San Sebastian among TripAdvisor's top 15 destinations 'on the rise'

The Basque city of Donostia-San Sebastian, a seaside city in the north of the Basque Country, was chosen among TripAvisor's top 15 destinations "on the rise" when the online travel consultant announced its list of the new places to explore in 2012.

The 'beautiful beaches' of Ondarreta and Zurriola, La Concha bay, seafood restaurants and traditional "pintxos" (Basque tapas) bars are some of the things that TripAdvisor recommends of this 'picturesque city'.

"Take in the views from Mount Igueldo. Walk up Monte Urgell to visit the Statue of Christ and see even more spectacular views", the online travel consultant adds.

The Basque city will be European Capital of Culture in 2016. The city was chosen from among six Spanish cities - including Burgos, Córdoba, Las Palmas, Segovia and Zaragoza - to share the title with Polish city Wroclaw in 5 years time.

Other top 15 destinations 'on the rise' include the lively Mediterranean seaside Town of Fethiye in Turkey; Seminyak, with some of the nicest beaches in Bali; Chania in Greece; Bordeaux, is one of the most un-French cities in France; and Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and a major contemporary art and shopping destination.

The list is completed with Tallinn, Estonia; Riga, Latvia; Moscow, Russia; Vilnius, Lithuania; Austin, Texas; Chaweng, Thailand; Lyon, France; Essaouira, Morocco; and Mendoza, Argentina.