San Sebastian is a very pretty, idyllic, beach town near the border between Spain and France. What with its surf beach and further down a wider stretch of gold sand and calm blue sea for the families and old folk, it caters to both the young backpacker types and the richer holidaymakers. It is in this way that is reminds me of the (new) Byron, and is probably why there are so many Aussies here. And while Byron can’t compare to the grace and class of the Spanish architecture which makes San S’s streets and buildings so pleasing to the eye, through its exploitation of its hippie roots I suppose Byron appeals with a different angle.

San S. is a ‘rich’ city, resistant to too much growth and development, protective over its carefully maintained suburbs. For such a small city (150 thousand), it has fantastic shopping (not necessarily cheap or anything) and the best tasting, most inventive tapas I’ve had in the country. Stay at the excellent Enjoy (Lo-lo Urban House.)