A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

San Sebastian: A Must-See Tourist Destination

San Sebastian, also known as Donostia in Basque, is a beautiful city located on the north coast of Spain, in the province of Guipúzcoa. With its unique charm, dreamy beaches, and rich culinary culture, this destination has become one of the most popular in the country.

Beaches of San Sebastian

One of the main attractions of San Sebastian are its beaches. La Concha Beach, with its shell shape and golden sand, is considered one of the best urban beaches in Europe. Here you can relax under the sun, enjoy a refreshing swim in its crystal clear waters, or take a walk along its beautiful promenade.

Another notable beach is Zurriola Beach, ideal for surf lovers. Its waves are perfect for practicing this sport and each year it attracts numerous surfers from all over the world. In addition, this beach has a lively area of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

The Old Town

The old town of San Sebastian, also known as Parte Vieja, is another tourist attraction that you cannot miss. Its narrow cobblestone streets are full of life and host a large number of pintxos bars, a deeply rooted culinary tradition in the city. Here you can taste a wide variety of delicious pintxos, small portions of food served on slices of bread.

In addition to the pintxos bars, in the old town you will also find numerous craft shops and fashion boutiques, where you can buy unique souvenirs and designer clothes.

Mount Urgull

If you are a lover of panoramic views, you cannot miss climbing Mount Urgull. From the top of this hill, you can enjoy stunning views of the city and La Concha Bay. In addition, at the top of the mountain is the Castillo de la Mota, a 12th-century fortress that houses a small museum and offers interesting exhibitions about the history of San Sebastian.

The San Sebastian International Film Festival

Another highlight in San Sebastian is its famous International Film Festival. For a week, the city is filled with glamour and renowned filmmakers arrive from all over the world to present their films. If you are lucky enough to visit San Sebastian during this festival, you can enjoy film screenings, red carpets, and the opportunity to see your favorite actors up close.

San Sebastian is a tourist destination that has it all: spectacular beaches, a rich culinary culture, historical charm, and renowned cultural events. Whether you are a lover of sun and beach, a passionate foodie, or a film enthusiast, this city will captivate you from the first moment.

Gastronomic Products of San Sebastian

• Pintxos

  Pintxos are one of the most famous specialties of San Sebastian. These small bites are served in the city's bars and are a true work of culinary art. Pintxos can be cold or hot, and are made with a wide variety of ingredients, such as seafood, meats, cheeses, and vegetables. You can't visit San Sebastian without trying some of its delicious pintxos.

• Biscayan Cod

  Biscayan cod is one of the most traditional dishes of Basque cuisine and can be found in many restaurants in San Sebastian. This dish consists of desalted cod cooked with a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onion, and garlic. The result is a tasty and comforting dish that reflects the essence of Basque gastronomy.

• Cheesecake

  Cheesecake is another of the emblematic desserts of San Sebastian. This delicious cake is made with fresh cheese, sugar, eggs, and a biscuit base. The result is a creamy and soft dessert, with an irresistible flavor. You can't leave San Sebastian without trying a slice of its famous cheesecake.

Sporting Activities in San Sebastián, Spain

Surfing

San Sebastián is known for its excellent surfing conditions. You can rent a board and take lessons at Zurriola beach, popular among local and international surfers.

Cycling

Cycling is a great way to explore San Sebastián and its surroundings. You can rent a bike and follow one of the many cycling routes, which will take you through beautiful landscapes and historical sites.

Hiking

San Sebastián is surrounded by beautiful mountains and hills, making it an ideal place for hiking. You can follow hiking trails that will take you through forests, along cliffs and up to summits with stunning views.

Rowing

Rowing is a traditional sport in San Sebastián and you can try it in the Concha Bay. You can also watch a traineras regatta, a very popular rowing competition in the Basque Country.

Places near San Sebastian (Spain)

If you are in San Sebastian and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Hondarribia, a charming coastal village in the Basque Country, will captivate you with its medieval architecture and dreamy beaches. In addition, you can delight in its exquisite cuisine, where pintxos and fresh fish dishes are the undisputed stars. A unique experience for lovers of tourism and good food!

Zarautz, a coastal paradise in the Basque Country, captivates with its beautiful golden sand beach and its delicious Basque cuisine. Enjoy its famous pintxos, savor the local txakoli and let yourself be seduced by the beauty of this charming tourist destination.

Getaria, a charming coastal town in the Basque Country, captivates visitors with its beautiful landscape, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Known for its famous grilled fish restaurants and exquisite txakoli, Getaria is a must-visit destination for lovers of good food and stunning views.