Whilst San Sebatian’s picturesque beach fronts often steal the spotlight, it’s usually the more unique things that the city offers that leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Alongside a list of endless things to see in the city, San Sebastian has a fairly unique culture, thanks to its Basque heritage.
If you want to make the most of your time here, we’d recommend checking out some of the experiences below that you’ll struggle to find in any other cities.
Unique Basque Experiences to try on a trip to San Sebastian
Below are some of our top recommendations for things to do whilst in the city that you won’t find anywhere else!
There’s something for everyone. From foodies, to sports enthusiasts and history buffs.
1. Pintxo Tour in the Old Town
For a truly exceptional culinary experience in San Sebastián, look no further than a Pintxo Tour.
The Private Gourmet Pintxo Tour from San Sebastian Pintxos offers an unparalleled way to explore the city’s famous pintxo scene.
This tour takes you through some of the best pintxo bars in the Old Town, providing VIP access with booked tables and no queues.
But what sets this tour apart is its flexibility and personalisation. You can tailor the experience to your tastes, ensuring that everyone—from families to food enthusiasts with particular needs—can fully enjoy the culinary delights.
The tours are led by knowledgeable local guides who speak multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, and German)
You’ll not only taste a variety of exquisite pintxos, but also gain insights into the cultural significance of these dishes.
2. Cooking Class: Learn Basque Gastronomy
For those eager to delve deeper into Basque cuisine, Kookin Donosti’s “Basque Cuisine Kookin Class” offers an immersive and hands-on experience.
The class begins with a visit to the local market, where you’ll select fresh, high-quality ingredients essential for crafting authentic Basque dishes.
Once back at Kookin, you’ll roll up your sleeves and get to work on four of the most traditional and iconic recipes from the Basque Country.
Under the guidance of experienced chefs, you’ll learn to prepare:
- Cod Omelette
- Hake in green sauce
- Ribeye steak with Piquillos peppers
- and for dessert, a delicious Caramelized “Torrija” (Spanish-style French toast)
The dynamic class is entirely hands-on, ensuring that you’re involved in every step of the cooking process.
As each dish is completed, you’ll have the opportunity to sit down and savour your creations, paired with carefully selected regional wines.
The experience is not just about following recipes, it’s about understanding the culinary traditions that define Basque culture.
By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with new skills, recipes, and a deeper appreciation for the rich flavours of the Basque Country!
3. Boat Tour to Santa Clara Island
Just a short boat ride away from the city lies Santa Clara Island.
This small island is a hidden gem, offering a different view of San Sebastian that not all tourists (or even locals) have seen!
But the boat trip to Santa Clara is a scenic experience in itself.
With stunning views of San Sebastián’s skyline and the surrounding Monte Igueldo and Urgull, what’s not to love?
There are two taxi lines to the island; red and blue.
The blue line offers more than just a taxi. It’s a glass bottomed boat that will also give you a tour of La Concha Bay where you can get some unique views of the city and the impressive “flysch style” rock formations of Santa Clara Island.
Once on the island, you can explore its natural beauty. There’s a small beach perfect for a spot of swimming, and a charming lighthouse that offers panoramic views of the bay.
4. Sidrería Experience: A Visit to a Cider House
No trip to the Basque Country is complete without experiencing the lively tradition of a cider house, or sidrería.
Just a few minutes from San Sebastián, the countryside is dotted with Basque Cider Houses where you can enjoy the traditional cider house menu alongside locally-produced cider.
The atmosphere inside a cider house is as much a part of the experience as the food itself!
Long communal tables and the sound of cider pouring from giant barrels set the scene for an unforgettable experience.
A typical sidrería meal starts with a tortilla de bacalao (cod omelette) and continues with txuleta, a succulent T-bone steak grilled to perfection.
But the real highlight is the cider, poured directly from the barrel in a traditional ritual known as txotx.
Diners take turns catching the cider in their glass from a couple of metres, which aerates the drink and enhances its crisp, refreshing flavour.
You can check out our list of easy to reach cider houses in San Sebastian for our top recommendations!
5. Txakoli Vineyard Tour
Another quintessential Basque drink experience is visiting a txakoli vineyard.
At one of the 16 wineries that open their doors to visitors in Gipuzkoa, you can learn about the production of this unique, slightly fizzy white wine.
The vineyards around Getaria, a charming coastal village near San Sebastián, are particularly renowned for their txakoli.
During a vineyard tour, you’ll stroll through the lush, rolling hills where the grapes are grown, and learn about the traditional methods used to produce this refreshing wine.
Tour usually concludes with a tasting session (of course), where you can sample different varieties of txakoli.
The best thing is that tours start from as little as €20 per person. Check out the Txakoli wineries that offer tours here.
6. Surfing Classes in Zurriola Beach
San Sebastián is not just about food and wine! It’s also a vibrant destination for outdoor activities, and surfing is one of the city’s most popular sports!
La Zurriola Beach, located in Gros, is a hotspot for surfers of all levels.
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a complete beginner, taking a surfing class is a fantastic way to experience the local beach culture and enjoy the thrill of riding the waves.
Several surf schools near the beach offer lessons. They can also provide all the equipment you need along with expert guidance from experienced instructors.
The sense of accomplishment that comes with standing up on your first wave is exhilarating, and the experience is made even better by the stunning backdrop of San Sebastián’s coastline.
7. Attend a Basque Festival
To truly immerse yourself in the unique Basque culture, you can plan your visit around one of the region’s vibrant festivals.
San Sebastián hosts several traditional celebrations throughout the year, each offering a unique glimpse into Basque history, traditions, and culture.
These festivals are generally lively, colourful events filled with music, dance, and local traditions that have been passed down through generations.
One of the most iconic is La Tamborrada, held every year on the 20th January.
The festival is marked by 24 hours of non-stop drumming as locals (dressed in traditional costumes) parade through the streets, creating an electric atmosphere.
Another major event is Semana Grande in August, a week-long celebration featuring fireworks, concerts, and various cultural activities.
Attending the city during a Basque festival will leave you with lasting memories of San Sebastián’s rich cultural heritage.
In our guide on the best time to visit San Sebastian, you can find an overview of events by month.
