San Sebastian, also known as Donostia in the Basque language, is a coastal city located in the Basque Country of northern Spain. People flock here to bask in the glory of the coastal town and indulge in the world-class cuisine with a number of Michelin restaurants lining the streets. It has not only treated the common people, but even the royals have made their way to spend an ideal beach holiday.
Amidst the popular tourist attractions, there lie a couple of places that are tucked away in silence and tranquility. If you want to explore the peace on your next San Sebastian city tour, include these in your itinerary.
Castillo La Mota
Mount Urgull is one of the famous spots in San Sebastian for hiking purposes, but it also houses Castillo La Mota, which overlooks the Bay of Biscay, and is often ignored by tourists. It was built back in the 12th century and served as a defensive fortress against naval attack.
It was once an important military centre that has stood the test of time, and its construction and sturdy walls reflect its strength. Inside the castle, you will find a chapel and a statue of the Sacred Heart with the backdrop of beaches and the old town, making it a perfect escape from the crowded places.
Diocesan Museum of Gipuzkoa
Located in the complex of Good Shepherd Cathedral, the Diocesan Museum of Gipuzkoa very binds the history of the city passing through different eras. The museum features collections of the sacred arts dating from the Middle Ages to the present day and includes paintings, altarpieces, sculptures, and manuscripts showing the cultural and spiritual significance of Gipuzkoa.
The museum shows how the evolution of the arts and traditions shaped the history of the Basque. Since it received fewer crowds, you will have a lot of time to go through each exhibit.
Mount Ulia
Sitting on the eastern part of the San Sebastian, Mount Ulia is a natural escape. It once served as an important viewpoint for whale spotting, somewhere around the 16th century, and later hosted a military establishment that still has their traces.
At present, it treats the hikers and nature enthusiasts with the striking beauty of the coastal views, rising cliffs, forests, and viewpoints. You can easily see the far-stretched views of the city and some iconic places like Zurriola Beach, La Concha Bay, and the Bay of Biscay.
When you are planning a vacation for a soothing experience and not for making it to the famous spots, these places will treat you to the best.
