For many visitors, San Sebastian—or Donostia in the local Basque language) it’s love at first sight. As soon as they discover a city oozing sophisticated charm during the day yet comes alive at night, they’re powerless against its charms. To experience all San Sebastian has to offer, rent one of the many properties available on FlipKey. It’s the perfect base for a great vacation.

About San Sebastian

Found on the Bay of Biscay in northern Spain’s mountainous Basque country, San Sebastian is a resort town famous for many things, and two of the most popular are its beautiful beaches—Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta.

Flanked by a beautiful bay-front promenade, San Sebastian is where the wealthy of Madrid prefer to spend their summer vacation.

Known as the gastronomic capital of Spain, San Sebastian is home to the pintxo—a bar snack smaller than its better-know Spanish tapa—that usually comprises various foods on a slice of baguette held together with a toothpick. Today, however, this has developed into a dish worthy of the Michelin-starred restaurants that are found scattered throughout the town.

With urban beaches on par with Nice and Monte Carlo, the summer sees San Sebastian take on a Southern California Beach Boy vibe, as top surfers hit the beach looking to catch a wave or two on the large Atlantic swell.

What to do in San Sebastian

To get a good feel for the city—and to work out a plan on how you are going to take in all the sights—take advantage of the hop-on-hop-off bus. A single ticket allows you to ride the bus all day, getting on and off at the city’s main tourist spots.

To find the best places for food, take advantage of local knowledge and sign up for one of the many tapas tours on offer. You’re sure to discover something delicious you have never tasted before.

Spend the day walking the Basque coast on the Way of St James (Camino de Santiago)—a medieval Christian pilgrimage from France to Santiago de Compostela.

Spend a day at Playa de la Concha where Madrid’s bold and beautiful go to work on their tans. Or perhaps take a surfing lesson from one of the schools on Zurriola Beach. All levels are catered for, from novice to expert!

Top travel tips for San Sebastian

The cobblestoned old town (Parte Vieja), is where you will find trendy boutiques and all the latest must-have designer goods—catering for the city’s elite holidaymakers. You’ll also find artisan delicatessens selling gourmet foods from the region. This is also the area to go at night for the liveliest action and the best pintxo bars.

On a rainy day, spend your time at the aquarium or the San Telmo Museum—a former Dominican convent and army barracks where you can learn about Basque history and culture.

Make the locals smile by learning a few words of Basque such as “eskerrik asko” which means “thank you” in the Euskera language.

While being a major Spanish city, San Sebastian is unashamedly Basque with its own unique language and a food scene that is second to none. Whether visiting for the beach or to sample the latest gourmet trends, FlipKey has rentals available to suit all budgets. Start searching today and plan your perfect San Sebastian stay!