The Twelve Treasures of Spain is a list chosen by listeners and viewers of two Spanish radio and television stations. In six episodes we will highlight those top selections. At the end of each part, we refer to one of the six choices we previously wrote about in this blog.
La Concha beach, located in the heart of San Sebastián, is for many the most surprising entry on the final list. But maybe, when you think about it, it's not that strange. Spaniards know very well that a flourishing tourism industry is one of the main pillars supporting their economy. And inviting beaches are therefore vital. So if you have the beach that many consider to be the most beautiful in all of Europe, that’s definitely something to cherish.
The question then is: what makes La Concha beach in the Basque Country so special? The answer is simple. Located in the bay with the same name, all elements needed for the perfect beach come together. First, the location. In the heart of the city, it is easily accessible. Then the setting. Shaped like an almost perfect half-moon, La Concha has a romantic atmosphere. This is enhanced by the view of the Urgull and Igeldo mountains, which offer protection and help ensure calm waters. This makes the beach ideal for relaxed water sports activities. Finally, the view of the picturesque Santa Clara island and the elegant promenade complete the perfect picture. It’s no surprise that photos of La Concha beach appear regularly in magazines and newspapers.
San Sebastián is also a popular destination for both Spanish and international tourists. In 2016, it was the European Capital of Culture. Both its annual film festival and its jazz festival have international prestige.
Earlier in this blog, we wrote about number 1 on the list: the Cathedral/Mosque of Córdoba. See here.