San Sebastian On A Budget – The resort of San Sebastián (or Donostia if you speak the Basque language) is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations, welcoming more than 620,000 visitors a year. And while crowds flock to this beautiful seaside city for skiing and summer sun, a trip to San Sebastián in January offers travelers perks that might not be considered. From unforgettable cultural experiences to popular restaurants and more, here are 8 reasons to book a trip to San Sebastián in January.
San Sebastián has been home to humans since the Paleolithic period, and its cider plantations date back to 1014, when the city as we know it began to grow © BARRERE Jean-Marc / hemis.fr via Getty Images
San Sebastian On A Budget
January 19, rumored to be one of the most important days for Donostians, begins the 24-hour citywide celebration of what makes San Sebastián so special. The Gastronomy Club hosts a traditional Basque dinner and then gathers in the city’s main square, Plaza de la Constitución, to hoist the flag. The traditional drumming procession and procession (Ampor Tevy) takes place on the streets until the evening of the 20th when the ceremony ends. If you really want to immerse yourself in Basque culture, book your trip in harmony with San Sebastián.
Concha Mar Images
Akelarre has been synonymous with Basque delicacies since 1974, with an extensive wine list and Pedro Subijana © Jose R. Platon via Getty Images.
San Sebastián has more Michelin stars per square meter than any other city in the world, but getting bookings during peak season can be a challenge. While it’s true that some famous restaurants are closing their doors for the winter, many notable restaurants like Akelarre and Kokotxa have reservations in January (see the full Michelin star list here).
Hotel rates are always low in January, meaning waterfront stays like Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra and Hotel Niza cost less than $100 a night. Even high-end hotels like the famous María Cristina Hotel are dropping rates to around $200 a night (vs. their $900 a night by the end of summer). Royal luminaries like Queen Isabella II have put San Sebastián on the map as a vacation spot, so why not consider yourself luxury accommodation without a royal price tag?
Play de la Concha is a long beach with plenty of umbrellas and a place to leave your beach blanket and a romantic weekend nearby © David Ramos via Getty Images
How To Get From Barcelona To San Sebastian
If you’re worried about missing out on San Sebastián’s natural beauty and architecture due to wintry weather conditions, you’ll be happy to know that the coastal city got the least snow in January. . In fact, temperatures in the 50s, high 40s and lows are comfortable to walk around in – ideal for strolling the cobblestone streets of Parte Vieja, San Sebastián’s old town, or strolling along the beautiful beaches of Playa de la Concha.
San Sebastián’s open-air sculptures make the whole city seem like a work of art. If you visit the Peine del Viento in January you will have the opportunity to see the dichotomy of the wildness of the sea that expands in connection with these impressive metal structures. Sculptor Eduardo Chillida’s vision for creation is to create a dialogue between his art and the surrounding landscape – and there’s no better time to embrace this than when the waves were at their peak in January.
Pintxos are a small portion of the popular Basque flavor or snack, sometimes served on a skewer or with bread © Danielle Page / Lonely Planet
Pintxos are a small snack signature for the Basque Country in Spain. They’re carefully designed for just grabbing a few bites while enjoying a drink with friends at a local bar. The best pintxo spots in San Sebastián get incredibly crowded during the peak tourist season – but visiting in January means you’ll have a selection of your pintxo essentials wherever you go. Highlights include ordering at La Cuchara de San Telmo, local food stalls in Ganbara and the well-regarded Bergara Bar, but if you’re wondering where to go for pintxos in January, look no further.
Pictures That Will Make You Want To Visit San Sebastián
Everything in San Sebastián has deep religious roots – from the name Saint Sebastian (protector of athletes and archers) to the impressive 18th-century church and many modern statues (e.g. the city’s Peace Cross). If you are in the Basque Country on January 5th, join the procession of the Magi through the streets of San Sebastián. Locals display characters from the Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar Bibles and march through the streets of the city center to reach City Hall. Then enjoy a slice of Roscón De Reyes, a cream-filled cake decorated with a ‘treasure’ representing what the three kings brought to baby Jesus. If you’re lucky enough to get a slice with a baby king inside, you’re in luck all year round (but do pay for a helping of the traditional Basque pie).
Cider season is one of the highlights of January in San Sebastian when the cask is pressed and you can get your drink fresh © David Silverman via Getty Images
January marks the start of the top cider season in San Sebastián. Embrace the Basque tradition of drinking it straight from the barrel at San Sebastián’s cider house. If you hear someone yell “txotx” it’s a sign to the viewer that a new container has been opened, so get together to snag a fresh jar! Many Basque cider houses charge per person, which includes dishes usually paired with lemon juice (omelets, rare barbecue salt, and local cheese, to name a few).
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Where To Stay In San Sebastian: Colegio Mayor Olarain
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San Sebastián (or Donostia in the Basque Country) is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. It has beautiful churches and buildings and a wide sandy beach that has been described as one of the best beaches in Europe.
But what San Sebastián is best known for is its food. It is famous for its Basque cuisine and has the second highest number of Michelin stars in the world after Kyoto. It’s the home of the humble pintxo and is considered one of the top culinary destinations in Spain.
Food is the reason we visit San Sebastian, but many people like this fascinating city, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea”.
One Day In San Sebastian Itinerary
This guide to San Sebastian is long. For your convenience I have put links to hotels, tours and other services here.
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Due to the current world situation, travel guides for San Sebastián are constantly changing. Our friends at Booking.com and airheart have created a website detailing travel restrictions around the world.
Before planning a trip to San Sebastián, check Booking.com or airheart for travel restrictions to Spain. If you decide to visit San Sebastian, you should seriously consider travel insurance with COVID coverage.
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Depending on your passport, you may need a visa and other documents to travel to Spain. Visit iVisa.com to find out the requirements and (if necessary) to apply for a visa.
If you are a Filipino passport holder living in Manila, read our article on how to apply for a Schengen visa through the Spanish Embassy.
Ever get a FOMO before a trip like you’re missing out no matter how much research you do? Then you might want a destination expert to create an itinerary to San Sebastián just for you.
ViaHero is a trip planning service that lets you connect with local professionals who can create your own itinerary based on your interests. Do you want pintxos? The local “hero” will show you the best pintxos bar in town. If you want to try them, you can get 5% discount on their service if you top-up through our link at checkout.
Hotel De Londres Y De Inglaterra
San Sebastián is a coastal city in the Basque Country of northern Spain. The capital of the province of Gipuzkoa is called Donostia in the Basque language and is officially known as Donsotia-San Sebastián.
San Sebastián is one of the most visited cities in Spain, famous for its beaches and world-renowned cuisine. It offers an exciting range of dishes.
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