A suite with a view in San Sebastian, Spain

In direct contrast to the colorful alleys and sun drenched landscapes of southern Spain is the green, Tyrolean flavor of Basque Country of Northern Spain. Scott and I arrived in Bilbao by plane from Sevilla, and were amazed at the verdant green of the hills.  We rented a car and headed to San Sebastian, by the sea. I vacillated on whether to select a hotel more on the outskirts of town, or beach side, on the promenade. In the end we were delighted with our choice of the Hotel Niza, and it's perfect location, right above the promenade, La Concha Beach and the sea.

When we opened the door to our suite our mouths were ajar. Our sun-filled suite, with light and airy furnishings, had two large french windows that opened to a balcony with stone columns, and views of the promenade and the sea.

 The Hotel Niza staff, and handsome Harri (above), welcomed us warmly and did everything to make our stay memorable.

It's impossible to choose between favorite spots on a trip, but if forced to decide, I would choose San Sebastian on this summer trip to Portugal and Spain. The seaside beauty, healthy lifestyles, stylish residents and family vibe all appealed to me.

San Sebastian is a chameleon beauty by day.....

and a scintillating temptress by night.

On our first night we ventured down the promenade, towards the old-town center, and discovered a tapas restaurant, Garagar. The charming Eneko treated us to tapas and conversation, as he shared the rich history of the area with us.

We dined at Cafe De La Concha, on the promenade near Hotel Niza, a record two days in a row. I enjoyed the tomato, arugula, goat cheese baguette so thoroughly that we returned the next day for my birthday lunch. We both enjoyed the refreshing sangria and the entertaining people watching on the beach.

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A glimpse of the promenade and beach

I enjoyed celebrating my birthday, July 15th, while visiting San Sebastian. I love a little pampering on a special occasion, and Scott treated me to a morning at the La Perla Centro Talaso Spa, a relaxing break from our travels. If you want more from San Sebastian, check out How to Dress European Chic. For more on our summer vacation to Portugal and Spain see Lisbon Getaway, Sunny Beaches of Algarve, Sevilla, Barcelona, a little walk down memory lane in Barcelona and my 'revealing day spa day in Spain.

For more romantic travel ideas here.