- By Barbara Hyland
If you plan a trip to Europe this summer, don’t miss San Sebastian in northern Spain. This heavenly city is ideal for families, a couples getaway, or your yearly girl’s trip! Home to beautiful churches, many Michelin restaurants, and breathtaking beaches… San Sebastian has it all! I recommend staying in the “centro” part of the city since it is modern and close to several attractions that the city has to offer.
Day 1
After settling in, start your first day with lunch at Mariñela in the Port of San Sebastian. This restaurant offers fresh and delicious seafood. Everything is amazing, but I recommend the calamari, merluza, and oysters. Save room for dessert at Arnoldo Ice Cream next door!
Next, hike up to Urgulleko Polboriña. The hike is long, but the view of San Sebastian is worth it. It’s a perfect spot for a drink on a sunny day. The top of the mountain has a stunning Sacred Heart monument if you’re interested in passing by to see it!
For dinner and a night out, head to the “Old Town” to try San Sebastian’s famous pinchos (small, flavorful delicacies). Bar hopping to sample different pinchos was my favorite part of San Sebastian. Here are three must-visit places:
Atari: Try the Foie with white chocolate pincho. It is to die for!
Ssua: Get the ham croquetas. They are the best ones I have tried in all of Spain! Gandarias: Must-try pinchos include solomillo (especially for steak lovers), foie a la plancha, and chipiron. The stuffed pepper with spider crab filling is also fantastic. Tip 1: the items made in the back are fresher than those on display.
Tip 2: If another pinchos place is full, chances are it’s good!
Day 2
If you’re working on your tan or looking for a fun activity for the kids, “La Concha Beach” should be on your itinerary. For a more secluded spot favored by locals, consider going to “Zurriola Beach” instead. Either way, I recommend grabbing breakfast to go and enjoying your morning by the water—these beaches are a refreshing change from Miami.
In the afternoon, visit the Basilica of Santa María del Coro, which dates back to the 12th century and is impressive inside and out. My favorite part was hearing the story behind the depiction of San Sebastián at the entrance.
After a long day in the sun, nothing beats a great dinner. If you’re a foodie like me, make sure to reserve a Michelin-starred restaurant in advance. We enjoyed the one-star restaurant “Alameda,” which offers sensational contemporary Basque cuisine. I can’t recommend it enough!
Day 3
For your final day, walk around the “Centro” and “Gros” in the morning. You’ll find plenty of stores to pick up the perfect souvenir! I especially enjoyed the charming boutique jewelry shops.
For your last meal in San Sebastián, have lunch at Kofradia, a fantastic restaurant specializing in seasonal seafood. During my visit, it was “berdela” season, so we enjoyed berdela croquetas and salted berdela. The fish was tender and packed with flavor—definitely worth a visit.
If you have some extra time, Kofradia is right next to the Boat Rentals Marina. It’s perfect for families or friends, offering stunning scenery unlike anything in Miami. I recommend renting a boat after lunch to catch the sunset. This experience truly makes for the best farewell to San Sebastián. Don’t miss it!
