Travel

Things to Do in San Sebastian

What should you do on a trip to San Sebastian, in the Basque Country? The best things to do in San Sebastian unsurprisingly revolve around the city's two most famous features - its grand culinary tradition and its excellent beach. Read on to find out my pick of the best things to do in San Sebastian.

1. Eat Pintxos

Image: (c) Damian Corrigan

'Pintxo' is the Basque word for tapas. The pintxos in San Sebastian are the best in Spain, with only Seville as a possible rival.

See also: San Sebastian Pintxos Bars

2. Enjoy San Sebastian's Beaches

San Sebastian has what could be the best city beach in the whole of Europe. In fact, it has several beaches. The Playa de la Concha is great for sunbathing, while Playa de la Zurriola is perfect for surfing.

3. Climb Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo

Climbing up either of San Sebastian's 'mountains' (some would call them big hills) is a refreshing break from the busy city below. A giant Jesus statue is your reward for climbing Monte Urgell, an amusement park for reaching the summit of Igueldo.

4. Visit a Cider House

Image: (c) Damian Corrigan

Though the Asturians claim Spanish cider for themselves, the Basques also have a fine tradition of the appley stuff. Basque cider houses invariably have a menu featuring cod, excellent steak and of course, lots and lots of cider (as much as you feel you can manage). See pictures of my visit to a Basque Cider House

5. Nightlife in the Old Town

Largely because of its beach and good surf, San Sebastian has become very popular with Australian youths, who have been scientifically proven to actually evaporate if they are kept away from the sea for too long. And with them they've brought that quaint antipodean tradition of drinking until unconsciousness.

If that doesn't appeal to you, don't worry, the Basques like to drink too, and in relative moderation. The Parte Vieja (old town) area is ideal for a few beers with your pintxos.

6. Take a Day Trip

If you stay in San Sebastian the whole time, you've not really seen the Basque Country. The obvious choice is Bilbao, but why restrict yourself to Spain? Biarritz is not far away either.

7. Visit the Jazz and Film Festivals

The San Sebastian Film Festival in September is possibly the most famous film festival in Europe after Cannes, while the Jazz Festival in July is second-to-none. Book well in advance to get the best hotels at this time of year.

See also: Cheap San Sebastian Hotels

8. The Rekondo Wine Collection

The Rekondo wine collection is among the finest in the world. Though there are French wine collections that are bigger, they only house French wines. The Rekondo collection has wine from all over the world.

Arrange a visit to the Rekondo wine collection with the San Sebastian Food gastronomy tour company.

9. Take a Cookery Course

With so much fine food to sample in San Sebastian, where better than to take a cookery course? Again, San Sebastian Food can arrange this for you.

10. Chillida-Leku Museum

A fine open-air sculpture museum just outside of San Sebastian.