With over 400,000 annual visitors, San Sebastián, known to the natives as Donostia in the Bay of Biscay, is a stunning holiday destination known for its world-class cuisine.
This culinary paradise along the Basque coast is not only home to taste sensations it also has some pretty spectacular beaches to try alongside its pintxos.
So with our guide, we’ll give you a rundown of how to make the most of 3 days in San Sebastián and make sure you get the best of what it has to offer.
Day 1: Heading For the Beach
After the stress that the airport can bring, we recommend spending your first day relaxing. What better way to recharge than soaking up the sun in the Bay of Biscay?
The city of San Sebastián has a beautiful backdrop of famous beaches with clear ocean waters and golden sand. Here are our top 3:
The Classic Choice: La Concha Beach
La Concha is a picturesque crescent-shaped urban beachfront with calm waters and a charming promenade. There, you’ll find boutiques and cafes for a bite to eat. You can enjoy the sea for a swim or try your hand at paddleboarding.
Best For Families: Ondarreta Beach
If you want a peaceful, family-friendly option then you’ll find a gem tucked away at the western end of La Concha known as Ondaretta Beach. The children can marvel at the iconic Peine del Viento sculptures by Eduardo Chillida and take inspiration for building their own sandcastles in the sun.
For the Adventurers: Zurriola Beach: For the Adventurous Souls
Zurrieola is a little less calm, the waters here in the Gros District attract surfers from all corners of the world. The area is a little more vibrant there is always plenty going on and they offer beginner lessons for those brave enough to take the plunge.
Day 2: Take A Culinary Crawl
San Sebastián has the largest number of Michelin stars per capita and there is a reason they have so many award-winning bars, restaurants, and cafes.
The culinary culture in the Basque Country is much like that of its neighboring Spaniards. Their answer to tapas?-Pintxos!
Traditional Pintxos in Old Town (Parte Vieja)
For an authentic menu head to The Old Town, which is at the core of San Sebastián’s pintxos culture. The narrow streets are filled with bars full of character with plenty of traditional options to try that are both diverse and delicious.
Bar La Cepa is a great stop, famous for its traditional jamón ibérico, and for something a little more adventurous you can swing by Bar Zeruko.
Wherever you dine, be sure to try a glass of the local sparkling wine known as txakoli.
Modern Twists on Tradition in Gros District
For a modern take, you can head over to the Zurriola Bridge and find bars like Bodega Donostiarra and Hidalgo 56 where the kitchen staff are pushing Basque boundaries with their bitesize servings.
Navigate the Pintxos Scene Like A Local
Planning and navigating a pintxos crawl like a local can be tricky, but here are some tips.
Culturally, the natives will stop for bitesize pintxos at one destination before moving on to the next to enjoy a couple more rather than staying in one spot and eating their fill. So take a leaf from their books, pick one or two items max, and then move on.
Locals will be happy to give you a recommendation for where to head next and there are lots of great websites. At certain times there are even organized pintxo crawls.
Don’t forget that a phone number generator is a great way to coordinate with friends or family members and fill out application forms to participate in things while abroad without giving away your personal details.
Day 3: Cultural Gems and Coastal Walks
Before you bid the beautiful Basque town goodbye, it would be remiss not to take in some of the cultural and historical elements and sublime scenery.
Historical Hiking: Mount Urgull
For unparalleled panoramic views hike your way up Mount Urgull and check out the city’s historical fortifications. There you’ll find a statue of Christ protecting the bay and it’s the perfect chance to get out the camera.
A Deeper Cultrural Dive: San Telmo Museoa
Museums aren’t for everyone but the Basque culture is so richly different from many others and has an air of mystery surrounding it so the San Telmo Museoa has much to offer.
The displays blend modern and historical elements painting a rich picture of Basque traditions and the art and architecture are more than impressive.
Wrap-up With the Pathway of Paseo Nuevo
If it’s natural beauty that you’re after, then the scenic pathway at Paso Nuevo will make for a dramatic way to end your time in San Sebastián.
It encircles the base of Mount Urgull and has breathtaking coastal views; from there, you can walk to Miramar Palace Gardens and wave goodbye to La Concha Bay.
Conclusion
Whether it’s scenic walks, sun-soaked beaches, or a little taste of paradise, San Sebastián truly has it all.
In just 72 hours, you can have your trip chock-full of culture, sampling its culinary delights and breathtaking natural beauty.
So, get planning your pintxo crawl, and don’t worry about the bars you don’t fit in because you are sure to revisit the delicious destination.
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