The Circuit

by Martin Dale and Team Variety
A few stones throws from the French-Spanish border, San Sebastian is the gateway to Northern Spain and the largest Spanish resort along the Cantabrian coast.

Adopted as a summer residence by the Spanish court in the late 19th century, the city soon became one of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities, as a cluster of elegant buildings were erected around the stunning La Concha Bay.

Luis Bunuel summered here, eying ladies in their changing cubicles through gaps in the woodwork (remember “El”?)

The film festival, founded in 1953, is the largest and most prestigious film event in the Spanish-speaking world and has solidified the city's cultural projection - San Sebastian now hopes to be nominated European Capital of Culture in 2016.

In addition to catching the latest screenings and Sales Office events, visitors should make sure to get to know this charming and seductive city. Some suggestions:

1. Get your feet wet

Flannering down the Concja Bay promenade is de rigueur - only beaten by a barefoot stroll around the water's cusp.

2. Make a splash

Why not sample the adrenalin rush of a dive from the pier? (Ed: surely not?)

3. Head for the hills
The surrounding Basque countryside is green, fertile and littered with excellent Michelin 3-star restaurants.

4. See Jesus

San Sebastian has its own miniature sugar loaf mountain, topped by a Christ statue. A 20-minute stroll to the top offers magnificent views of the city.

5. Book a sea-view room in the Hotel Londres.
The spectacular views of La Concha bay from plush Hotel Londres are well worth the 10-year waiting list.

6. Dine in the Port
Many of the city's finest restaurants are located in the Old Town and Port.

7. Wheel-and-deal over tapas

Plaza de la Constitucion is an oasis of tapas bars and elegant yellow façade buildings in the heart of the Old Town.

8. Buy a yacht
San Sebastian is an excellent training ground for Cannes and yachts tend to be cheaper with more affordable mooring rates.

9. Walk the magenta carpet

Magenta can be seen everywhere in the Fest buildings, including the magnificent magenta carpeted entrance to the Kursaal Congress Centre.

10. See some great movies
If you can squeeze in the time.


The Variety España team is on the ground in Spain, bringing regular dispatches throughout the San Sebastian Film Festival.