Playa de La Concha (La Concha Beach), San Sebastian (must see)

La Concha Beach (La Playa de La Concha) has been called the crown jewel of San Sebastian. The beach is often called the best in Europe. Queen Isabel II started the whole thing back in 1845. The monarch moved her court to San Sebastián in the summer, where she could bathe in the sea to treat her skin problems. The high-society aristocrats called La Concha Beach the "Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea." Tourists today feel the same.

The bay itself is relatively shallow. The high tides will limit space on the beach. Even so, there is always room enough for events. On the 15th of August, Virgin's Day, the "Big Week" Festival explodes. It is the International Fireworks Competition. A cannon is fired at 7 pm in the Alderdi Eder Gardens, and the party begins.

While international companies compete with fireworks, a music festival is held in the city. There is swimming from Getaria to San Sebastian, horse races, beach-volleyball tournaments, Cabezudos (Big Heads) parades, disco, fire bulls, and Basque rural sports exhibitions. And, oh yes, there are regattas.

The 4,270 feet of fine golden sand invites barefoot walking. One can walk to Ondarreta Beach by crossing a rocky path called Parrot's Beak (Pico del Loro). The hills shelter the bay. Canoeing, paddle-boarding, yachting, and diving are ideal here. A boat goes to Santa Clara Island. No one lives there except the lighthouse keeper.

The Nautical Club on the far right of the beach is a gem of Architectural Rationalism. It has the form of a boat moored to the quay. It is a perfect spot for sunsets. The old Gran Casino is next door. In front are the Alderdi Eder Gardens. Bronze images of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza hide among the Tamarisk trees. There is a merry-go-round.