SAN SEBASTIÁN
As soon as you reach San Sebastián, the La Concha beach is inviting you to take a swim or a pleasant walk along the waves, even in winter. The elegance of the bay, which is framed by Mount Igueldo and island of Santa Clara, is world famous. The city has another two lovely urban beaches: If you like walking, you can begin at the Zurriola beach which is a favourite for surfers. Then, walk around Mount Urgull along Paseo Nuevo and later cross the entire bay to end up at Ondarreta beach. There you’ll see Peine del Viento, an impressive sculpture monument by Eduardo Chillida and Peña Gantxegi, which speaks of the Cantabrian bravura.
PAMPLONA
Founded by the Romans and located on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago, Pamplona is now a modern and welcoming city with a wide range of activities that include walking around century-old walls and cobbled streets; resting in parks and terraces; trying its delicious tapas (or pinchos as they're known locally); visiting historical monuments; attending great shows or watching traditional sports such as Basque pelota.
Furthermore, its central location makes it the perfect place from which to discover the region's diversity at your leisure. We present you with the main locations for leisure and culture in the capital of Navarre, as well as the best of its history.
SANCTUARY OF ST. MICHAEL OF ARALAR
San Miguel en Excelsis (St. Michael in Excelsis), a sanctuary with more than a thousand years of history, stands high up on the Sierra of Aralar, just below the peak of Mount Artxueta, from where you can enjoy a stunning view. Its interior houses a Romanesque altarpiece, a masterpiece of European enamelwork. This spot will speak to you of the legend of the dragon and Teodosio de Goñi, of its Charlemagne-related past, and of the remote times of the dolmens that can today be found scattered amongst the fields and the beautiful beech woods in the surrounding area.
St. Michael in Excelsis is an austere church with three naves, divided into four sections, which stands on the Sierra of Aralar. It is located at a strategic point on the peak of Mount Artxueta which can be accessed by road from Lekunberri and gives a spectacular view that encompasses the Arakil or Barranca corridor, San Donato and the sierras of Urbasa and Andia. There is also a road from Uharte-Arakil, to the south of the sierra.
Motorway A-15 (rest area), km. 134. 31877 Gorriti, Navarra