Visitors to ‘Donostia’, as it’s better known to the locals, can gaze out over the Bay of Biscay, feast on local tapas, and wander through the colourful Old Town streets. A beach holiday, a cultural trip, a sightseeing tour, a gastronomical getaway… there’s something for everyone in San Sebastián.
Where the stars shine brightest
San Sebastián is a hotspot for fine dining, internationally renowned for its world-class seafood. This indulgent location proudly holds the second highest number of Michelin stars per square metre of any city on the planet (second only to Kyoto in Japan). More than half a dozen restaurants hold the esteemed ‘three stars’, with almost twenty stars shared between the city’s other fine eateries.
Fans of gastronomy swoop into San Sebastián, desperate to treat their taste buds at any of the internationally-renowned restaurants, the most esteemed and popular being Akelaŕe, Mirador de Ulia, Kokotxa, Arzak, Zuberoa, Martín Berasategui, Mugaritz and Alameda.
If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to Michelin stars, your getaway will still be full of flavour. Tapas from any one of the area’s famously generous pintxos bars is always a delicious treat. Head to Zeruko for seemingly space-age tapas – finish your meal with the thrilling ‘Bob Limon’ dessert – or seek out La Cuchara de San Telmo where, for a handful of euros, you can squeeze in at the bar and eat the most meltingly wonderful beef cheeks.
Europe’s best city beach?
The Concha Beach, found in Concha Bay, is arguably the best city beach in Europe. There’s 1,500 metres of fine white sand running between the centre of San Sebastián and the Atlantic Ocean. Find a spot in the sun, and choose to gaze out over the water or drink in the beautiful views of the Old Town.
The most unique feature of Concha Bay is the tiny leafy island which sits in the middle of the water, Isla Santa Clara. It’s a swimmable distance out (although you may find the year-round boat trips more appealing) and has its own beach, bar, picnic areas and a lighthouse which you can walk around and admire. The city’s other beaches have their own fans too, with Zurriola being a particular draw for surfers both local and international.
Guernica - A symbol of peace
Guernica is a huge work of art by the Surrealist Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The enormous canvas is one of Spain’s most treasured artworks and commemorates the destruction of the town of the same name during the Spanish Civil War. The powerful anti-Franco painting no longer resides in Guernica, but the historical town which inspired it is well worth a trip.
The drive from San Sebastián is a scenic 90 km route west on the AP-8 over to Guernica. Once you’re there, you can appreciate the lush wetlands of the Urdaibai Nature Reserve which surround the area.
Then you can hit the town itself. Don’t expect an Old Town here, much of Guernica was decimated during the war. But do expect cultural and historical significance, friendly locals, beautiful scenery and - if you visit on a Monday - the Basque country’s best market.
Fiestas, food, fun… the wonderful city of San Sebastián offers so much. And if you’re hungry for more, you’re perfectly placed to explore northern Spain’s other fine sights and cities.
