Donostia-San Sebastian is famous the world over as a foodie destination. It is also a beautiful city with two amazing beaches. The city is a part of the Basque Country region of Spain. It sits in the northeast corner of Spain close to the French border.
It has a population of around 186,000. This number is boosted dramatically by tourists looking to experience the city and its food.
The best eating experience is to be found in the old town. There are literally hundreds of amazing places to enjoy a drink and amazing food. Pintxos are the Basque spin on tapas and what people mostly enjoy when eating in San Sebastian.
Unfortunately, the city’s popularity can cause its own problems. If you go to Donostia-San Sebastian in summer, especially towards the end of August, it is just too busy. Staff who have been working flat out all summer get tired and irritable. As a result, your experience can be less than perfect. That’s why I recommend that if you go to the city outside the main summer months, especially before summer, you will have a much better time. If you go immediately after summer you might still find the locals a little exhausted after the busy summer.
Even if you aren´t eating, Donostia-San Sebastian is a great place to spend some time. The city is unique in having not one but two awesome beaches right in the city. The city is also very easy to get around with plenty of broad paths and pedestrian areas. Depending on where you are staying, everything is within a 15 minute walk. And with those two beaches, there are also plenty of opportunities to mix enjoying great food with great water views.
One nice walk can be found on the northern banks of the river between the train station and Santa Catalina Bridge. On most days there are stalls set up selling various crafts and food. It is a relaxing change from the hustle of nighttime pintxos bars.
As well as eating, the beach and walking, there is an aquarium, the cathedral and museums to visit. Of course, there is no shortage of food and wine tours you can take if you don´t want to explore on your own.
“My tip for Donostia-San Sebastian is to try and visit before July and after August. Great food is available all year round. Even better if you can enjoy it without the crowds.”
Flights are available from Madrid and Barcelona to Donostia-San Sebastian with Vuelling as well as other European airlines. Ryanair flies to Biarritz in France which is then about a 45 minute drive away.
Madrid is about a 5 hour train trip away.
Vitoria-Gasteiz is a 1 hour 20 minute train trip away.
Pamplona is about a 2 hour trip.
Driving from Madrid will take about 5 hours.
The drive from Vitoria-Gasteiz will take about 1 hour 15 minutes.
From Pamplona its about a 1 hour 5 minute drive.
Bilbao is about a 1 hour 20 minute drive away.