Make your winter holidays unforgettable with these options for delicious Christmas Day and Christmas Eve dinners in San Sebastian. The town slows down during the Christmas holidays when local shops and restaurants close up and donostiarras get ready to spend the holidays with their families. But no worries––there are still plenty of excellent restaurants for […]
Winter Wonderland: Visiting San Sebastian in December
This blog post was originally posted on November 27, 2017, and was updated on November 6, 2019. Basque traditions, familiar holiday celebrations and delicious food converge to create a winter wonderland here in San Sebastian in December. Most people might flock to the city’s sunny shores in the warmer months, but that just means that the […]
A Complete Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in San Sebastian
At Christmas time, San Sebastian turns into a fairytale land full of beautiful lights and magical Christmas markets. If you’re planning a trip to this northern Basque city around Christmastime, you can’t avoid the contagious holiday atmosphere that takes over the town in December. San Sebastian is known for the many local Christmas markets where […]
5 Great Spots to Try Vermouth in San Sebastian
Waking up your appetite like a local with a marianito among friends is a must when in the Basque Country. Trying out this controversial drink may not be the first thing on your to-do list when traveling in Spain. After all, for many of us, the word “vermouth” brings back images of that old Martini […]
Top Cooking Classes in San Sebastian: Traditional Food and More
The best way to immerse yourself in the culture of a new place is to dive right in. When food’s a part of the equation, it’s even better. That’s why we highly recommend cooking classes in San Sebastian (and any corner of the world that you’re visiting). Whether you’re looking to learn about pintxos (the […]
What to Do in San Sebastian in November
This blog post was originally posted on October 2, 2018 and was updated on October 2, 2019. Fall days get chillier and crisper late in the season, but that doesn’t mean you should skip visiting San Sebastian in November! In fact, if you’re looking for a true autumn experience, it’s the best time of year to […]
Txikiteo 101: 5 Steps To Master Bar Hopping in San Sebastian
The secret to eating pintxos like a local is to master the txikiteo, a Basque-style food crawl. In San Sebastian you can’t avoid seeing bar counters full of mouthwatering little pintxos, the local version of tapas. But it doesn’t end there. Basque people are also famous for creating a unique way of going out for […]
Our Favorite Things to Do in San Sebastian in October
When you visit San Sebastian in fall, you’ll miss the summer crowds and slip seamlessly into local life. Crisp temperatures ranging from 12–18 degrees C (54–65 degrees F) make autumn feel much more present than in warmer, more southerly parts of Spain. Throw in some spooky festivities, and you’ve got all the makings of fall […]
What Responsible Tourism in San Sebastian Looks Like
If you haven’t been to San Sebastian yet, we bet it’s on your radar. And you aren’t alone: the number of visitors to this city in northern Spain is increasing all the time. Overtourism in San Sebastian? “San Sebastian has many beautiful neighborhoods but tourism concentrates mostly in its Old Town,” said Ania, our Operations […]
San Sebastian in September: Our Favorite Activities & Events
This blog post was originally posted on July 30, 2018 and was updated on August 6, 2019. Unlike in the south of Spain, where temperatures still feel quite summery until October, San Sebastian actually takes on a magical fall feeling as autumn draws near. Aside from a bit of rain, the weather is mostly pleasant and […]
Pack Your Bags: Top Day Trips from San Sebastian
This blog post was originally posted on June 12, 2018 and was updated on July 12, 2019. With rugged mountain landscapes and stunning sea views, it’s easy to fall in love with San Sebastian and the surrounding region. We might be biased, but we like to think San Sebastian—or the Basque Country in general—is one […]
Behind the Bite: Idiazabal Cheese
This post is part of our Behind the Bite series: deep dives into the dishes that we can’t stop thinking about. Drive from San Sebastian out to the idyllic Basque countryside beyond city limits, and suddenly you’ll find yourself in another world. As the landscape gets even more lush and green and the sounds of Spanish […]
How to Enjoy San Sebastian in August
This blog post was originally posted on July 6, 2018 and was updated on July 1, 2019. If you plan on coming to San Sebastian in August, good choice—you couldn’t have picked a better time of year to visit. Gorgeous weather: check. Beaches: check. Lots going on: check. Suffice it to say that if you […]
The Ultimate Day Trip to Pamplona from San Sebastian
If you’ve seen or heard anything about Pamplona, it probably has to do with the famous Sanfermines festival—but the Navarrese capital has much more going for it. We’re talking a lively restaurant and bar scene, a stunning medieval old town, breathtaking natural landscapes and more—all just an hour south of San Sebastian. A day trip […]
Where to Eat in San Sebastian’s Centro Neighborhood
It’s no secret that San Sebastian is a foodie paradise if there ever was one. Whether you’re splurging at one of the myriad Michelin restaurants in San Sebastian or rubbing elbows with the locals at your neighborhood pintxos bar, this is a city meant to be experienced through taste. And no neighborhood embodies the essence […]
What is Txakoli? All About Basque Country’s Iconic Wine
No drink captures the essence of the Basque Country as perfectly as txakoli does. While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Spanish wine, txakoli (pronounced “cha-ko-LEE”) is more than just a drink throughout much of the region. This wine—which has transformed from a humble peasants’ drink […]
Basque Phrases & More: An Introduction to Europe’s Most Interesting Language
Fun fact: you shouldn’t always speak Spanish when in Spain. We know that sounds weird. Yes, Spanish is the official national language, and in most of the country, it is what you should be making an effort to speak. But that’s not always the case. A handful of Spain’s 17 autonomous regions have their own […]
San Sebastian in July: Top Activities for Summer Fun
This blog post was originally posted on June 29, 2018 and was updated on June 3, 2019. July may just be the best time of the year to visit San Sebastian! Summers here are much more mild than in most of the rest of Spain—throw in the fact that we’ve got some of the best […]
Welcome Summer: What to Do in San Sebastian in June
Summer is here, and the sunny shores of San Sebastian are calling your name. We’re kind of obsessed with the fabulous weather and great vibes present throughout San Sebastian in June, so it probably comes as no surprise that it’s one of the best times of year to visit. Yes, a lot of other people […]
Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Tortilla in San Sebastian
If you only eat one thing while here in Spain, be sure to make it a thick, gooey slice of tortilla de patatas. And there are many delicious places to enjoy tortilla in San Sebastian! With an ingredient list you can count on one hand that consists of mere pantry staples, the humble tortilla is […]