Situated on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s Basque region, only about 12 miles from the France–Spain border, sits the medium-sized, cosmopolitan city of San Sebastián. Its beaches beckon while its cuisine delights — the city is known for having a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. Travelers seeking a high- quality experience won’t be disappointed.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Three airports sit within about 70 miles of San Sebastián. U.S. travelers need to connect elsewhere in Europe. About 13 miles from city center, San Sebastián Airport services flights from Madrid (MAD) and Barcelona (BCN). The farthest, Bilbao Airport, receives flights from all over Europe, while Biarritz Airport, around 30 miles away, mostly serves flights from France. All three airports offer shuttle service to San Sebastián. Metro Donostialdea narrow-gauge train service connects San Sebastián to Bilbao and other cities along the Basque coast.
San Sebastián itself is made for walking — or biking, with its more than 40 miles of bike trails. Dbus city bus service allows passengers to pay on the bus with a credit card. A large fleet of modern taxis do not stop on the street, so find a taxi rank or call.
LODGING
Hotel Arbaso
Housed in a 19th-century Neoclassical-style, protected building, this boutique hotel’s Basque name translates to “ancestors” and relates to the hotel’s mission to offer an authentic experience of Basque culture and cuisine. The three sisters who own the hotel also named it for their father.
Hondarribia Kalea 24, Donostia-San Sebastián,
Gipuzkoa, Spain, tel 34 843 93 14 00
Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastián
This hotel has history. Opened in 1912 and a long-time favorite of royalty and aristocrats, it was designed by Charles Mewes, the man behind the Ritzes in Madrid and Paris. Its Belle Époque architecture ensures the ultimate in comfort for guests, alongside multiple dining options.
Paseo República Argentina 4, Donostia-San Sebastián,
Gipuzkoa, Spain, tel 34 943 43 76 00
Zinema7 Hotel
San Sebastián International Film Festival is a yearly highlight in the city, and this hotel brings the movies to life. Each space in the hotel, including all the guestrooms, honors various movies and stars. Situated in the Amara neighborhood, the hotel lies near Old Town attractions.
Familia Santua Kalea 1, Donostia-San Sebastián,
Gipuzkoa, Spain, tel 34 943 44 50 00
DINING
Akelarre
With a superlative of one of the few 3-Michelin-star restaurants in the world with its own hotel, Akelarre has maintained three stars since 2007, with two for 25 years before that. Guestrooms, a spa and a new bar-restaurant came in 2017.
Padre Orkolaga Ibilbidea 56, Donostia-San
Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain, tel 34 943 31 12 09
akelarre.net
Arzak
Arzak’s roots date back to 1897, when Juan Mari Arzak’s grandparents built the house where their restaurant still stands today. Arzak took over the restaurant with his mother in 1966, earning its first star in 1974. Today he shares the responsibility alongside his daughter Elena.
Alcalde J. Elosegi Hiribidea 273, Donostia-San
Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain, tel 34 943 27 84 65,
Casa Urola’s philosophy is traditional cuisine “renovated,” using a charcoal grill to enhance the flavors of fresh produce. Permanent and seasonal hot and cold pinxtos are prepared to order, with wines of various origins waiting to be paired.
Fermin Calbeton Kalea 20, Donostia-San
Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain, tel 34 943 44 13 71
ATTRACTIONS
Get Outdoors
San Sebastián offers a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy. Soak up the rays on beaches like La Concha or surf in the Atlantic Ocean with surf schools such as Pukas Surf Eskola. Hike to the summit of Monte Urgull to see the ruins of Castillo de la Mota, and enjoy green spaces in parks such as Parque de Cristina Enea or Parque de Alderdi Eder.
Pintxos Bar-Hopping
Cuisine is king in San Sebastián, and what better way to celebrate a pivotal part of the culture than by taking a self-led pintxos bar crawl? In Basque Country, it’s pintxos rather than tapas. These small snacks served in bars perfectly complement a glass of wine or beer.
San Telmo Museum
In the heart of old town and housed in a former Dominican monastery recently enhanced with a 21st-century addition, the museum displays the arts, history and context of Basque culture, both old and modern. Permanent exhibits include The Challenges of Our Society, The Awakening of Modernity and Footprints in Memory.
Plaza Zuloaga 1, Donostia-San Sebastián,
Gipuzkoa, Spain, tel 34 943 48 15 80
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