I've come to San Sebastián, Donostia, in Spain's Basque Country! It's an autonomous region in northern Spain close to the border with France. Although part of Spain, the Basque people have a unique history, language, and culture that goes back thousands of years. San Sebastián is world-renowned for its food scene, especially its pintxos, and the Basque Country is often said to have the best cuisine in the world.
San Sebastián, Donostia, in Spain's Basque Country
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I'm exploring this region for the first time and delving into Basque history, culture, and food, to see what makes this part of Spain so unique. I go on a pintxo bar hopping crawl to taste these delicious snack-sized dishes that are synonymous with San Sebastián, and then hang out at the famous La Concha beach before travelling to nearby coastal towns like Zarautz and Getaria to try some iconic Basque products like txakoli wine, Idiazabal cheese, and lunch at a Basque cider house for the famous txuleta steak. The region surrounding San Sebastián is dotted with vineyards, farms, and cider houses where you can learn so much about the produce and enjoy amazing views of the Cantabrian Sea! I also visit the fishing village of Getaria, which is known for its outdoor grills that prepare fresh dishes. It's fresh and delicious! I am lucky to be invited to a txoko, a private gastronomic society started by me,n which has been going strong for hundreds of years. It's a special insight into the Basque culture and respect for tradition! I end my trip with fireworks on the beach as it's Semana Grande in San Sebastián, a week of parties and events!
