Hondarribia/Getaria/Loyola

Day Trips from San Sebastián

Hondarribia

Hondarribia

Hondarribia

An easy 23-kilometer drive from San Sebastian, Hondarribia is a charming little fishing village and seaside holiday resort. The town is entered through the 15th-century Puerta de Santa María. Wandering the picturesque narrow streets of the old town leads to the discovery of many historic landmarks, including houses with coats of arms on the facade.

An important sight is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. In this Gothic church, the marriage of Louis XIV of France and the Infanta María Teresa of Spain was sanctified.

For beautiful coastal views, head to the Plaza de Armas, which overlooks the mouth of the river and the lighthouse on Cabo Higuer to the north. Hondarribia is also known for its gastronomy and boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants, the Restaurante Alameda and the Maison Eguiazabal.

For those who want to live like a king for a night, stay at the 10th- to 12th-century Palacio del Rey Carlos V, which has been converted to the luxurious Parador de Hondarribia hotel.  

Carretera del Jaizkibel

Carretera del Jaizkibel

Carretera del Jaizkibel

This beautiful scenic driving route begins 25 kilometers outside of San Sebastian and less than three kilometers from Hondarribia. The road travels up the bare sandstone ridge of Jaizkibel to a height of 584 meters, where the pilgrimage church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe stands. The Hotel Provincial de Jaizkibel offers quiet, comfortable rooms and commanding views of the countryside.

Getaria

Getaria

Getaria

About 25 kilometers from San Sebastian, Getaria is a worthwhile excursion. On the way here, enjoy a lovely scenic drive. Beginning at Zarautz (22 kilometers away from San Sebastian), the magnificent road of the Cornisa Cantábrica (Cantabrian Corniche) extends along the rocky coastline.

The fishing port of Getaria lies on a picturesque promontory, with its harbor sheltered by the fortified island of San Antonio. The town's port is below the 13th-century Gothic Church of San Salvador, and the waterfront of the harbor is lined with enticing seafood restaurants.

Monasterio de San Ignacio de Loyola

Monasterio de San Ignacio de Loyola

Monasterio de San Ignacio de Loyola

Nestled in the Urola Valley about 40 kilometers from San Sebastian, the Monastery of San Ignacio de Loyola now houses a Jesuit college. The monastery was built between 1689 and 1888 based on the design of Carlo Fontana, a student of Bernini.

The splendid Baroque church at the monastery features an impressive 65-meter-high dome by Joaquín de Churriguera and is considered one of the finest in Spain. The lavish sanctuary dazzles visitors with its overwhelming spaciousness and decorative marble inlays. A masterpiece of Baroque art, the high altar displays a statue of Saint Ignatius.


 (thanks to: www.planetware.com)


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lake District

Image
 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Lake District, England Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers England's Lake District is located in Cumbria and named for the 16 glacial lakes that lie in long ribbons among its fells, moors, and green valleys. In this area, which measures only about 48 by 64 kilometers, there are 180 fells of more than 609 meters in altitude, one of which is 978-meter Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in  England . Much of the tourist activity is in the southern half of the region, where most of the historic literary attractions lie, while the quieter north's natural features are more appreciated by hikers and nature lovers. The Lakes District provided inspiration for writers, including William Wordsworth, John Ruskin, and Beatrix Potter, whose homes are popular places to visit, as well as artists Gainsborough, Turner, and Constable. Most of the region is included in the Lakes District National Park. You can travel to the Lake District by train, and you'...
Read more

Black Forest

Image
Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in the Black Forest Written by  Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Mar 27, 2019 The very name Black Forest conjures up images of deep woodlands, traditional deep-roofed farmhouses, cuckoo clocks, and half-timbered villages that look as though they'd stepped out of a book of fairy tales. And, of course the famous Black Forest cherry cake. And you'll find all of these in the rolling landscapes of  Baden-Württemberg  in Germany's southwestern corner. The heart of the Black Forest extends southward from Pfortzheim and Baden-Baden, roughly paralleling the Rhine Valley to the lakes near the Swiss border, and its rural farmland, forests, and picturesque villages are connected by roads that climb and curve through a never-ending series of photo-worthy views. Amid these appealing landscapes, you'll find lots to see and do in the Black Forest. The region itself, with its traditions and unique way of life, is a major tourist attraction. The area m...
Read more

Strasbourg

Image
Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Strasbourg Written by Lisa Alexander With its soaring cathedral, charming burghers' houses, and elegant Louis XV buildings, Strasbourg has a distinctive old-world character. The quaint cobblestone streets and picturesque canals of the ancient quarters (on the Grande-Île) invite visitors to explore the city. Thanks to its advantageous location at the intersection of important traffic and commerce routes on the Rhine River, Strasbourg has prospered throughout its 2,000-year history. In the 13th century, it became the richest city in the Holy Roman Empire and a place where art and learning flourished. Today, Strasbourg is still a city of culture and boasts exceptional museums of fine arts, archaeology, and traditional Alsatian crafts. 1   Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg Share:       Considered one of the most beautiful monuments of Western architecture, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame looms over Strasb...
Read more