A must-visit for food enthusiasts
San Sebastián, also known as Donostia in the Basque language, has gained international fame for its extraordinary culinary scene, earning it the title of one of the world’s great food capitals. Several factors contribute to this reputation.
Pintxos Galore
The city is renowned for its pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. These small dishes are more than just food; they represent a vital part of the local culture and social life. Pintxos bars, found throughout the city, especially in the Old Town, offer a dazzling array of these bite-sized delights, ranging from traditional recipes to avant-garde creations. This makes for a unique gastronomic experience, where locals and tourists alike engage in a ‘pintxos crawl’, moving from bar to bar to try different dishes. Notable pintxos to try include the Gilda, a skewer of anchovies, olives, and spicy peppers, and the Tortilla de patata, a juicy Spanish omelette. If you feel overwhelmed by all this, join a guided tour where a local will show you the best bars and bites.
Michelin Star Dining
San Sebastián boasts an impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita, one of the highest in the world. Esteemed establishments like Arzak, Mugaritz, and Martin Berasategui have garnered international acclaim for their innovative and exquisite cuisine, blending traditional Basque cooking with modern culinary techniques.
Local Wines and Ciders
Txakoli, a slightly fizzy, dry white wine, is a must-try local beverage. It is typically poured from a height into tall glasses to break the slight carbonation and aerate the wine, which enhances its flavors and light fizz. Production of Txakoli dates back to at least the 16th century. Txakoli is made primarily from the Hondarrabi Zuri grape variety, although small amounts of Hondarrabi Beltza (a red grape) are used for rosé and red wines. The grapes are grown in mineral-rich soils and often in vineyards that are on steep slopes, which helps protect them from the damp climate typical of the Basque coast. Many vineyards around San Sebastian offer tours and tastings, providing insight into the traditional methods of Txakoli winemaking and the chance to sample various styles of this distinctive Basque wine. The region is also known for its unique cider, which is typically tart and served from a height to create foam.
Traditional Dishes
Don’t miss traditional Basque dishes like bacalao (salt cod) and txuleta (aged, grass-fed beef steak), which are staples in San Sebastian’s culinary scene.
Cooking Classes
Engage in a cooking class where you can learn about local seafood and Basque cuisine. It’s a hands-on way to immerse yourself in the regional food culture.
San Sebastian Beyond Food
Monte Urgull
After indulging in pintxos, time to break a sweat. Take a scenic hike up Monte Urgull for breathtaking views and to see the iconic Sagrado Corazón statue. There are a total of 4 paths running from the city to the summit of Monte Urgull. Each one of these paths begins at a different location. The oldest path can be found next to the Basílica de Santa María. Alternatives are the route from opposite San Telmo Museum, where the Mari and Virgen del Coro streets meet, or the one starting at Paseo Nuevo.
Monte Igueldo Funicular
If hiking is too much but you’re in for those panoramic views of the city, catch the funicular to the top of Monte Igueldo. The journey itself is a delightful experience, taking you up through lush landscapes.
Parte Vieja (Old Town)
This maze of narrow streets is brimming with historic charm, where you can find beautiful landmarks like the San Telmo Museum and the Santa Maria Church. Historical walking tours are available, but it’s best to combine walking around with some eating or drinking 😉
La Concha Beach
Relax on one of Europe’s finest urban beaches, La Concha. With its golden sands and chic promenade, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. As you can see, it can get quite busy in the summer, but that’s part of the fun.
Surf
The most iconic surfing spot in San Sebastián is Zurriola Beach, located in the Gros district. This beach is renowned for its consistent waves and is a popular spot for both local and visiting surfers. The waves here cater to a range of skill levels, with the eastern part of the beach generally offering gentler waves suitable for beginners, while the western side presents more challenging conditions for experienced surfers.
Beyond San Sebastián, the Basque coast offers numerous other surfing spots. My favorite was Zarautz, an unpretentious friendly local surf town with great surf schools. The beach of Zarautz boasts some of the longest rides in the region, making it an ideal destination also for longboarders.
Paseo Nuevo promenade
Paseo Nuevo is San Sebastian’s promenade along the coast that surrounds the base of Mount Urgull and provides a great route for walkers, joggers, and cyclists who love to get close to the ocean. There’s nothing else to it, just a place to walk – but a beautiful one at that.
