5 must-see places in San Sebastián, Spain

The city of San Sebastián in Spain is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. This city seduces visitors with the beauty of its surroundings, highlighted by beautiful coastal landscapes and various cultural attractions that are of great interest to visitors.

Although San Sebastián is known for both its tourist industry and its commercial activities, it is also recognised as the venue of many important cultural events that attract attention in both Spain and abroad. For example, the San Sebastián International Film Festival, the San Sebastián Jazz Festival, the Music Fortnight and the Horror and Fantasy Film Festival.

If you would like to visit this charming city, please keep reading and I will tell you about five places you can’t miss while in San Sebastián.

La Concha Beach:

San Sebastián is located on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea and this privileged position means that the city’s landscape is embellished with coastal formations.

La Concha Beach is one of Spain’s most famous urban beaches and gets its name from its shell-shape. It is 1,350 metres long and 40 metres wide.

The beach’s distinguishing features include the quality of its fine sand and its shallow waters, making it perfect for the whole family, both adults and children.

Moreover, since La Concha is such a popular beach, a number of services are available to help you enjoy a perfect day with every comfort within your reach. The beach is easily accessible from the centre of the city and its services include showers and changing rooms. You also have the possibility to rent parasols and sun loungers.

As a result of its incomparable beauty, La Concha was chosen as one of Spain’s 12 treasures.

San Telmo Museum:

The San Telmo Museum is situated in Plaza de Zuloaga. It was founded in the year 1902, making it the oldest museum in the Basque Country Autonomous Community. Since it opened, this museum has been dedicated to the development of Basque society and, over the years, people from all over the world have visited it.

The museum’s galleries offer exhibitions representing the culture of the Basque people and is home to an interesting collection that includes ethnological elements, photographs, archaeological pieces and works of art.

If you are visiting the Basque Country, you must go to the San Telmo Museum, because it is the best way to learn about the history and tradition of its people.

Monte Urgull:

Monte Urgull is one of San Sebastián’s main tourist attractions and is located between the city’s old town and the urban area.

On top of Monte Urgull summit, you will see the famous fortress of Castillo de la Mota. Built in the 12^th century, Castillo de la Mota still maintains the fortifications that served to defend the city in the past. Today, the fortress offers visitors an exhibition displaying a wide range of original works, prints and photographs reflecting local history.

If you would like to visit, you can do so by foot, as part of one of the many excursions that are organised on Monte Urgull and you will have the privilege of observing the best views of the city.

San Sebastián Aquarium:

The Aquarium in San Sebastián was founded in 1928 and was officially inaugurated as the Palacio del Mar Aquarium, making it the oldest building of this type in Spain. Located on San Sebastián’s dock, it is one of the city’s most popular attractions, with 300,000 visitors every year.

Nowadays, the Aquarium is distinguished by its strong ecological focus, offering various workshops and activities related to the conservation and protection of the sea.

It is home to over 200 species of marine animals, including a wide variety of tropical fish. One of its main attractions is the 360 degree tunnel that offers the opportunity to experience these fantastic animals up close.

The Old Town:

I can’t finish this article without encouraging you to visit San Sebatián Old Town. This is the most charming part of the city, where you can easily experience the most typical traditions of its people.

The Old Town is situated at the foot of Monte Urgull and if you go for a walk around its streets, you will see emblematic attractions like the Plaza de la Constitución, San Vicente Church and the Basilica of Santa María.

As you wander around you will find a multitude of bars and restaurants where you can try out the local flavours in delicious traditional dishes.

As you can see, San Sebastián is a charming city that offers excellent options for planning an unforgettable trip.

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Why you should visit Sicily

This beautiful Italian region has become one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations. One of the main reasons for Sicily’s popularity are its breathtaking natural landscapes with paradisiac beaches and protected areas where you can enjoy nature to the full. Sicily also has cities that have borne witness to our evolution and have given us precious treasures in the form of its monuments.

This article will give you more than enough reasons to plan your next holidays in this marvellous destination.

