi Chapel. This harmonious and uni que space was designed by Rafael and completed by Bernini. Rafael himself also designed the mosaics of dome which were putted in place, afterwards, by Luigi de Pace in 1516. The sculptures of the chapel are also outstanding, especially Habakkuk and the Angel of Bernini and Lorenzetto Jonah

Catedral del Buen Pastor 

Coming out of the Church of Santa Maria del Coro, entering in Calle Mayor, you’ll see right in front of you, in the distance, you’ll see the whole shape of the Catedral del Buen Pastor ( Cathedral of the Good Shepherd)…A really nice detail.. 

This Church, located in the Ensanche de Amara, was designed by architect Sebastian Manuel de Echave. The church opened in 1897, covers an area of 1,915 square meters.

This spectacular Cathedral is the most notorious religious building our city. This incredible building was created following the rules of the Gothic architecture. The very sharp needle, which make this building the highest of the whole town, clearly shows this aspect.

Entering the nave, as wide and bright (weather permitting), will give you a feeling calm and serenity. It is built with ashlar sandstone from the quarries of the Mount Igueldo and endowed with abundant decorations. Moving to the end of the Basilica we will find the altar dedicated to the Good Shepherd. On this piece of art the most outstanding elements are statues of Our Lady of Carmen, San Antonio, Santa Teresa and the Sacred Heart. Undoubtedly, the windows are very interesting and characteristic. The seven double windows of the apse represent the twelve apostles and the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and the Virgin. These instill to the whole cathedral an abundant and red light. The side naves also counts with colored windows.. Here ends our walk.

After this mini tour it is already six-thirty in the afternoon. Perhaps you’d like to have a pitxo? Right in front of you, in the arcades, there are some bars. Perhaps they are not the best pintxos bars in town (you’ll find these in the old town) but the atmosphere friendly... Perfect to take one and change of zone ...

Click here for more information on the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.

If there is anything we can assist you with please do not hesitate to ask our staff.
Best Regards,

Elena Estomba Garín,
General Manager at Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.

The route to the Bretxa Market from our hotel is very short and easy. After stepping out of our hotel you have to reach the “Paseo de la Concha” (distance 1 m). Turn on you right to start your walk direction City Hall (distance 500 m). Continue on Boulevard Aldapa, direction Kursaal, and after 100 meters on your left you’ll find the Bretxa Market.

The Bretxa Market edifice,with a neoclassical style, was built in 1870. The facade is stone made with a cupule of iron and glass. The building from outside is very peculiar: right in front of you stands the glass door and windows shaped arches. On the roof the shield of the city and a watch characterizes the building.

The name of the market is rooted in history of Donostia. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, the city was attacked by the troops of the Duke of Berwik, in this action the troops opened two gaps in the wall. One hundred years later, the Anglo-Portuguese troops made their entry into the city for the same place, this is the reason why the building takes gets the name of Bretxa.

Arriving, with the city at your back, on the side the building under a canopy, you will find the top of fruit and vegetables.

Here you can enjoy with the supply coming from the villages surrounding Donostia. Chard vitamin rich, tasty asparagus, broad choice of tomatoes and more adorn the shelves of the typical market. Apart from the abundant choice of vegetables you can find all kinds of locally produced cheese and obviously the best Idiazábal cheeses ...

Entering the building you will find several shops, a Mac Donald ...you are not the wrong place ... you'll have to go down the escalator to find the Bretxa market.

Here you can find all kinds of meat produced in the country, among which the coveted T-bone steak, the delicious Basque chistorras, prepared meals and of course, chicken houses. The supply of meat and poultry is extensive, with more than a dozen establishments and good references also charcuterie.

But fishmongers are truly the queens of this market ... seafood boutiques. One suggestion ... on Saturday is the perfect day to visit the market Bretxa ...

Click here for more information on the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.

If there is anything we can assist you with please do not hesitate to ask our staff.

Best Regards,

Elena Estomba Garín,
General Manager at Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.

We are currently building on the roof top of our hotel a seventh floor with twelve new rooms, eleven of which will have an incredible sea view , and one, situated beside our famous dome, with view to the city.

All these lodgings offer a wide terrace. A simple brunch in the morning, here, can be turned into an unforgettable experience.

Just imagine to explore the skyline with your eyes…One on side the Port of San Sebastian, the Old Town, Mount Urgull on one side and the beautiful island of Santa Clara with Mount Igueldo. All this, while contemplating the bay of La Concha just below you.

Have you ever dreamed with having a glass of wine listening to the waves breaking on the beach Biscay during a special night?

