Bernie P. Says:
We are thinking of retiring to San Sebastián-Donostia, Spain. Any information would be helpful.
Thanks.
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Bernie,
You have chosen a beautiful part of Spain.
San Sebastián—Donostia in Basque—has been a resort since the mid-1800s. This stylish seaside city on Spain’s north Atlantic Coast has a legendary charm and arguably one of the world’s most beautiful urban beachfronts.
Summers in San Sebastián are mild and pleasant—often in the 70s F—but you can’t count on sunshine every day. As a result, this city attracts beachgoers who don’t mind that uncertainty. The population can almost double in the peak tourist months of July to September.
Crowds are thinner the rest of the year, and temperatures are cool—with averages in the mid-50s F—even in the dead of winter. Off-season and long-term rentals can be reasonable, too. For a centrally located, furnished two- to three-bedroom apartment, you can pay about $1,300 to $3,000 per month off-season or long term. (Expect to pay several times that amount in the high summer season.)
If you’re looking to buy property here, be prepared for a steep price tag. This city has long been a coveted resort, and it shows in the prices. In the center of San Sebastián, most properties under $350,000 are tiny—and $500,000 may buy you less than 1,000 square feet.
You can read more about this charming resort city on Page 116 of our Escape to Spain guidebook, available on the IL Bookstore.
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