Why March is the best time to go to San Sebastián
San Sebastián is well known as one of Europe’s best foodie spots, with the seaside city home to world-class wine, cider, Michelin-starred restaurants and, of course, pintxos. But when’s the best time to visit?
In this extract from Where to Go When, your guide to the most amazing places in the world and the best time of year to visit them, we find out what visitors have to look forward to if they visit in March...
Why go: San Sebastián is the jewel in Spain’s culinary crown, and March is a great time to quaff Basque cider and join locals on the pintxos trail.
Lovers of the good things in life will feel at home in San Sebastián. One of the top culinary destinations not only in Spain but anywhere in the world, this seaside Basque city is rightly celebrated for its pintxos (Basque tapas), its seafood and its wine, and gourmands of all stripes pack out its backstreet tapas bars and multi-Michelin-starred restaurants.
Gazing out over the Bay of Biscay with a glass of txakoli (sparkling wine) is an unbeatable way to pass an evening, as is the txikiteo – a crawl of the Parte Vieja’s tapas bars, where you can sample classic dishes like salted cod, veal cheek and pickled anchovies. These are the places to tap into the rhythm of local life, particularly in the evening, when locals flood out of workplaces and into the cobbled streets. Even better, this is cider season and there are plenty of opportunities to sample this celebrated local tipple.
Beach lovers, too, love San Sebastián. Playa de la Concha sweeps in a golden arc along the city’s northern edge. Named for its shell-like shape, the beach is hugged by the mountains of Urgull and Igueldo, and its sheltered waters are ideal for a dip.
Any trip to San Sebastián should end with a ride on the funicular to the slopes of mighty Monte Igeldo, where a terraced lookout point is a spectacular spot to watch the sun melt into the horizon.
When else to go
August: Semana Grande sees street parties and firework displays.
September: Boat races take place in Playa de la Concha.
How to get to San Sebastian
Getting there: San Sebastián Airport is east of the city centre, which can be reached by bus, car or taxi.
Getting around: San Sebastián is well connected by a bus network and cycle lanes, with various car and bike hire outlets.
Weather: Mild with some showers. Average temperature 14°C / 57°F.
Please note that not all of the images featured in this article appear in Where to Go When
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