The new rooms created are particularly spacious and comfortable. All of them are double, and triple and some can be merged into an area with three bedrooms and one with two. The size of these accommodations is approximately 25m2, including the bathroom. One of the room of this new floor will have a bigger size and will count with a large Jacuzzi. Setting in there you’ll enjoy an incredible panorama of La Concha Bay. We're working to offer our customers a more and more exclusive product.

We are now building the seventh floor…already known as “the seventh heaven” we want to offer our customers...

Click here for more information about the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.

I hope you have a great experience during your stay in Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra and enjoy your time in San Sebastian.

If there is anything we can assist you with please do not hesitate to ask our staff.

Best Regards,

Elena Estomba Garín,

General Manager at Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.

Here the interview to Idoia:

" Since few weeks I joined the team of the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra. The first thing that impacted me was the warmth of my teammates and this incredibly charming place. If I had to pick my favorite part of the hotel, if we don’t consider the spectacular views, I would choose the central staircase with elevator. This incredible stair brings me to the "belle époque" and I can almost imagine how men and women fine dressed used to down this fantastic stairs for a dinner or cocktail party. Very chic!

San Sebastian is an amazing city where you can stroll as it is very safe with its many areas for pedestrian. My favorite places are the Peine del Viento ( comb of the winds) which breathes energy mix of wind and sea, the walk back to where you feel the bravery and the vastness of the sea and the old town where we appreciate good food in a relaxed atmosphere and festive surrounded by good people, people from San Sebastian.

My favorite bar is The Mejillonera. They eat the best patatas bravas in the world and of course the "tigers" (mussels with spicy tomato sauce) perfectly accompanying with a glass of beer. When you enter the bar the shouting of the waiters to kitchen are deafening along with bell ringing every time someone leaves tip. It’s really a show!

I lived many years abroad and have traveled throughout Europe and I can tell that those who come to San Sebastian falls in love of this great city. "

I hope you have a great experience during your stay in Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra and enjoy your time in San Sebastian. If there is anything we can assist you with please do not hesitate to ask our staff.

Best Regards,

Elena Estomba Garín
Directora Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra

The principles of this cuisine, which created the bases of the current high gastronomy, come from a simple culinary philosophy:

• Discover the simplicity;
• Reduce cooking times
• Buy fresh goods in the small markets;
• Make simple menus;
• Be curious about new cooking techniques;
• Develop a healthy cooking for the consumer;
• Always be ready to make things bold but very thoughtful

Join us in this trip through the best cuisines in the Basque Country and discover how each of this incredible chefs   plays his way to the cuisine as well as some details of their most popular dishes. It was obviously impossible to put all together the great restaurants in the Basque Country, that’s why we made a selection of those we mostly like... Many of them, obviously, are in San Sebastian… the city with more Michelin stars per square meter in the world!

Akelaŕe (Donostia-San Sebastián), Chef: Pedro Subijana
	This restaurant is considered a jewel of the international creative cuisine. The chef Pedro Subijana studied at the school of hospitality in Zarauz Luis Irizar, which later on would lead, and also in the hotel school in Madrid. In 1975, he became head of the restaurant Akelarre and bought this business to the highest levels of world cuisine. His tasting menu is a real pleasure for the palate, gathering the tradition of Basque cuisine with the best modern techniques. Their "Mussels in the fisherman's net" are something that you are not going to forget easily.
Arzak (Donostia-San Sebastián), Chef: Juan Mari & Elena Arzak
	We began this article with a quote of Juan Mari Arzak and now we’d like to proceed with the description of this restaurant using the words of Elena Arzak, also celebrated international chef, and boss of this business with the father: "To be a cook need a spark of madness. " It is from here that they created a cooking style with strongly characterized and in constant evolution, which bring them constantly in the forefront of everything “cooked” in the world today ... can you imagine lamb with algae cake? If it seems hard to imagine it must have been very hard to invent it!
Martín Berasategui (Lasarte), Chef: Martín Berasategui
	MARTIN BERASATEGUI is perhaps the most traditional of all chefs of the new Basque cuisine. To the question: When did you passion for cooking started? His answer is: "I often say that I think since I was in the belly of my mother, who along with my aunt, was a formidable cooks. Since childhood I have been lived this environment, my family used to run a restaurant for low class people in the old part of San Sebastian, and this has always fascinated me. Since I was child I had things very clear, I wanted to be a chef. " The great passion for cooking and traditional Basque dishes is reflected in an extraordinary level of dishes. The restaurant has a terrace and a spacious and bright space inside, with impeccable service.
Azurmendi (Larrabetxu, Vizcaya), Chef: Eneko Atxa
	The restaurant Eneko Azurmendi Atxa, recently awarded two Michelin stars is part of a unique gastronomic complex located in a wonderful area of Bizkaia. In 2007 a part of getting his first Michelin star, he won the prize as best restorer Euskadi. His philosophy and vision of the kitchen can be summarized in one sentence: "Give pleasure to all who goes to his restaurant, a pleasure full of identity which stride to do of the local something universal." Through its tasting menu the chef always tries to tell a story, define who they are and how to find this.
MUGARITZ (Rentería, Guipúzcoa), Chef: Andoni Luis Aduriz
	The influential British magazine "Restaurant" in 2012 named Mugaritz as the third best restaurant in the world. The chef Andoni Luis Aduriz has a resume filled Impress prize and participating in the most renowned restaurants in the Basque Country and Spain. During 1993 and 1994 he was part of the team of El Bulli, driven by Ferran Adria, and it is said to be the clear disciple of Catalan chef. Mugaritz restaurant is located in Renteria, Guipúzcoa, it was formerly a dairy and keeps a strong country feeling surrounded by nature. Mugaritz means "oak border" in Basque. Their foie gras is one of the best in the world.

