The shimmering Basque coast
Madrid, Barcelona and Seville may be more famous, but the sophisticated and shimmering city of San Sebastian in the north of the country has quickly become the Spanish city of choice for those in the know, especially travellers guided by their taste buds.
This Basque seaside town sits at the mouth of the River Urumea, looking out onto the Bay of Biscay, with the natural beauty of Mount Urgull, Mount Ulia, Mount Adarra and Mount Igeldo at its back. Its covetable position has given rise to a lively beachfront that includes Playa de la Concha, renowned as one of the best beaches in Europe, and Playa de la Zurriola, a champion surfing destination. But it’s the city’s fabled elegant architecture, spacious plazas and plentiful green parks that have led to its moniker as the ‘Pearl of Northern Spain’.
San Sebastian, or Donostia as it’s known in Euskara, is where you’ll experience the unique and rich Basque culture, deliciously expressed in its cuisine. While you’re here, begin your feast with a large helping of pintxos, heavenly morsels of various dishes ranging from Spanish omelette to scampi, ham, chillies and risotto squares, traditionally, but not always, served resting on a slice of baguette. Next, you have the enviable task of deciding whether to go for a dish of the freshest seafood, Basque-style fore rib of beef or ‘Alubias de Tolosa’, a savoury, comforting bean broth.
Highlights
Surf on Playa de la Zurriola
Eat your share of pintxos
Lounge on Playa de la Concha – renowned as one of the best beaches in Europe
Visit the San Telmo Museoa of Basque culture and society
Get an aerial view of the city from the summit of Monte Igueldo
See the 18th century cannons and fortifications on Mount Urgull
San Sebastian offers a captivating blend of golden beaches and world-renowned culinary delights, making it a paradise for both sun-seekers and food enthusiasts. Its picturesque old town, vibrant festivals, and breathtaking coastal views provide an unforgettable experience.

Meg Simpson
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in San Sebastian
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Trip inspiration
Where to go

Andalusia
Andalusia possesses the most-varied terrain in all of Spain and boasts both a Mediterranean and an Atlantic coastline.
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Barcelona
Barcelona caters to every type of traveller, from honeymooners and beach lovers to art aficionados, foodies and culture hunters.
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Bilbao
Sophisticated, cosmopolitan, and vibrant, Bilbao is the modern face of the Basques.
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Catalonia and the Costa Brava
Along Catalonia’s rugged coast, the Costa Brava, secluded beaches are punctuated by fishing towns.
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Duero Valley Wine Region
With more than 300 wineries, there’s no chance of going thirsty. Each and every winemaker is immensely proud of their product and have their own secrets.
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Granada
Granada is as famous for its beautiful gardens and charming narrow streets as for its tavern-style nightlife and Flamenco-skilled gypsy artists.
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La Rioja Wine Region
Tucked away between the Basque Country, Navarre and Castilla y Leon, northern La Rioja may be small, but it’s full of spirit.
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Madrid
The Spanish capital is bursting with life and passion and through its well planned streets course Madrilenos, the city’s inhabitants.
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Malaga and the Costa del Sol
Malaga is best known for the Costa del Sol, a stretch of sandy coastline punctuated by Marbella and Puerto Banus Marina, as well as sleepier fishing villages.
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Mallorca
Beloved by Chopin, George Sand, Joan Miro, and other such luminaries, the largest of the Balearic Islands is nothing short of inspiring.
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Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is one of the country’s most culturally and historically significant cities.
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Seville
Seville has resurrected itself as the capital and largest city of Andalusia, full of Spanish grandeur.
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When to visit
San Sebastian is a year-round destination, but for your best chance of catching some sun, it’s best to go in the summer months (May to August).

Go hiking
June and September

Wine tasting
June

Calcot season
November–April
Spain travel guides
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