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| Toro de fuego (Bull in Fire). photo shared by Jose Maria Moreno |
Semana Grande is the Big Fiesta of the year in San Sebastian. If you like to party and bustle this is the week when you should visit San Sebastian. Fireworks Contest (probably one of the best contest in the world as many companies come from all around the world to the Concha Bay), firebull in the streets, beaches full of people, crowded and lively restaurants.
The city dresses up to receive a fllood of tourists from around the world.
During Semana Grande it is difiicult to find parking spaces around the city, so it is better if you avoid renting a car. Use the public transportation which is really good all around the city. Take also de Euskotrain called Topo to visit Hendaye (France) or Bilbao. Buses are also available to visit nearby towns and beaches.
Ondarreta is a great option to lay on the beach these days. It is less crowded than la Concha or la Zurriola and you can easily walk or take a bus there. You should cross a mountain called "Pico del Loro" as it is shaped like a Parrot's peak.
Needless to say if you want to visit a Michelin star restaurant you should book it at least three months in advance for Semana Grande. But it is worth to simply grab a casual pintxo dinner in the Old Part of the city. As americans like to have dinner early, you will not have problems finding a place to eat, as basque people usually have dinner around 9 pm.
Lucky if you find a place to sleep in Semana Grande. Hotels are full, check apartments for rent or Hostales (inns) in towns around Sanse like Lasarte, Zarautz or Fuenterrabia (Hondarribi).
