San Sebastián Donostia has become a very popular tourist destination because of its splendid beaches, its culture and, of course, its exquisite food. In this article, we will explore everything this spot in northern Spain has to offer. Discover why visitors from all over the world are fascinated with this beautiful city!
What is there to see in San Sebastián Donostia?
For many years, San Sebastián and tourism have gone practically hand in hand. And for good reason. This city has many delights worth discovering first hand.
If you don’t know what to see in San Sebastián during your holiday, we recommend you begin your adventure by walking through San Sebastián’s old town. It is, of course, the best starting point to experience the atmosphere and authentic local culture. This part of the city is famous for its narrow streets, its architecture and the many restaurants, bars and shops packed into every corner.
Another highly recommended place to visit is, without a doubt, the Miramar Palace. This imposing English-style 19th century mansion was built as a summer residence in honour of queen Maria Christina of Habsburg. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful park that is perfect for strolling through, and it has an incredible view of the sea.
If you like nature and enjoy the outdoors, don’t miss out on a trip to Monte Igueldo. There are spectacular views of the entire city and La Concha bay from this mountain. You can go up by car or, if you prefer, you can use the cable car to climb the 180 metres to the summit. In fact, the cable car dates back to 1912. No time at all! In just a few minutes you’ll reach the top, where a theme park and an 18th century tower await.
Beaches in San Sebastián, Spain
La Concha is an essential stop if you’re thinking about visiting Donostia. And this white sand urban beach is actually one of the most beautiful in the whole of Europe. It’s no wonder to us that Spanish pop group La Oreja de Van Gogh would dedicate La canción más bonita del mundo (The most beautiful song in the world) to this lovely place.
As well as taking a dip in the cold waters of the Cantabrian Sea, you can also walk all along the promenade. This walkway, by the way, has a modernist style with white railings, and is lined by lampposts. Of course, it’s the ideal activity for taking in the views. On one side, you have the beautiful buildings from the Belle Époque and, on the other, the sea and the island of Santa Clara.
Another of the most appealing beaches in San Sebastián, Spain is Zurriola beach. If you’re a surfing fan, this is the ideal spot to indulge in your passion. Zurriola beach is famous for its good waves.
Finally, Ondarreta beach is another of the most unique spots in the entire city. From here, you can contemplate the El Peine del Viento (The Comb of the Wind) collection of sculptures by Eduardo Chillida. It is anchored directly onto the rocks and, along with the swell of the sea, it creates a silhouette that is full of beauty and strength. No doubt, it will invite you to reflect.
What is the cuisine like in San Sebastián and the Basque Country?
San Sebastián and the Basque Country have the honour of being one of the main places in Spain known for their culinary prestige. Donostia, in particular, is a city that is famous for its incredible restaurants and tapas bars, which offer a wide variety of traditional and modern dishes.
A good plan for discovering the city, and its cuisine at the same time, is to take a trip around the best pintxos (Basque style tapas) bars found in San Sebastián’s old town. We recommend such delicacies as the cod pintxo , the txistorra (spicy cured sausage) pintxo, the anchovy pintxo, the txangurro (crab) pintxo or the classic Spanish omelette pintxo.
Once you have trained your palate in these iconic premises, you can visit some of Donostia’s restaurants that have Michelin stars. These include Arzak, Martín Berasategui and Akelarre, all of which have three stars; Mugaritz and Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, both of which have two; or Kokotxa by Daniel López, Alameda and Elkano, which have been recognised with one star. As you can see, you have many options for a top-notch culinary experience.
In any case, it’s clear that this enchanting city is the perfect destination for those who want a truly unique experience and, at the same time, want to enjoy the culture, the cuisine, the nature and the history of one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. With its unparalleled natural beauty, its vibrant culture and its delicious flavours, San Sebastián Donostia is a magical place you can’t miss out on. Book now at our accommodation options and start to plan your next adventure!
