In the past, the city was the summer destination for the royal family. The trend was started by Queen Isabel II who loved bathing in the Cantabrian Sea and then this trend was carried on by Queen Maria Cristina. The main reason for this choice was the number of beaches and the pleasant climate of the city.

The problem was just that the royals did not have any official residence so they decided to buy an upscale property in a good location. Thus, they bought a beautiful property from where there was a wide variety of beautiful views to see. This building also had the San Sebastian monastery inside it. This was later named the Miramar Palace and many pieces of land were later added to this property. The gardens almost reached the beaches. At this time a tunnel was also built to make way for the city tram. This way is now the public route for trams and other vehicles towards Playa La Concha.

The palace was later taken away when Alfonso XIII inherited it to make it the residence for the President of the Republic whenever he would visit the city. It was again returned to the hands of the royals. At last in 1972 the whole estate was bought by the local government and since then it serves as a public park where people can come relax or enjoy picnics.

• Bus number C1 till Donostia or San Sebastian

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