Even though a part of Spain, people of San Sebastion don’t really consider themselves Spanish and identify themselves as Basques (Donostia), a part of the Basque Country. It is an independent region sitting in the northern part of Spain and has its own culture, traditions, language, and even flag.
If you want to experience a place entirely different but rich in history, then you must plan for San Sebastian city tour once in your life. You may be looking for the reasons to do it, so here we are sharing some of the best ones:
Oldest European Culture
A few studies done years back show and even assert that the Basque people are the earliest inhabitants of Europe, and San Sebastian was one of the places where these people settled in. The fact alone makes the city rich in history, and the Basque nation was not just limited to Spain, but it also spread to France.
While other places may not have been able to carry the essence of the Basque civilization, San Sebastian still does, and their hold on the Basque language till this day is a living example.
Michelin Star Restaurants
Though San Sebastian is a small seaside town in Spain, it boasts about 16 Michelin stars, which is impressive, and it is also considered the food Mecca. Chances are high that you will enter any of these Michelin restaurants and have a time of your life indulging in food you have never tasted or most likely won’t taste.
The food here has the influence of diverse cultures, traditional Basque foods, and Spanish, and since it is a seaside town, you will have some of the best and luscious seafood of all time.
Old Town Charm
When the rest of Spain experiences heavy crowds and rush almost all-around year-round, San Sebastian offers a calm and peaceful ambiance. As a seaside town, you can explore the beaches, which are small in size but pretty enough to make you stay for hours, and La Concha must be included in your itinerary.
The monuments standing here ooze out the old town charm and architectural beauty, and to soak in some, visit Miramar Palace, Mota Castle, and Victoria Eugenia Theatre.
Unlike any other city in Spain, you will find the ambiance here more calming, and no, and you will not spot random artists playing guitar on the road, no tapas, and nothing that is slightly connected to Spain’s core culture.
