One of the greatest achievements of a city is for the tourists who visit it to want to live there. The quality of life enjoyed by the inhabitants of San Sebastián, palpable among foreigners, along with the cultural richness, gastronomy, architectural beauty, and comfort that its reduced size and security bring about have made this Basque municipality one of the most attractive European destinations, even for demanding, far-off markets. Woody Allen himself, during the summer he spent filming ‘Rifkin’s Festival’ in the Gipuzkoan capital, described it as “a mini-paradise with a benign climate.”
Gastronomy is the key factor why San Sebastián has received international recognition: a total of 18 Michelin Stars within a radius of 25 kilometers have made the city the favorite of lovers of haute cuisine. The Arzak, Martín Berasategui, and Akelarre restaurants have three Michelin Stars, Mugaritz has two, and Alameda, Amelia, Elkano, Eme Be Garrote, Kokotxa, Mirador de Ulia, and Zuberoa each have one. In addition to these reputable restaurants, the pintxos are the other hallmark of the city, and the bars in the Old Quarter where they are served are common meeting places among tourists and locals.
The cultural wealth of the municipality and the region –with its festivals and artistic expressions, museums, the Basque language, the peculiarities of Basque culture, artists of international stature, etc. – is considered another fundamental value for the visitor.
Thanks to its premium accommodation (featuring recently opened boutique hotels and four-star-superior establishments in the center), impeccable restaurants, and ad hoc services that are increasing in number –guides, private transport companies, agencies in charge of the comprehensive organization of stays, sustainable fishing opportunities, boat trips, sailing excursions, etc.–, the wide array of options that San Sebastián has to offer (which are becoming increasingly more specialized, varied, and sustainable) has gradually come to be more aligned with the premium client. With all of those things, the city has managed to be considered as one of the most desirable places to visit and to live in. A true “mini-paradise.”
Donostia Turismoa
Tel.: +34 943 481 166