Getting Oriented
San Sebastián is one of the biggest foodie hubs in Spain, famous for having the most Michelin restaurants per square meter in Europe. San Sebastián is in Northern Spain in Basque Country, an autonomous community and home to the Basque people, which stretches into southwestern France. Besides its gastronomy, the city's also a port and a coastal hub, known for its scenic beaches and promenade that borders the Bay of Biscay.
You can enjoy the city's historic old town teeming with pintxos bars (Northern Spain's version of tapas) that feature regional wine. Spain's famous La Rioja wine region is an easy day trip from the city, as are some of the country's most popular walking trails.
San Sebastián & Basque Country
As a city, San Sebastián has a distinct character, but it also plays a role in the larger Basque Country, which straddles the border of Spain and France.
E-Bike Tour of San Sebastián
Get to know San Sebastián like a local and with a bit of help from an e-bike to make the hills a little easier! A bike ride through the city helps you make the most out of your time and allows for additional exploration into the lesser-known areas, like the University Quarter and the Sports Quarter. Of course, you won't miss the must-see highlights, like La Concha beach, the main boulevard, and the views from atop Monte Igueldo. Read More
Discover Biarritz & French Basque Country
San Sebastián makes the perfect starting point for a little excursion across the French border. The Basque countryside continues into France, sprinkled with charming villages and some of the region's most beautiful coastline. Enjoy walking tours in the towns of Biarritz and Saint Jean de Luz, stop in the old whaling village of Guethary, admire the beaches (including Cote des Basques or Grand Plage), and head back to the city along the scenic coastal route between picturesque Socoa and Hendaye. Read More
Hike the Camino de Santiago: St.James Way
Many visitors head to Northern Spain to hike the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, a trek that takes about one month to complete. But you don't have to hike it all in one go; instead, enjoy one of the most scenic stretches, St. James Way, an easy route that takes you along the most beautiful Basque coastline. You'll start in Zarautz and pass through idyllic Txakoli Vineyards, then stop for a walking tour and wine tasting with pintxos in the town of Getaria. The second half of the hike takes you to Zumaia, where you can marvel at the Flysch, a stunning cliff created millions of years ago. Read More
Culinary Adventures
No trip to San Sebastián is complete without gastronomic experiences. Enjoy a cooking class to dive deep into the history and flavors of this foodie hub, and head out of the city for cheese and wine tastings.
Cooking Class
San Sebastián is a proper foodie city, so there's almost no better place in Spain to take a cooking class. This cooking experience starts in the city's buzzy Food Market, where you'll rub shoulders with fishmongers and local farmers before settling into an exclusive culinary studio. Your teacher is an acclaimed and rising star in the culinary world and will take you through the history of Basque gastronomy. Then, you'll roll up your sleeves and learn the secrets behind a few local recipes, enjoying your creations with a glass or two of local wine. Read More
La Rioja Day Trip
La Rioja is one of the most prized wine regions in Spain, and you can easily enjoy a day trip from San Sebastián. With the help of a local expert, you'll visit three wineries, including one of the most traditional cave cellars in the area, which weaves nearly 26 feet below ground. The Marques de Riscal cellar is one designed by Frank Gehry, the architect behind the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. After enjoying the wineries, scenery, and tastings, you'll walk through the medieval streets of Laguardia and have lunch at an authentic local restaurant. Read More
Visit to a Basque Cheese Farm
Spain's Basque Country is known for a lot of things, but perhaps the tastiest is its cheese. Venture into the countryside and visit a small cheese factory outside San Sebastián. You'll meet the sheep and pastors who produce this prized cheese, learning the entire process from start to finish. Then, enjoy tasting a few varieties of Basque cheese, paired with local wines and ciders. Read More
How to Craft the Perfect San Sebastián Itinerary
San Sebastián is a small city, but it sits in a fascinating region. How many days to spend in Spain depends on how much you want to see and do, but you only need a couple of days in San Sebastián. Spend the rest of your time in the countryside, at farms and vineyards, or enjoying beaches and coastal walks. Then head back to the city for delicious meals.
Of course, San Sebastián pairs well with other areas of Northern Spain, such as Bilbao, Galicia, and La Rioja. It's also relatively easy to combine Basque Country with Madrid and Barcelona. If you'd like to enjoy a tour of the country from north to south and add places like Seville or Granada to the mix, try to plan for at least two weeks in Spain.
Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries that include experiences in San Sebastián: