View from the Back
Ramblings of a retiree in France
The Basque Country: best beach
I’ve written so much about the gorgeous northern Spanish seaside town of San Sebastian in the Basque Country over the years that, this time, I thought I’d hone in on one of its (many) key features – its beaches. Specifically, its award-winning beach.
The Basque Country coastline stretches for 176kms (110 miles) along the Bay of Biscay, from across the border with France to the region of Cantabria, and is home to many spectacular beaches. From wild, windswept shores to idyllic golden crescents and fabulous urban sandy playgrounds, there are plenty of beautiful beaches in the Basque Country. However, for the third consecutive year, one of its beaches has been crowned the best in Europe. The winner is “La Concha Beach” which, as its name suggests, is shell shaped, and just one of three beaches in San Sebastian.
This city is often touted as the Basque Country’s gastronomic capital and its pintxos bars (Basque tapas bars) and restaurants are a must for foodies. While nights are spent bar-hopping and trying as many tantalising morsels as possible, days are spent lazing on one of the city’s beautiful beaches. You know, that sounds just like our holiday there last year.
La Concha is easily the most picturesque beach in the Basque Country. A crescent of golden sand, hugging the edge of the city, it’s an idyllic city beach surrounded by lush green hills and the old town of San Sebastian and is a popular spot in summer when locals and tourists alike lay out their beach towels and enjoy sunbathing and splashing around in the shallow waters off the beach. In the evenings, locals stroll the beach’s beautiful promenade which has barely changed from the golden age of seaside resorts, alongside the Cantabrian Sea, lined with its famous white railings, and watch the sunset over the water. It’s still the place to take the sea air and is backed by gardens, a lovely old merry-go-round and a row of desirable beachfront hotels and residences that still yearn for the days when royalty strolled the shore every summer season.
La Concha is one of the city’s three beaches and, even before the award, was renowned as one of Europe’s most beautiful urban shorelines. Its perfect arch made it popular with Queen Regent Maria Cristina, leading her to declare it the summer capital of Europe. Looking at these photos, it’s hard to disagree!
I agree, the photos look really stunning!
Just looking at them makes me want to visit there! 😃💞
LikeLiked by 4 people
It’s a lovely place.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Indeed, it seems 🌸🌊💧
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful information, and pictures, Sheree. I Like and I Share, dear.
LikeLiked by 5 people
Glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Beautiful photographs , stunning sunsets which make me want to start painting!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
indeed beautiful pictures. I know the film festival there is tops too. I parked by the Zurriola beach more space and walk all over afterward.
LikeLiked by 3 people
oh there is a 4th beach at the island of Santa Clara you go by motor boat in beach season is between monte Urgull and Igueldo. It can be seen from the beaches I think one of yours show it. Cheers
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s very true.
LikeLike
Hehehe know a bit of Spain 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
It looks so beautiful. I will be there very soon. 🙂
LikeLike
If you like the tales of the Basques, we recommend you check out our blog, Akelarre, for a bit of literary pleasure…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the recommendation.
LikeLike
OOOOOHHHHHH!!!! Thank you. I will definitely check it out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is an amazing place and a great destination 👍
LikeLiked by 4 people
Beautiful! ❤️ maybe my next holiday destination haha? 😉
LikeLiked by 3 people
You’d love Basque food!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow… Thanks for sharing another gorgeous place!😃
LikeLiked by 3 people
Pleasure!
LikeLike
I grew up around Basque people and culture. Love the food, colors, and dancing 💃
LikeLiked by 3 people
Basque food’s fantastic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not really one for popular beaches, but you make this one enticing
LikeLiked by 3 people
It’s a fabulous beach. I’m sure you and Jackie would enjoy it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The photos are really good. Thankyou for all the information
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Serene. 💦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photos and the beach
LikeLike
If you like the tales of the Basques, we recommend you check out our blog, Akelarre, for a bit of literary pleasure…
LikeLiked by 1 person
How I love that place! Despite all the pouring rain that I had those days but it is really a charming beach and city😍 and you took great shots. Brava☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLike
Would love to visit!
LikeLiked by 1 person