Discover the city of Palermo:

Travelling through the streets of Palermo, it is almost impossible not to feel a part of its exciting history. This city, which was founded in the 8^th century B.C., still bears many marks of the civilisations that lived there since its beginnings.

Palermo was named the capital of Sicily and is also one of its most populated cities. Although, over the years, Palermo has seen both moments of true splendour and others of decadence, it is a great tourist attraction for those who enjoy travelling to the past, discovering ancient cities.

Palermo’s history goes back so far that it is easy to appreciate various artistic influences in its heritage buildings, as well as features that are characteristic of different cultures.

In this case, I recommend a visit to the most emblematic monuments:

• San Giovanni degli Eremiti:

This is one of the first Western churches reflecting Arab and Byzantine influences. Its most distinctive feature is its red domes, inherited from the Arab culture, reflecting the Muslim presence on the island. Another distinctive feature of this building is its Gothic-style bell tower.

• The Norman Palace:

Although, due to the passage of time, this palace has been rebuilt and modified reflecting the tendencies of each period and owner, its architecture still maintains elements dating back to its construction in the 12^th century.

• Palermo Cathedral:

This is another of Palermo’s monuments that can’t be missed if you want to experience the city’s history. This church is a sign of the wealth in Palermo’s times of splendour. The cathedral’s two chapels, the Sacrament Chapel and the Chapel of Santa Rosalia, are adorned by true treasures.

The most beautiful beaches:

Sicily is also the home of many impressive beaches, worthy of admiration the world around. Although they are not the Mediterranean’s most popular beaches, they have nothing to envy of the most well-known beaches.

There is great variety among these beaches, from those offering all the normal services to those that are almost virgin, where visitors can be in total contact with nature, far from civilisation.

Some of the most popular include Mondello Beach, Calamosche Beach and the beaches of Taormina, in particular Isola Bella.

• Mondello Beach:

This marvellous beach is located just 13km from the city of Palermo. Access from the city is not complicated and you can get there by either car or bus.

The short distance separating the beach from Palermo means that it is popular and, for this reason, you can find all the necessary services there, with every comfort within your reach.

Mondello Beach is the perfect example of a Mediterranean beach. Its turquoise waters, fine sand and natural environment, offer scenery of breathtaking beauty.

• Calamosche Beach:

Located within the Vendicari nature reserve, this beach is one of the most beautiful in the region. If you are looking for somewhere secluded and peaceful, where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect place for you.

Calamosche Beach is surrounded by rocky formations that shelter it from currents, resulting in normally calm waters. Moreover, this beach is popular among those who enjoy diving or snorkelling because of the varied sea life that can be found there.

This beach can be reached by walking along a path from the carpark to the sandy area. Although the path is about 1 kilometre long, it is worth the effort when you are rewarded with such an enchanting place at the end of your walk.

• Beaches of Taormina:

In Taormina, you will find paradisiac beaches where you can enjoy the sea’s charms to the full.

Due to Taormina’s location, upon a high mountain, its beaches offer an unparalleled beauty, making them unique.

One of the most well-known beaches in the region is the Isola Bella. This beach is almost virgin and is characterised by its almost wild environment and the beautiful turquoise colours of the sea. In addition, one of its most distinctive aspects is the islet located in its waters, which attract a great deal of attention among visitors.

Visit the Egadi Islands:

A visit to the Egadi Islands is a must if you travel to Sicily, since they are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean.

The Egadi Islands are an archipelago made up of the Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo Islands and are located very close to the city of Trapani. You can get to any of the islands by taking a ferry from the Port of Trapani or reserving a trip with one of the agencies in the city.

These marvellous islands also offer magnificent beaches where you can enjoy yourself relaxing on the shore or diving in their waters.

Moreover, a visit to the historic centre of Favignana is also very interesting. Favignana is very picturesque and offers various tourist attractions such as museums, churches and palaces that are highly regarded heritage sites. I also recommend that you try the local specialities in the island’s restaurants and bars.

