Local Shops and Restaurants
There are a good number of shops within the village itself and many more in the capital of San Sebastian, or Valle Gran Rey.
Shops
San Sebastian holds a small market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, located next to the Hyper Trebol supermarket, with excellent quality, local food goods at the lower level and arts and crafts up on the street level.
Restaurants and Bars
The large range of restaurants and small bars are superb, serving local fish specialities and a wide choice of other dishes. All the food is excellent and each restaurant offers its own special dishes.
There is also a tapas bar that provides excellent ‘take-aways' for the beach or for hiking picnics. Mostly situated along the beachfront area, it is easy and most pleasurable to stroll along and look at the range of dishes on offer, look into their fridge displays and try each one as your holiday progresses.
It is always advisable to ask for the ‘fish' or ‘dish' of the day rather than choosing from the menus. You will not be disappointed!
Fiestas
There are many fiestas throughout the year. Being a Roman Catholic country, most of these are related to events in the church calendar - you will be amazed at the number of saints that are honoured! There are also the celebrations of Christopher Columbus, and the usual festivals like New Year.
All the fiestas start late (although some run for several days) enabling the local restaurant owners to join in after work, and often last well into the next day. They are fantastically energetic events, always with much music, singing and dancing. The events take place in the plaza (square), sometimes with processions through the town.
More details can be given on further enquiry. Sometimes, films are also shown open air in the plaza.
Amenities
The local church is very welcoming and holds services to which all of any religion or denomination are welcome. They are used to having English visitors and often read the Gospel in English as well for our benefit. Services are held in the church, which is located just above Casa Felipe, and also in a small chapel near the port. Service times and locations are posted on the doors.
There is a petrol station in the village centre. Since they are few and far between, it is essential that you have enough fuel before heading off on a day out! The garage shop has some hardware items as well. Petrol is very cheap, about 1/2 UK price.
Postcards
If you wish to hire a car in Playa de Santiago, there are a number of options: the airport has a number of hire car offices and there is also an office in the Hotel Tecina. Otherwise, the most local option is from the Pinero garage and office which is located on the seafront near to Restaurante Orone. The cars usually come with a full tank and you are expected to return them with a full tank.
Buses link all the towns of the island and run regularly and frequently. These make an excellent way to plan a walk, starting with a bus ride to the upper areas and walking home. Timetables are available on request. However, the easiest way to get to San Sebastian and Valle Gran Rey is by the Garajonay Express - for only a few Euros.