Spain // Pintxos Food frenzy in San Sebastian

Ohhh we ate a lot in San Sebastian… A LOT! And rightfully so I might add :) ! San Sebastian a.k.a. Donostia (in Basque) is famous for being the culinary center of the world, it has more Michelin stars per head than anywhere else on earth! The city just oozes food, everywhere you look pintxos are just an arm’s length away… dangerously irresistible…

Maybe you’re not familiar with the name pintxos just yet, so let me explain. A pintxo (or pincho) is a small snack (though this term doesn’t even begin to honour the effort put into its look and flavour) served in almost every single bar in San Sebastian and the Basque country where the city is located.

It’s similar to the better known tapas, but in smaller portions. Only one or two bites per pintxo, resulting in a lot more variation per meal. So here’s how it works: You arrive in a bar, get a drink, get a plate, and then just start picking out several pintxos that are displayed on the counter. After this you either sit down (but spaces are usually very limited), or have yourself one hell of a walking dinner meets pub crawl.

Of course, San Sebastian is not just about the food… it’s a gorgeous coastal city, located in the north of Spain, just 20 km from the French border. San Sebastian is also known as Donostia, as it’s located in the Basque part of Spain.

The Old Town (Parte Vieja) is very lively, full of excellent grocery stores. Make sure you stroll across the beautiful Plaza de la Constitución at the heart of the city while you’re there. And if you’re willing and able (after eating and drinking away all night) get up early and walk along Bahía de la Concha, and soak up the special early morning vibes and smells of San Sebastian. This is also the best place to have some breakfast with a view!

Make sure you stop by the old fishing port at the Northern part of the city, for a picturesque stroll and excellent seafood restaurants!

Another definite must-do when you’re in San Sebastian, is going up Monte Igueldo. From the summit you have a jaw-dropping panoramic view over the city and the surrounding mountains. In order to get there you can take a charming funicular railway that goes up to the Parque de Atracciones. Yes, there is a mini amusement park on the mountain! A little outdated and mostly for small children, you pay a few euro’s for each individual ride.