Spain attracted around 94 million visitors last year and remains one of the most popular holiday destinations among Brits. The nation is loved for its warm weather, beautiful beaches and charming old towns.
The beauty of Spain is that tourists are spoilt for choice as to where to visit. Cities such as Madrid and Barcelona draw large crowds throughout the year while there are also a number of quieter hidden gems across the nation. Whether it’s quaint beaches or bustling cities, the nation truly has something for everyone.
A travel expert from the Telegraph has listed the 30 most populous cities across Spain and revealed which is her favourite to visit. Eddi Fiegel only gave two cities in the list a perfect score of 10 out of 10.
They were San Sebastián and Barcelona. However, she dubbed the former as the “perfect Spanish city” , describing it as the “jewel in the Basque Country’s crown”.
San Sebastián has a population of 187,849 and is known for its deep-rooted tradition. Visitors are treated to a range of high-quality local food, including Basque tapas, across a number of Michelin-starred restaurants.
The city has a host of tapas bars which act as a social hub among locals and tourists. They offer an array of delicious small dishes and accompanied local wines.
Aside from the food scene, San Sebastián is home to the iconic La Concha beach which is loved for its calm waters. As the city is located between the Pyrenees mountains and the Atlantic ocean, it offers amazing views.
San Sebastián is also popular among surfers, with the Zurriola beach being a popular spot. The area is relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal place to enjoy the beach and calm waters.
The city hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year. It is also home to theaters, galleries and museums which offer an intriguing insight into the local culture.
According to Eddi Fiegel, the city became a favourite holiday spot with Spain’s royalty at the start of the 20th century. Movie stars also flocked to the area during the First World War as they enjoyed the Michelin-starred restaurants.
However, she does offer one warning on the city: “Don’t even think about visiting in the summer if you want to enjoy them in peace, however – San Sebastián gets very busy in peak season.”
