2 stops in walking order

Mountain

Mount Ulia is a minor ridge located east of San Sebastián in the Basque Country, territory of Spain, reaching 243 m at its highest point. The ridge stretching out to the east along the coastline sinks in the strait leading to the bay of Pasaia. The chain overlooks San Sebastián to the west, with the Zurriola beach and the district of Gros lying right at the foot. This privileged location turned Mount Ulia into a significant leisure and romantic area in the early 20th century, a condition in which it has remained until now, despite the pressure of urban development. Ulia was recorded as Mirall (a Gascon name and term) in 1530 after the whale observation point or rock still to be seen at the top of the ridge, while it was called Uliamendi as it approached the Zurriola inlet. The rock was used to watch out for migratory whales passing off the Basque coast before they became extinct in this area, with the watchers notifying the whalers from San Sebastián of their presence by means of a bonfire. Later, the westernmost tip of the ridge standing out onto the sea, Monpas, took on a strategic value for a short period after 1898 and became a stronghold with hidden corridors, military facilities and batteries, ready for an attack from the ocean. The Park of Nurseries of Ulia is at the beginning of the road going to Mount Ulia from San Sebastián.

~20 min at this stop

Garden

The Park of Nurseries of Ulia lies at the neighbourhood of Ulía in San Sebastián, extending over 14,500 m2 (3.6 acres) at the start of the Walk of Ulia, in the crossing with Jose Elosegi street. It is also named Lore-Baratzak Park on account of the nurseries held inside, which provided the plants for the public gardens of San Sebastián during all the 20th century and until 2008, when the city council moved these municipal nurseries to Lau Haizeta. After seven years closed for public, in 2015 the area residents opened it again and managed it with the permission of the city council, conflicting with the city council's own 2016 plan to remove the park for housing development. The park is of great value because it includes two former water tanks going back to the 19th century, as well as architectonic elements, and uncommon flora and fauna.

~20 min at this stop