Along the Bay of Biscay and up Mount Igueldo in San Sebastian

From Mount Urgull on the northern side of the Bay of Biscay, we walk along the promenade of the great beaches, Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, to the base of Mount Iguelda, on the other side of the bay.

Walking around the Bay of Biscay

Along the promenade are parks, amusement rides, statues, and grand houses and hotels overlooking the water.

 Statues, parks, and rides

 Grand houses and hotels

Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta are connected by a tunnel, beautifully tiled and painted, with a path up to Miramar Park and Palace, overlooking Isla de Santa Clara in the middle of the bay.

Tunnel connecting the beaches

Isla de Santa Clara,  Playa de Ondarreta

 Miramar Palace and Park, overlooking Isla de Santa Clara

Miramar Palace and Park offers one of the best views of the bay and was built as a royal palace by Regent Queen Maria Cristina, opening in 1893.  In the 1950s, part of the palace was set up as a boarding school for the education of future King Carlos I and his brother Prince Alfonso.  In 1972, the land and building were transferred to the city of San Sebastian for the use of its citizens.

Continuing around the bay from the palace, we follow the promenade to the point, with sculptures decorating the rocky shore.

 Continuing along Playa de Orderreta

 Sculptures at the end of the promenade

From the end, we ride the funicular to the top of Mount Igueldo, where a large amusement park offers enjoyment with great views.

 Funicular up

View of the Bay of Biscay and San Sebastian from above

 Amusement park on top of Mount Igueldo

Descending from the park, we hike across the of both playas to our hotel.

 Back across the playas

Another great stroll!