Where Coastal Beauty Meets Belle Époque Elegance
San Sebastián, known as Donostia in Basque, is a beautiful mix of beaches, hills, and city life. This coastal treasure, located in the Basque Country, has a special combination of…
San Sebastián, known locally as Donostia, is a jewel of Spain’s northern coast. Featuring its Belle Époque architecture, coastal paths, and the striking backdrop of the green Basque mountains, this elegant city provides an irresistible mix of cultural richness, michelin-starred restaurats, and natural beauty.
San Sebastián has more Michelin stars per capita than nearly any other place in the world. Dining here is more than just food; it’s like a performance where every dish shares a story using careful technique and local flavors. Make sure to book early at places like Arzak, Akelarre, or Martín Berasategui.
Discover the authentic taste of Basque Country through its markets and kitchens. Begin your morning at Zumaia’s local market, where you’ll handpick fresh seafood, vegetables, and local specialties with your Basque chef guide. Then, join….
Participa en un taller privado de cocina en un txoko (sociedad gastronómica), aprendiendo a preparar platos tradicionales junto a un cocinero local.
….Excursión a una sidrería cercana (Asteasu, Aduna o Hernani) para conocer el proceso de elaboración y disfrutar de una comida tradicional con sidra al txotx. + “Sabores del Oria” – Degustación privada de productos locales….
If you’re looking for something more relaxed but just as authentic, head to the nearby cider houses or local restaurants. You’ll get to pour your own cider directly from huge barrels and enjoy classic dishes like chorizo cooked in cider and hefty txuleta steaks.
The city’s beaches are its soul. La Concha, with its perfect crescent shape and calm waters, ranks among Europe’s most beautiful urban beaches. Neighboring Ondarreta offers a quieter alternative, while Zurriola Beach in the Gros district attracts surfers with its waves. For breathtaking views, climb Monte Urgull on foot, following paths through gardens and past historic fortifications. Alternatively, ride the funicular up Mount Igueldo for sunset panoramas that sweep from the city to the distant Pyrenees.
San Sebastián’s calendar explodes with cultural celebrations. The Tamborrada (January 20th) transforms the entire city into a percussion symphony, with thousands of residents drumming through the streets in traditional costume for 24 straight hours. Throughout the year, the striking glass cubes of the Kursaal Congress Centre host concerts, film screenings during the prestigious San Sebastián International Film Festival (September), and theatrical performances that showcase both local and international talent.
San Sebastián’s crown jewel since 1912, the Hotel María Cristina exudes Belle Époque grandeur beside the Urumea River. Its high-ceilinged suites, cinematic history, and haute Basque-Asian dining make it an icon of timeless elegance steps from La Concha Beach.
Overlooking La Concha Bay, Nobu brings minimalist luxury and panoramic serenity to San Sebastián. Sleek interiors, the world-renowned Nobu restaurant, and Japanese-inspired wellness create an atmosphere of refined cosmopolitanism.
Facing the harbor, Lasala Plaza celebrates maritime heritage with modern Basque sophistication. Its rooftop pool, sea-view suites, and local gastronomy embody the city’s chic coastal allure.
A three-Michelin-starred temple of gastronomy, Akelarre is where chef Pedro Subijana transforms Basque tradition into modern art. With sweeping views of the Bay of Biscay, guests experience a symphony of innovation, flavor, and beauty. Each dish tells a story of the sea and land, celebrating the essence of Guipúzkoa with unmatched refinement.
Led by the legendary Arzak family, this three-Michelin-star restaurant is synonymous with creative excellence. A pioneer of New Basque Cuisine, Arzak blends innovation and emotion to craft unforgettable culinary journeys. Guests are welcomed into a warm, elegant atmosphere that feels both avant-garde and deeply personal, a true icon of world gastronomy.
Two Michelin stars and countless accolades define Mugaritz, yet it’s true magic lies in its daring creativity. Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz invites guests to question, taste, and feel, each dish a poetic expression of nature and imagination. Set amid rolling hills near San Sebastián, it’s an experience beyond dining, it’s art.
San Sebastián, known as Donostia in Basque, is a beautiful mix of beaches, hills, and city life. This coastal treasure, located in the Basque Country, has a special combination of…
Picture this: you’re standing on La Concha beach at sunset, the Belle Époque architecture glowing golden behind you, and you’re already planning which three-Michelin-starred restaurant to book for tomorrow night.…
