To Our Readers
Spaniards leading a national surge in global business and politics, culture and the arts. As the country prepares for a pivotal election, TIME examines its striking creative burst
The city of San Sebastián is known throughout Spain for its signature shell-shaped beach, Playa de La Concha, and its exquisite culinary tradition. Less well-known is its breathtaking coastline, but if you're in the area, don't miss a walk along it.
Start at the gigantic glass cubes of Rafael Moneo's Kursaal Convention
Center, then cross the adjacent Kursaal Bridge, turn right toward the Paseo Nuevo (New Promenade), and leave the Old Quarter behind. The almost 1-km-long Paseo meanders between stately cliffs and churning sea; locals come on windy days and "play" — outrunning waves that splash high into the air after breaking against the rocks.
At the end of the Paseo is the Aquarium and San Sebastian's harbor, an old whalers' haunt now filled with a few red, green and blue ships. To the right (about 400 m) you can see City Hall and Playa de La Concha, which stretches for about 1.5 km. It's impossible to get lost: just follow the wide, busy sidewalk (there's also a bike path) overlooking the beach — always to the right. At the end of La Concha is Playa de Ondarreta — a spacious, sandy beach — and 500 m further, at the foot of Monte Igeldo, the walk ends at the Peine del Viento (Wind's Comb) sculpture, a primordial structure designed by Eduardo Chillida.
Time to take a well-deserved rest. Pull a bocadillo de jamón (a cured ham sandwich) out of your backpack and enjoy.
Divide And Conquer [Mar. 1, 2004]
Basque terrorist group ETA throws a "message bomb" into the Spanish general-election campaign
Death Coast [Dec 2, 2002]
After an aging tanker sins off Spain, a vast slick of fuel oil destroys beaches, wildlife and fishermen's dreams. Could this disaster have been prevented?
They Came To Reign in Spain [Sep. 27, 2002]
You wait for a major sporting competition to come along, and three show up at the same time.
A Meeting Of Minds [Jul. 15, 2002]
European Union leaders meet in Seville to look for common ground on everything
Gaudí Mania [Apr. 26, 2002]
The work of controversial architect Antoni Gaudí is getting a fresh look as Spain marks the 150th anniversary of his birth
Bust In Madrid [Dec. 21, 2001]
A well-established al-Qaeda cell may have been directly involved in planning the U.S. terrorist attacks
Madrid: Living la Vida Loca [Nov. 12, 2001]
Madrileos like it late, loud and lively in their multitude of bars and restaurants
Mogadishu at 60 Miles an Hour Arms merchants are once again doing brisk business after a rapid change of power in this tough town, but so far the peace has held
The Year of The Nuke A rundown of the world's nuclear powerhouses, and what to expect in the coming months
Premium Content