Visit the Valley of the Temples:

Another important tourist attraction in Sicily is the Valley of the Temples. The Valley of the Temples is a group of Greek temples that date back to 580 A.C. and are considered the oldest and best conserved outside Greece.

In total, there are seven monuments, with the best preserved being the Temple of Concordia. This temple was given its name because an inscription of the word “Concordia” in Latin was found nearby. It is also one of the most accurately built temples and most representative examples of Doric architecture.

It belongs to the archaeological area of Agrigento, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes places in the city where there have been other important discoveries.

As you can see, Sicily offers: the excitement of discovering the legends of our ancestors, the possibility of experiencing first-hand the cultural development of ancient civilisations and the pleasure of being able to enjoy the blessings of nature in an environment of unparalleled beauty.

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Bordeaux: reasons to visit the French wine capital

Bordeaux has become one of the most important cities in France. The city’s winemaking tradition, urban complex and many cultural offerings have made it into one of France’s most popular tourist destinations.

Known as the “Pearl of Aquitaine”, Bordeaux stands out because of its historical centre that is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. So much so, that in 2007, UNESCO declared the port city of Bordeaux as a World Heritage Site.

Visiting this marvellous place is like going on an incredible journey in time, accompanied by its magnificent wines and excellent gastronomy. This article will give you more than one reason to encourage you to plan your next holidays there!

Visit ¨La cité du vin¨:

The history of wine in Bordeaux is as old as the city itself because, since the occupation by the Romans right up until today, Bordeaux has been noteworthy for its vineyards and the excellent quality of its world-renowned wines.

That is why a visit to ¨La cité du vin¨ is one of the most compelling reasons to go to Bordeaux. “La cite du vin” is an impressive building located on the shores of the Garonne River, that was inaugurated in 2016, where you can directly interact with the history and development of viticulture in Bordeaux.

“La cité du vin” has ten floors dedicated to the winemaking tradition. There are permanent and temporary exhibition rooms where you can see the most incredible subjects related to wine. There are completely interactive tours, available in eight languages, that take visitors back to the winemaking culture’s origins and follow its evolution over the years. There are workshops teaching participants how to best appreciate this exquisite drink. Moreover, there is viewpoint from where you can get magnificent panoramic views of the city.

This impressive building is a symbol of the city, not only because it gives visitors the chance to learn more about the history of wine and the winemaking process, but also because of its iconic architecture.

Visit the Saint-André Cathedral:

This majestic church dates back to the end of the 11^th century and is one of the city’s main monuments. It stands out as one of the first Gothic buildings in the Aquitaine region and its historic value is so great that in December 1998, UNESCO declared it part of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela World Heritage Site in France.

The interior walls of the main room are the only part of the original building that have survived. However, although the Cathedral has undergone changes, it is still possible to see the influence of the Angevin style.

On the outside of the Cathedral, you can see some of its most important architectural features, such as the Royal Portal that is adorned with the magnificent work known as “The Last Judgement”. As visitors wander through the internal halls, they can admire the décor, dominated by the extraordinary stained-glass windows.

When you visit the Cathedral, you will have the chance to see the Pey-Berland Tower, built in the 15^th century. It has a small spire which is surmounted by a statue of Our Lady of Aquitaine.

Enjoy yourself in Place de la Bourse:

When we think of Bordeaux, we always think of its prestigious vineyards and the image of this emblematic square. It was built in honour of King Louis XV of France, as well as to modernise the city.

Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, Louis XV’s personal architect, this square is surrounded by symmetrically positioned buildings and, due to its majesty, is considered to be one of the most distinctive works of classic 18^th century French architecture.

The square was home to important institutions of the period like the Stock Exchange Palace, that is currently the city’s Chamber of Commerce, and the Customs building that is now the Musée National des Douanes (National Customs Museum).

One of the areas that attracts most attention in the square is “The Water Mirror¨. This is the biggest structure of its type in the world and is very popular in summer, especially among children, who go to cool down running through its water jets.

Try the exquisite cuisine:

As you probably already know, the French are well-known, among other things, for their cooking skills and every region of the country has a long culinary tradition. The case of Bordeaux is no different and some of its traditional dishes are very popular.

