Profile of San Sebastian, Spain

Profile of San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a wonderful city- a successful blend of tradition and a rural feel with a modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere. It's also one of the hottest culinary destinations on earth. The lovely far-reaching sandy beaches and the exquisite cuisine attract tourists from all parts of the world. San Sebastian combines tradition, atmosphere, and culture with some of the best gourmet cuisine in the world. The Basques are hospitable and have a proud heritage, which they are enthusiastic to share with visitors. They are extremely warm people, who welcome you back time after time. Basque country offers some of the best Michelin starred cuisine in Spain, along with a multitude of "Caserones" (villa style house-cum-restaurants) where they serve typical Basque cuisine based on their rich gastronomic traditions. The essence of San Sebastian is its tradition and indulgent lifestyle that has born a community dedicated to cuisine and the greater spoils of traditional living. In fact, the main attraction to this beautiful city is the food and the atmosphere. Intriguing wines like Txacoli complement the infamous and varied styles of the New Basque Cuisine.

San Sebastian is an aristocratic and very pretty city with historic architecture, lighthouses, wrought iron street lamps, archways and flower-filled balconies. Here tourists can relax in Belle Epoque hotels like the Maria Christina, Inglaterra or Niza (owned by the Chillida family, Basque Country's most famous sculptor). San Sebastian exudes a relaxed atmosphere and offers visitors a traditional unspoiled culture with true elegance and fine cuisine. Trikitixas, (Basque popular music) is always playing in the town square, while the sounds of the Basque language of Euskera, with its strong use of t's, k's, and x's in its vocabulary fill the air as if its unfamiliar sounds were a part of the music. Being a resort town, most of the Basques speak Spanish, but English is not widely spoken. Rural sports such as "Pelota", a Basque sport similar to handball are common (an interestingly exist in the United States, brought by basque émigrés, now called jai alai.) Being a traditional community, San Sebastian has a thriving craft culture that has passed down from generation to generation.

San Sebastian has gone through a variety of stages throughout its history. It began as a religious and spiritual center, rising to be a military town during the reign the Castilian King Alfonso VIII. The city was rebuilt twice after outbreaks of fire, which caused its complete destruction. The city was rebuilt in the 19th century and boasts some of the best Belle Epoque architecture in Europe. During Franco's reign it became his summer resort town, only to later become the center of the Basque Cultural Renaissance and the national political movement in the sixties. Today San Sebastian's history and traditions have resulted in the creation of a fascinating mix of culture and gourmet tourism.

Gastronomy and Wine

Gastronomy and wine are the keys to San Sebastian's unique aura and interest. Its traditions have thrived through this artisan style and care that they dedicate to amazing levels and styles of cuisine. The New Basque cuisine is highly rated and well-known worldwide and is one of the major attractions to this beautiful city. San Sebastian is full of superb restaurants (such as Arzak and Berasategui) and gastronomic societies which preserve traditional preparation and cooking practices and styles.

Gastronomic societies cultivate the Slow Food Movement, concentrating on healthy eating, traditional dinner parties, and a variety of tastes that can't be matched. Members aim to preserve traditional recipes and ways of cooking while experimenting with modern approaches, increasing their culinary merit. Until recently, women were not permitted in these gastronomic societies. This antiquated convention was part of the traditions that were passed down in the societies. Today women are being slowly permitted to join. Travellers who would like to visit one of these meeting can be invited in by a member.

San Sebastian is home to a great variety of very high-quality restaurants. Probably the influence of the gastronomic societies, these restaurants offer many traditional Basque dishes. New Basque Cuisine uses seasonal fresh foods, exotic pastries, and a unique style of presentation.

Seafood is, of course, one of the main ingredients in traditional dishes using interesting ingredients including sea bream and hake cheeks. Hake (Merluza) is cooked in a green sauce thickening the juices from the fish, once it has been warmed. Grilled sea bream is usually cooked with plenty of garlic. Apart from the Seafood, beans and corn are traditional ingredients, and interesting regional cheeses are used as well.

Zippy apple cider and 'Txakoli,' a dry, acidic white wine, are the most popular drinks made to complement the Basque style of food. The cider is locally brewed on Basque farms. Wines from La Rioja, Navarra, and Basque Country are also commonly found on San Sebastian menus.

Txacoli Wines

Young, Fresh, fruity, green wines with 11% alcohol levels and a strong personality are made in Basque Country. These wines are made approximately 30 miles from San Sebastian and consist of 80-90% White Hondarrabi Zuri grapes). Txacoli is one of the smallest and most interesting Appellations of Origin in Spain. Txacoli de Guetaria is the denomination closest to San Sebastian, with 174 hectares of land area.

Highlights

The Old Quarter

The Old Quarter, called Parte Vieja, is the center of nightlife in San Sebastian, situated between the Bay and the River Urume. This historic downtown has its share of bars and clubs to spice up any evening 'Txikiteo' is the traditional form of bar hopping in the Old Quarter. Other options include pubs, which here are more reminiscent of polished cafes. "Discotecas" or Spanish dance clubs are the heart of the San Sebastian nightlife. As in many Spanish cities discotheques do not open till around three in the morning, and are usually afterthoughts to a bar.

Plaza De La Constitución

This beautiful square was home to a bullring, and now you can see the orange and blue shutters and the numbered balconies, which used to surround the ring. Beside the plaza is the beautiful Santa Maria del Coro Baroque church.

"Ezpata Dantzak"

This traditional ritual dance involving swords is preformed in various venues but mostly during festivals. The dance involves about 10 to 24 people, who split into 2 groups. One group dances with long swords making bridges and other architectural forms, while the other group dances with shorter swords moving their arms, reminiscent of Asian martial arts forms.

Palacio del Mar

The Palacio del Mar was designed by Juan Carlos Guerra, with a unique Basque architectural design and was opened in 1828 as headquarters to the Guipuzcoa Oceanographic Society. Today it is an aquarium with a very unique collection of fish as well as a Basque maritime exhibit.

Palacio Miramar

Palacio Miramar was built for Queen Maria Cristina as a summer residence in hopes to establish this area as an aristocratic resort city. It was built by the Basque architect, Jose Goicoa and designed by a British architect, Selden Wornum. The gardens are open to the public and there are private events held in the palace.

By Jennifer Drapisch

More Information:

If you would like Cellar Tours to customize a Wine Tour from San Sebastian or a shorter Gourmet Excursion in and around San Sebastian, for individuals or groups, contact us on: info@cellartours.com