Here we have selected the best restaurants of the Basque Country, in our opinion. There are still many more menus in our land which worth a visit.

I hope you have a great experience during your stay in Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra and enjoy your time in San Sebastian.
If there is anything we can assist you with please do not hesitate to ask our staff.

Best Regards,

Elena Estomba Garín
Assistant General Manager at Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.

If you love sports and do not want to give up taking care of your body during vacations you’ll find interesting our mini guide about outdoor sport and tourism in San Sebastian. If you prefer indoor activities you can always take advantage of our Gym Vouchers.

Do you like landscapes and enjoy them with no rush? Hiking: The route from San Sebastian to Orio trough Igeldo

People who go in for active tourism will have on their doorstep the road from San Sebastian to Orio through Igeldo. This is an unbeatable opportunity to walk or mountain bike along a historic and very scenic route.

If you walk from our hotel to the “Peines del Viento”, following la Bahia de la Concha, you’ll reach the foot of Mount Igeldo. Once there you can reach the top of mountain through old funicular railway and from there you’ll have a great view of the entire city. This where the hiking trail really starts. After a leisurely stroll along the hillside for rural roads parallel to the coast, you will reach the first houses belonging to the municipality of Orio. During almost the road you’ll be immersed in a beautiful and quiet nature, enjoy great views of the sea and inland.

Do you want to go a little faster? Running in San Sebastian.

The running is one of the simplest and healthiest sports that can be practiced, and lately more and more people are practicing it. Although any moment of the day is good for sports, morning is the ideal time.

San Sebastian is the ideal location for lovers of outdoor running. A sustainable city where you can combine sport and exercise with the beauty of the landscapes. Which is the best route to take? San Sebastian has thousands of things to see and all are great but we love particularly the Bay of La Concha (Can you guess why?).

So we decided to create a special route for you ... You can start from our hotel and run the entire Concha Bay up to the “Peines de los Vientos”. From here you can climb up the Parkea Miramór then go down through the city follow the River Urumea and finally close the loop passing through the Old Port.

Another interesting option is a special running tour that you can buy for 12 €. A professional trainer will show you one of the world's most beautiful cities while you enjoy your favorite sport. Do not miss the meeting on 27 October. For more information you can access the website of San Sebastian tourism or inquire directly on facebook page. Fall is the perfect time for runners in San Sebastian. If you are a specialist of this sport, or simply a fond, you can compete in one of the many historical competitions. They all have a great tradition and participation in the city, and outstanding quality in the organization.

Do you like adventure and you don’t mind to get wet? Surf in Zurriola.

Surfing is one of the most popular activities in San Sebastian. Thanks to its location on the shores of the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian has become a popular destination also for all surfers who want to enjoy the best waves without having to move away from a big city.

Miles de surfistas de todo el mundo se acercan a la playa donostiarra de Zurriola con el único pretexto de maniobrar sus olas. Por esta razón se celebran a lo largo de todo el año, sobre todo entre primavera y otoño, decenas de campeonatos de nivel local, nacional e internacional.

Thousands of surfers from all around the world come to the beach Zurriola in San Sebastian with the sole purpose to dominate its waves. For that very reason, San Sebastian hosts tens of local, national and international championships all year round, and especially from spring to autumn. . Zurriola hosts the most important surfing events and championships that take place in the region. San Sebastian has several surf and bodyboard schools that fit perfectly to the schedule, needs and pocket all visitors and offer  comprehensive rental service surfboards. There is also a local club. The beach Zurriola is a very enjoyable place with a friendly atmosphere. You will enjoy some great moments of sport!

I hope you have a great experience during your stay in Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra and enjoy your time in San Sebastian.
If there is anything we can assist you with please do not hesitate to ask our staff.

Best Regards,

Elena Estomba Garín
Assistant General Manager at Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.