San Sebastián

San Sebastián is the jewel of the Basque coast, a classy city sweeping around a perfect sandy bay bookended by two high hills. It has top gastronomy, a well-spread cultural offer and a promenade to preen yourself on. Sure there's a modern urban centre tucked behind but tourists focus on the coast and the old town, which as ever is a compact nugget of narrow streets in a medievally-strategic location. The Basque name of the city is widely used, but the world knows Donostia as the famously attractive resort of San Sebastián. Imagine how many more photographs I'd have taken had the sun come out. [40 photos] For a prime view of the city head to Monte Igueldo, the 180m peak at the western end of the bay. It's such a good spot that a casino and amusement park were built up here in 1912, the funfair still present and attracting large crowds daily. Find a decent viewpoint (away from tall trees and selfie-snappers) and the entire curve of La Concha bay will be arrayed beneath you. On the far…