SAN SEBASTIÁN
Looking at a map of Spain, eyes are usually drawn southward to the beautiful beach coast towns of the Costa del Sol or to the Costa Brava near Barcelona.  But making its mark with expatriates lately is San Sebastián, located on the northern rim of Spain, at the foot of the Pyrenees and stretching along the Bay of Biscay, just across the border from France.

San Sebastián is the cultural capital of Basque Country and is on what is known as the Cantabrian Coast.  Mild weather permeates San Sebastián, but winters can be brusque when the Atlantic winds roll in from the north.  It is a very clean city because the local government prohibits industry or factories to operate within the town limits.  

Known as the playground to the Spanish Royals, San Sebastián’s personality is regal and genteel, unlike the southern hotspots of Spain.  It is more self-contained and reserved, but does break out of its constraints to offer a lifestyle of elegance and ease.

Living is San Sebastián is enjoyable for sports enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs and lovers of art.  The Sierra de Aralar mountain range boasts monuments from the Bronze Age and roads built by the Romans.  Hiking and cross-country skiing are popular.  The famous ski resorts of the Pyrenees are close by for winter sports and the summer will find cyclists from the Tour de France pedaling past.   

                

Of the three beaches found in San Sebastián, La Concha is considered to be one of the most beautiful “in-city” beaches in all of Europe.  Made popular by Queen Isabella, it boasts a walking path adjacent to the sand.  Ondarreta Beach features stately villas and lush gardens that lead to the sand itself, while La Zurriola beach is quite large and is built from sand reclaimed from the sea. 

One of the food capitals of Europe, restaurants are abundant in San Sebastián and the city’s old town offers some of the best to be found in Spain.  Total them up and as many as 16 Michelin stars can be found in the local restaurants.  A great evening can be had by bar hopping for tapas.  Actually, it’s known as “pintxos” in Basque country

The cost of living in San Sebastián rivals that of the big cities of Madrid and Barcelona.  Real estate is costly, but favorable rental prices can be found.  Medical facilities are excellent and with a bit of Spanish instruction, life in San Sebastián can be easy and breezy.  

While the expat population of San Sebastián is lower than that found in the southern coastal towns, the city itself is cultured, cultural, friendly and encourages visitors and expatriates.  Many people from the U.S. have chosen San Sebastián and the area surrounding it for their relocation as it offers a quieter side of the Spanish lifestyle, and serves as a conduit to the history of the Basque people.