In 1926, La Concha beach in San Sebastián experienced one of its greatest transformations, with the old beach huts that occupied a large part of its sands being replaced by new cabins installed on the then-new cantilever. This change, as published in the April 18, 1926 edition of La Voz de Guipúzcoa, highlighted that the new system would generate a significant economic surplus.
The transformation of the beach: It will be extraordinarily beautified, and instead of costing the city money, it will provide 65,000 pesetas per season.
The newspaper's calculations indicated that in the 1924 season, the beach's expenses, including materials, maintenance, staff, rescue services, and auxiliary boats, amounted to approximately 30,000 pesetas. Thanks to the rental fees for the new cabins, the projected revenues for 1926 were much higher, expecting a surplus of around 65,000 pesetas.
The new cabins extended along the entire length of the cantilever, with four cabins placed between every two columns. Each cabin measured 1.60 by 1.40 meters and was “lined with Belgian tiles”. At that time, the beach season extended until mid-October, much longer than it does today.
This modification improved hygiene, comfort, and aesthetics, although some believed that “a bit of charm” had been lost. At Ondarreta beach, however, the old wooden huts remained, some brought from La Concha, described as “rolling ovens” due to their appearance and poor hygienic conditions.
