I have been to San Sebastian twice so far, and I hope to go back in the future because it is such a fun-loving, beautiful, and relaxing city.

One of my favorite things to do there (besides heading into the old town for an evening enjoying pinxtos - but that's another post) is to walk along the promenade from one side of the bay to the other.

It's a walk that's best enjoyed over the course of a day (that's how Students Love Travel did it with our group back in 2011) so you have time to enjoy views of the bay from the top of two mountains, visit the amusement park and lighthouse, ride the funicular, visit the palace, explore the maritime museum and aquarium, take in both major art installations, and perhaps follow one of the regular staircases leading down to the beach for a quick dip or to stroll barefoot in the sands of it's two beautiful beaches!

Ready to take a walk with me along the promenade?

• Starting off at the top of Mount Igueldo your first stop is the amusement park and lighthouse. The views from the lighthouse are incredible!
• Next take a funicular ride down to the base of the Mount Igueldo and explore the massive "Comb of the Wind" art installation by Eduardo Chillida. There are many surprises to this installation including holes in the ground which blast your face with wind and sea spray!
• You will now find yourself strolling along a long promenade which is periodically marked by ornate, hollywood-like lampposts. The temptation to leave the boardwalk and stroll along the beach will be unbearable, just do it. You're now on Playa Ondarreta.

High school students from Virginia arrive at Playa Ondarreta

Ready to see more?

• From the beach you will notice there are beautiful gardens up on the hills that give Mount Igueldo a little separation from the main city, the most beautiful surrounding an imposing red brick building with a prominent tower - this is the Mirimar Palace and Gardenrs. Go visit!
• Continuing along the promenade past the Mirimar Palace you are now walking along Playa de La Concha. You will see grand buildings such as spa La Perla, the town hall, and expensive hotels and restaurants. Avoid heading away from the promenade into the city, keep that for another day.
• Grab some tapas on the beach! [We suggest Cafe de La Concha]
• After lunch head over to the aquarium and naval museum. Give the museum plenty of time - the maritime history of the Basque Country is fascinating.
• Next follow the Paseo Nuevo from the Aquarium all they way around Mount Urgull to the Old Town, stopping to admire "Empty Construction" by Jorge Oteiza (another of San Sebastian's open air art installations).
• If you still have energy, a climb to the Mota Castle at the top of Mount Urgull will be rewarded with breathtaking views and the opportunity to visit the English Cemetary.

Thus ends our Conch Bay tour: you have burned enough calories for a Pintxos Bar Crawl (but as I said before, that's another post!).

- Emily