Visiting San Sebastián felt like stepping into a postcard — a city where elegance, culinary excellence, and seaside charm all come together in perfect harmony. Nestled in Spain’s Basque Country, close to the French border, this stunning coastal city is renowned for its sweeping beaches, world-class gastronomy, and old-world sophistication. We spent three days here, though we easily could have stayed a week, soaking in its relaxed atmosphere and exploring everything from its old streets to its Michelin-starred dining.
The city’s most iconic feature is La Concha Beach, a crescent-shaped bay framed by gentle hills and turquoise waters. It’s often called one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe — and for good reason. We spent hours strolling its elegant promenade, watching joggers, families, and surfers all enjoying the ocean breeze. From there, we hiked up Monte Igueldo for panoramic views that stretched across the bay and beyond — a must-see for anyone visiting.
The Old Town (Parte Vieja) of San Sebastián is another highlight, a maze of narrow streets packed with lively pintxo bars. Sampling pintxos — the Basque version of tapas — became an adventure of its own. Each bar had its specialties, from grilled prawns to creamy cod croquettes, all paired with crisp local cider or Txakoli wine. It’s no surprise that San Sebastián is considered one of the culinary capitals of the world, with more Michelin stars per square kilometer than nearly anywhere else.
Beyond food and beaches, we also explored Miramar Palace, once the royal family’s summer residence, and took a leisurely walk along the Zurriola Beach, popular with surfers and younger crowds. The city beautifully balances refinement and simplicity — a place where high culture meets laid-back coastal living.
San Sebastián is also easily accessible. We arrived from Bilbao, just over an hour’s drive away, but it’s also connected by train and bus from cities like Madrid (around 5 hours) or Bordeaux, France (roughly 3 hours).
What makes San Sebastián unique among European cities is its blend of Basque culture, seaside luxury, and culinary artistry. It’s a place to slow down, savor every bite, and enjoy the rhythm of life by the sea — a destination that captures both the soul and the senses.