San Sebastian is a popular place to stay at the start or end of our cycling holidays in the region. It is a beautiful city with fantastic beaches, and is renowned for its incredible gastronomy.
Below are just a few of the highlights that you can visit in the city:
La Concha Beach
San Sebastian is home to several excellent beaches, but by far the longest and most popular is La Concha. Situated next to the historic center, it is a beautiful sandy beach that gently curves around the sheltered bay.
In the summer the small harbour is dotted with yachts and fishing boats, and it is a very popular place with both locals and visitors to relax or sunbathe.
Gastronomy in San Sebastian
In the last couple of decades, San Sebastian's gastronomy has gained international recognition. And it is well earned. Whether you eat in some of the Michelin star restaurants, or visit the local pintxos bars, you can find excellent food and drink throughout the city.
Pintxos are the staple here. The old town is full of small bars, whose counters are filled with plates of incredibly tasty pintxos using all kinds of local and international ingredients. Join the locals in bar-hopping; sip a local txakoli wine or beer while eating a couple of the finest pintxos in each place, before moving onto the next place.
If fine cuisine is more your thing, then San Sebastian also has excellent options. The city and surroundings are home to some of the best rated restaurants in the world, including Mugaritz, Arzak and
Martin Berasategui. The multi course tasting menus at these places are not cheap, but are among the best meals you can find in the world.
Cider Houses
Another key part of San Sebastian's gastronomic scene are the Cider Houses. Cider, rather than wine or beer, is the traditional Basque drink - as apples have historically grown easily in the region. But during the 20th century, the cider houses also
took on a political significance. They served as underground meeting places for Basques who opposed the fascist regime of Francisco Franco, and became an even more important part of the local culture.
All cider houses serve the same traditional menu. First up is an appetizer of Chorizo cooked in cider. Next, two fish dishes are served: a tortilla (omelette) full of cod and another plate of fried cod with green peppers. The main course is a barbecued T-bone steak, seared at very high temperatures to keep it incredibly juicy. Finally, for desert, you can enjoy the local Idiazabal cheese, with walnuts and quince jelly.
It is quite the feast, and is all washed down with copious amounts of cider and water (although other drinks are available). Depending on the time of year, you can also partake in txotx - which is drinking the cider directly from the large storage barrels and is something of a ritual ceremony!
Most cider houses are located on the edge of San Sebastian, in the less touristy suburbs to the south of the city. We visit one on our guided cycling holiday in the Basque country; and we highly recommend visiting as well if you go on a self-guided trip.
Town Hall & Historic Center
San Sebastian is one of Spain's newer cities, but it can still count on nearly 800 years of history. Although, regrettably, much of the original city was destroyed in the early 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars.
Napoleon's forces had captured it in 1808, as they looked to expand the French empire through Europe. Five years later, it was relieved by combined British and Portuguese forces (led by the Duke of Wellington). The protected natural harbour and Mota Castle proved a tough nut to crack though, and led to a lot of frustration amongst the relief force.
When they finally re-took the city, they were in a frenzied mood and burned it to the ground. Many residents were killed, having been blamed for assisting Napoleon. And the copious supplies of brandy and wine that were looted both literally and metaphorically added fuel to the fire.
The result was that little of San Sebastian was left standing. The city was soon rebuilt, but, as a result, even the narrow streets of the old town and the imposing cathedral are less than two hundred years old.
Monte Igeldo - Basque Countryside
San Sebastian is surrounded by stunning countryside. The rolling green hills that are so typical of the Basque country rise up on all sides. Jaizkibel to the east is a popular spot with hikers and cyclits, and offers nice views looking towards Biarritz and the coast of France. While Monte Igeldo, to the east, is home to a small amusement park from which
you can enjoy classic views overlooking the city and its bay.
If you wish to add some nights in San Sebastian as an extension to your tour, please enter the details on the tour reservation form, or contact us to discuss your options.
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