The city of San Sebastian stands on the far northern coast of Spain, just ten miles east from the border with France. It stands around two curved sandy bays and a river mouth, with mountains rising up behind. The distinctive Isla de Santa Clara stands in one of the bays. If you hire car in San Sebastian you’ll find you’re driving in a tourist city and a busy regional commercial centre. Luckily it has a convenient road system. See how the A1 motorway directly links San Sebastian with France and the rest of Spain, and the capital city Madrid is a 280-mile drive south.
Drivers who pick up a hire car will find that San Sebastian has an attractive shoreline. There are semi-circular sandy coves, islands, rocky headlands and green hills overlooking the water. The city is a major seaside resort but there’s plenty more to see inland. The highlights include the towering 19thcentury mock gothic Cathedral and the lavishly decorated baroque Basilica of St Mary from the 18th century. And don’t miss the chance to drive across the ornately carved Maria Cristina Bridge over the Urumea River in the heart of the city. Further afield, a hire car is useful for visiting the spectacular and popular spots in the mountainous country outside the city.
