^{May 6 – 9, 2017}

The sixth stop on our European tour back in 2017. We wanted to hit up northern Spain and experience the amazing Pinxtos we had heard so much about.

We took the train from Madrid to San Sebastian using the very easy and affordable Renfe train website. It was about a 5.5 hour train ride. Ticket cost us 54 euros which wasn’t super pricey in our minds. The train was comfortable and allowed for some catch up nap time, book reading and gazing at the passing views.

This beach town was easy to maneuver and we explored the area on foot and rented the local electric bikes which was super fun. Once we figured out how to rent them that is. There were tons of people out doing active things, like biking, running and surfing.

The architecture and beauty of this beach town was a joy to explore on foot and on bike. The views were picturesque and the people super friendly.

During one of our walks we happened upon a street party, which truly added to the charm of the city.

Koisi hostel KH – We chose a hostel more up on the hill in the (Antiguo area) which was about a 30 minute walk from the train station. It was clean and affordable, it had a very modern design and had great ratings on hostelworld. The uphill climb was definitely worth it.

Parte Vieja – which is the Old Town of San Sebastian. Filled with narrow cobblestone roads, housing the best Pinxtos (similar to tapas) bar hopping experience. Plenty of bachelor parties going on which we didn’t realize was a thing. We ran into a few on our adventures in the Parte Vieja. There was beautiful architecture everywhere you looked and amazing food served all day long, this area is great even if your not into the late night scene.

La Concha Beach – the sprawling beach in the middle of San Sebastian. The promenade is a lovely and picturesque walk lined with the famous decorative white iron barrier.

Monte Urgull – this hill bookends La Concha to the eastern side. We hiked up here and found a lovely castle with some panoramic views that were pretty special.

Pinxtos – pronounced ‘pinchos’ are lighter bites similar to tapas. The Pinxtos in San Sebastian are said to be the best in Basque country and a world famous bar hopping culinary experience. That everyone will enjoy. Sidenote: Covid-19 was not a thing back then, not sure how this is being handled now during this time.

Michelin star restaurants – we ourselves didn’t partake in any fine-dining but San Sebastian does have more Michelin rated restaurants than anywhere else in Spain. If fine dining is your thing reservations are required months in advance and we did not plan that far ahead nor did we bring appropriate attire in our backpacks. Here’s the short list:

• Three star – Akelare, Arzak and Martín Berasategui
• Two star – Mugaritz
• One star – Alameda, Zuberoa, Kokotxa, Mirado de Ulía, eMe Be Garrote

Txakoli– a crisp clean local white wine from the Getaria region. I regret not bringing a bottle home, since I can’t seem to find it on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

Zarutz – we decided on a day trip to some small coastal towns a short train ride from San Sebastian. We stopped in Zarutz first for a lovely beachside coffee with an assortment of pinxtos, of course. This long stretch of beach was absolutely gorgeous and filled with sunbathers and surfers.

Getaria – We then walked an hour along the promenade from here to the small fishing town of Getaria. A lot of the bars had fresh fish and grills cooking the catch of the day as well as seafood inspired pinxtos. It was a lovely day filled with pinxtos, cappucinos, txakoli wine and lovely scenery.

The true beauty of San Sebastian lies in it’s hospitality and ambiance. This visit to this beachside town lived up to all it’s hype and more. It was a truly special visit and I would definitely go back again someday.