SpainSan Sebastian, or Donostia in Basque, is a belle-epoque resort curled around the perfect scallop-shaped bay of La Concha, and it may be the finest place to eat in Spain. The Old Town (Parte Vieja) packs an astonishing density of pintxos bars where the ritual is to graze one or two bites and a small glass of txakoli or cider, then move on. Do not sit and order a full meal here; the joy is the crawl, elbows on the bar, pointing at the counter spread. Beyond the food, this is a city of beaches and green hills: walk the promenade of La Concha, ride the funicular up Monte Igueldo, and climb Monte Urgull for the bay view. The rhythm is relaxed and coastal, with pintxos bars busiest around 13:00 and again from 20:00. Book ahead if you want one of the temple-of-gastronomy Michelin kitchens in the hills. Bring a rain jacket even in summer, because the Atlantic weather turns quickly, and let the tides and the bar counters set your pace.
Day plans
Pick your trip length. The full 1-day plan is free, members unlock the 3 and 7-day plans.
Ease into the day the Basque way; the almond-cream pastel vasco or a palmera pairs well with a cortado.
Go at low tide when the beach is widest; the white balustrade and the bay are at their best in morning light.
The vintage funicular runs to the old amusement park at the top; the postcard panorama of La Concha is the reward.
