Reasons for choosing Donostia / San Sebastián
Donostia, bat bakarra munduan,unique worldwide
Just three words describe its extraordinariness.
The beauty of San Sebastián is obvious, iconic, irrefutable. But it is also the keeper of a few secrets it would love to tell you, and some enchanting nooks and crannies it would love to take you to. It is the time and place of seduction. It will be delicate and unforgettable. Let yourself be carried away.
Gastronomy, our hallmark
San Sebastián is one of the world's gastronomy capitals, with a unique culinary format combining Basque tradition, local produce and innovation.
The city boasts the world's second largest concentration of Michelin stars per square metre, and enjoys worldwide acclaim for its gastronomic quality, its innumerable “pintxo counters”, its traditional cider houses and its "gastronomic societies".
It is also home to the Basque Culinary Center, an institution for cutting-edge gastronomic education.
Overlooking the sea and surrounded by mountains
Very few would question the beauty of Donostia: the green envelope of its mountains, the bright turquoise of the shallower waters of the Urumea River and the deep blue spread of its bay. What really makes Donostia stand out is its scenery.
The city combines this natural beauty with painstakingly planned architecture pointing out its aristocratic past, where Belle Époque, rationalist and contemporary styles are on view side by side in harmony.
This architectural legacy, forged to satisfy 19th century royalty and bourgeoisie, is still respected today in more recent constructions, preserving the distinctive elegance of each district.
We speak Europe's oldest language
Donostia is a reflection of Basque culture, a culture going back thousands of years, with traditions still very much part and parcel of today's society: Herri Kirolak (traditional sports such as "trainera" rowing boats), Basque "pelota" or Jai Alai, the harrijasotzailes (stone-lifters etc.), bertsolaris or impromptu poets, euskal dantzak (Basque dances) etc.
Its language, Euskera, is held to be Europe's oldest, its origins still unknown.
San Sebastián is culture
Donostia transforms into a vibrant stage where music and scenic arts mingle with the city's bustle. With more than ten festivals a year, every corner of the city puts on its glad rags to welcome famous artists and celebrate the latest trends.
And the sculptures of illustrious contemporary artists showcase the city at strategic locations, creating a quasi-magic atmosphere. These include the Wind Comb by Chillida, Jorge Oteiza's Empty Construction, Nestor Basterretxea's Peace Dove, and Hondalea by Cristina Iglesias.
The rooms of Donostia's museums, essential features to preserve and share our culture, display the history and the spirit of our people.
A vibrant sport city
San Sebastián is a city that lives and breathes sport, catering for all kinds of disciplines. Those fond of running can check out the banks of the River Urumea, explore the city's three beaches, or venture up the paths to Mount Ulia and Mount Urgull.
The Cantabrian Sea is the perfect scenario for water sports enthusiasts. Zurriola's iconic beach brings in surfers from all over the world, while Ondarreta and La Concha lend themselves to kayaking and paddle-surfing amid incomparable surroundings.
Cyclists will encounter a unique challenge in coastal and mountain routes, such as the mythical mountain passes in the "Clásica San Sebastián" race. And team sports have their own special space in the many "frontón" courts for continuous tournaments of Basque pelota.