Blog · Basque Country
Visit one of the best places in Spain, the Basque Country. Its environment of nature, mountains and beach; together with its culture or gastronomy make our home a unique place to visit.
History and defensive role of the battery The Ladies’ Battery was built in the late 16th century, when the Italian engineer Tiburzio Spannocchi – who had been commissioned to renovate the medieval city walls to adapt them to the changing times and new methods of warfare – decided to construct it on the south-western slope […]
History of the Gran Casino The history of the Gran Casino in San Sebastian begins some time before its construction in 1882. At that time, Donostia was a summer resort, where tourists from Spain and across Europe came to spend time enjoying a mild and pleasant climate, far from the hustle and bustle of large […]
Santa Clara Island, and, more specifically, its lighthouse, holds many secrets. From its construction, through its time as the home of the well-known lighthouse keeper Andoin, right up to the present day with Cristina Iglesias’s sculpture inside. In this post, we’re going to reveal everything you didn’t know about this spot in Donostia-San Sebastián. History […]
History of the battery and its defensive role The Santiago Battery was built in the late 17th century, as shown by various plans from the period, although in these it is also referred to as the Queen’s Battery, the Quay Battery or the Navy Battery. Initially, this battery consisted solely of its upper section, known […]
Here’s where to park your bike in San Sebastián: a handy guide for cyclists and travellers. Getting around Donostia/San Sebastián by bike is one of the best ways to explore the city. Its cycle path runs along almost the entire coastline and connects the main neighbourhoods, making it a convenient, sustainable and very enjoyable option. […]
The best views of San Sebastián can be enjoyed from one of its hills. Climbing Mount Igueldo, Mount Ulía, or Mount Urgull is always a good option for enjoying the scenery. And, if you can, take the opportunity to eat at a restaurant in the area. In this post, we’ll show you where to eat […]
The origins and history of the Urumea River The Urumea River flows through San Sebastián, dividing the city in two. The Urumea River in San Sebastián is one of the city’s most iconic natural features and a perfect place for strolling, playing sports, or enjoying nature. It is a fairly short river, only 45 kilometers […]
Bodegón Alejandro is a restaurant where you can connect with Basque and San Sebastian identity. This Basque restaurant, located in the Old Town of San Sebastian, the kitchen of this rustic basement has managed to preserve the essence of Basque cuisine for decades. The birthplace of the Basque chef with the most Michelin stars to […]
We all know San Sebastian, we know La Concha and the pintxos, but the city is full of secrets, curiosities and anecdotes that only a few people know about. In this tour of San Sebastián’s hidden gems, we at Bike Rental are highlighting a few, let’s see what you think. Historical interesting facts The Gascon […]
Although it does not have the name of many other similar squares in Spain, San Sebastian’s Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square) is the city’s ‘main’ square. It is the epicentre of our most important festivals and one of the main meeting points for the people of San Sebastian. Festivals, concerts and fairs take place […]
San Sebastian, like any good old stronghold, has a castle. It is not very obvious, as it does not have the typical shape of a castle, and it is also located just below the sculpture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the top of Mount Urgull, which steals all the limelight, but it does […]
If there is one woman who has been important in the history of San Sebastian, it is Queen María Cristina. María Cristina of Habsburg-Lorraine or of Austria was Queen Regent during the childhood of the future King Alfonso XIII. King Alfonso XII died relatively young, and in fact his heir was born posthumously, so María […]