Three reasons San Sebastian is the ideal vacation spot

Do you find yourself daydreaming? Daydreaming a journey towards a place with multiple incredible Michelin restaurants? A place where you can find heaps of world class wine wherever you gaze your eyes? Where the scenery consists of both beautiful coastal areas and rural hills with forestry? Then San Sebastian in northern Spain is the place to go. Located in the Basque countryside just a five hour train or car ride from Barcelona, and 20 minutes from the French Border, is the mecca of every foodie and wine lover in the world.

The food

The city of San Sebastian in renowned for its incredible local Basque gastronomy. Actually, it is the place in the world together with Kyoto in Japan, where you will find the highest concentration of Michelin restaurants per capita. It is here you will find the two Michelin star restaurant Mugaritz, which also is the seventh best restaurant in the world, if we ask The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants 2019. Here Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz creates stand out creative and innovative dishes, designed to challenge and amaze you. You will receive 20 to 30 dishes in one seating, touching every type of flavour, texture, aroma and temperature. It is an incredible experience that you will remember for a lifetime. If you consider trying out a three Michelin star restaurant, you will be safe trying Arzak, also serving incredible Basque cuisine by the renowned chef Juan Mari Arzak, or you can try Pedro Subijanas Basque restaurant Akelarre which has also received the incredible three Michelin stars. This is just to mention a few. You can also easily drop by the city's many bars in the Old Quarter serving the Basque type tapas named Pintxos. If you want the Michelin experience, be sure to book your restaurant visits long in advance. Often it requires booking months ahead, due to their exclusivity and popularity.

The wine

San Sebastian is not just about the food. It is also about the wine being located just an hours drive from two of the most famous wine areas in the world: Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Here you can taste much of the best wine in the world and also just the many of the different local wine producers. Just think of Vega Sicilia winery founded in Ribera del Duero in 1864. This is one of the most famous wineries in the world, often being compared to french Bordeaux from houses like Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Latour. It is definitely a winery recognized on a worldwide scale and where a bottle on average sells for 388 dollars. A nice tip is to rent a car and just go for a drivel. Drop by the different wineries you find on your way. Ask for a tasting, and they might invite you in.

The scenery

A trip to San Sebastian is much more than wine and food. It is an experience both to observe and to enjoy. You will find three incredible beaches along the coast, Concha; Ondarreta and Zurriola. You will also find old hilly areas like Urgull, Mount Ulia and Mount Aderra. You will also find beautiful architecture like the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus, Victoria Eugenia theatre, and the beauture port just to name a few. You will also find events like San Sebastian Day, a local Jazz festival, an international film festival and even Basque week, consisting of a week's celebration of the Basque culture.

A trip to San Sebastian in an incredible opportunity to really and fully experience the Spanish culture. Even more so the northern Spanish culture of the Basque Country. It is a place to enjoy on your own. It is also a place where you can go together with your foodie and wine loving friends, or even a romantic getaway weekend. Just think about it: beaches, hills, wine, food and the amazing Spanish culture. What is not to like? Ask any other food loving traveller. San Sebastian is the place to go, and it will be a once in a lifetime experience. Just remember to plan well in advance. Book your restaurants, hotels, car and maybe even wine tastings if possible. Do some homework in advance, so you will enjoy San Sebastian at its fullest.