Spain’s Basque country has long been a popular choice for domestic tourists, but recent years have seen a growth in international tourism, and one destination in particular is enjoying its growing reputation as a fashionable getaway, especially for the gastronomic minded. San Sebastian, the coastal city located in the north-east of the region has a lot to offer its visitors, whether it’s those in search of a cultural weekend away or those who want a relaxing week on one of Europe’s finest beaches.

With good transport links to Biarritz airport, located 30miles to the east in south-western France, San Sebastian’s geographical location means the city enjoys a pleasant climate most of the year, with winter days still averaging around 10°C and summer temperatures hovering around 25°C. For those who prefer exploring their destination without frying in 35°C heat like much of Southern Europe during the summer months, San Sebastian would be an attractive choice.

Playa de la Concha has helped put the city on the map and regardless of any visitors reasoning behind a trip to San Sebastian, the beach is a must see. Recently voted 82nd in CNN’s World’s 100 best beaches and often recognised as the finest urban beach in Europe, La Concha is charmingly located in front of a promenade that follows the curve of the bay and is home to a selection of bars and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat at lunchtime or enjoy an early evening drink with stunning views. For those in need of some adventure, Zurriola beach, situated to the east of La Concha, is a prominent surfing spot and the waters are dotted with thrill-seeking surfers all year round.

Each year, San Sebastian plays host to one of the biggest weeks in the film industry calendar when it welcomes numerous Hollywood actors and directors to the San Sebastian International Film Festival. Held every September, the event attracts industry bigwigs and tourists alike, hoping to attend one of the many screenings that feature over the week-long event. Held at the Kursaal Congress Centre on the mouth of the Urumea River, the festival is now in its 61st year and shows no signs of slowing.



September is a busy time in San Sebastian’s cultural calendar as aside from the film festival, the city also celebrates Basque week. Held at the beginning of the month, the event is a fantastic chance for visitors to absorb the area’s culture and gain an insight into the region’s history. The highlight of the celebration is the Flag of La Concha rowing race, where teams from Spain’s northern coast compete for the Kontxako Bandera (Basque spelling). With the event regularly drawing crowds of 100,000, finding a good viewing spot can be somewhat of a struggle.

Like the rest of Spain, food plays a major part in the Basque’s culture, and the locals of San Sebastian are no exception. It doesn’t come as a surprise that the city is famed for its selection of pintxo bars, and just by turning a corner you’re likely to find one. The Basque equivalent of tapas, pintxos are a great accompaniment when sampling one of the local riojas, and averaging between €2 and €4 a dish, it would be rude not to line your stomach with some traditional kokotxas (hake glands in a green sauce) or sample the percebe (goose barnacles), a real Spanish delicacy. For those with deeper pockets, San Sebastian is home to two restaurants recently voted in the world’s top ten. Mugaritz and Arzak came fourth and eighth respectively in the 2013 list.

There is no shortage of accommodation in the city, with guesthouses and hotels to suit all budgets. Prices are reasonable with some four star hotels starting at €65 a night (£55) for a double room.  For those looking to stay in luxury, the Hotel Maria Cristina is often recognised as the best hotel in San Sebastian, and with its seafront location and grand architecture, it’s easy to see why. Prices at the Maria Cristina start from €262 (£219) for a double.

With its stylish architecture and passion for all things cultural, it comes as no surprise that San Sebastian is in line to be the 2016 European Capital of Culture.  As a city that can offer its visitors a unique break, mixing long days on the beach followed by a short stroll to the bustling pintxo bar lined backstreets, San Sebastian is an ideal destination for those who like to combine the quintessential beach getaway with a refreshing city break.

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Written by Nick Ford
Travel writer – Currency Today