One of its most popular dishes is Magret de Canard. This recipe uses lean meat from duck breasts and, although it is not difficult to prepare, in Bordeaux it is prepared differently, with a sauce made of red wine, shallots and spices.

Foie Gras is another speciality of this French region. Prepared with goose or duck liver, this is a classic product of Bordeaux and is normally eaten on special occasions.

Finally, I would also like to recommend one of the region’s typical desserts, canelés. These are small pastries prepared using eggs, sugar, milk, butter and flour and is flavoured with rum and vanilla. They have a delicate flavour and are normally eaten as an accompaniment or at the end of meals.

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What do I need to do to travel to Europe with my pet?

Nowadays it is common to travel with your pet. In airports and public transport hubs it is common to see whole families arriving and leaving for their holidays, or for other reasons, accompanied by their pets, without it causing them any inconvenience.

However, it is important to follow certain regulations that are established to make this process easier and safer for both the pets and their companions. Informing yourself well of the requirements established for the entry of animals into the country you want to visit will ensure that you have an enjoyable trip without any unpleasant surprises. This article will answer everything you need to know about the requirements of travelling to Europe with your pets.

Before you travel:

Of course, before buying a ticket, and even before planning your trip, several procedures need to be completed in your own country.

In order to take your pets to Europe, you need an official document stating the pet’s good health that is recognised by the pertinent authorities in the country that you wish to visit.

One of the most important tests for pets is the rabies antibodies test. This test must be performed at least one month after the pet was vaccinated against rabies and a maximum of three months before your trip.

In this case, you must take into account the age of the animal you want to take, since the rabies vaccination is normally given to pets over 12 weeks old as it has no effect on pups.

You should also remember that to visit countries like Norway, Finland, Malta, Ireland and the United Kingdom with your pet, it is compulsory to deworm it against Echinococcus within 1 to 5 days before travel.

Another requirement that you must take into account is that your pet must be identified with a microchip that fulfils the regulations of the country you are visiting. Your vet will be able to explain to you the requirements of the country in question.

It is best to start these procedures well in advance since, in the majority of cases, it can take some time to have everything done before your trip.

During your trip:

When your pet is ready for travel, you need to look into the flight requirements.

To make this process easier for you, below is a general outline of some of the things you need to take into account when travelling.

The first thing you need to do is to choose an airline that accepts pets. Not all airlines have a policy regarding pets, so you need to make sure that the one you choose is not too restrictive in this matter. An easy way to find out is to visit the company’s website or to call their customer service line and ask for the information.

When booking your flight, it is also important to bear in mind that many companies only allow two pets per flight.

In most cases, pet owners must pay extra for their companion, regardless of whether they travel in an area reserved for animals in the hold or in the cabin. The cost depends on their weight. For example, the majority of airlines that allow animals on board have a standard weight limit of between 8 and 10 kilogrammes, including both the animal and its carrier. The carrier must comply with specific measurements if your pet will be flying in the cabin with you. If your pet weighs more than the specified weight, it will spend the flight in an area of the hold specially allocated for this purpose. Since the airline will also have regulations regarding the size of the carrier going in the hold, it is important to read them carefully.

If it is stressful for a person to travel by plane, for pets it can be a traumatic experience and, for this reason, it is advisable to prepare them in advance so that the day can be as normal as possible. Those used to travelling with their pets try to get them used to being in different places by taking them on trips before the flight.

Another recommendation is to take them for a walk before the flight to release energy. Don’t feed them in the two hours previous to the flight, to avoid accidents during the flight and, most importantly, do not give your dog sedatives since they will not be in an adequate condition to pass through the security controls and this might complicate your journey.

Finally, I would like to recommend that you always travel with a lead or harness that your dog is used to and that you always have it to hand because there are many European cities that do not allow animals to walk without a lead, with the exception of in specific areas.

You should also make an effort to familiarise yourself with the local regulations in the country you are visiting, since they may differ from your country of residence.

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