If you’re dreaming of a trip that combines stunning coastlines, mouth-watering food, and a culture that’s as unique as it is welcoming, then the Basque Country should be at the top of your list. I’m here to share the essential tips you need to make your journey smooth, fun, and full of those “wow” moments. Whether you’re wandering the charming streets of San Sebastián or exploring the rugged beauty of the countryside, these tips will help you get the most out of your adventu

ANTONIO BAR If you sometimes need a change of pintxo bars from the Parte Vieja (old town) or the Gros area across the bridge, head to the central location and Antonio Bar. It’s an unassuming, tiny place that’s always busy, with primarily local customers. You will find a few seats inside by the bar and more outside, where the jovial waiter will serve you. Finding a space may take a minute, but the turnover is pretty quick. It is a great spot to enjoy, Txistorra (spicy sausage

BAR SPORT We returned to Bar Sport, which remains somewhat of an insider tip. True to its name, it is particularly popular during sports events, but it offers some beautifully assembled pintxos throughout the week. This authentic bar serves traditional pintxos in a vibrant atmosphere and impresses further with its more than reasonable prices. Popular with locals, it offers a rustic interior and represents a conventional Basque dining experience, perfected by its good selectio

GANDARIAS JATETXEA We returned to Casa Gandarias for our regular fill of pintxo de solomillo and red wine! We had a bottle of El Lagar de Isilla Paraje Peñalobos Tinta del Pais 2018 DOC Ribera del Duero . This was a good match with the solomillo. The famous Basque Gildas. Guindilla pepper, green olive and fresh anchovy - named after Rita Haywood (hot, tall and spicy). During this visit, we also had a sit-down lunch with a group at the restaurant. Something not done before a

LA CUCHARA DE SAN TELMO We visited one of our favourite pintxo bars in the old town of San Sebastián. It’s located in a side alley off 31 de Agosto Kalea, at the back of the historic city. It’s definitely worth seeking out, so don’t hesitate to walk in, even if it’s busy. Thankfully, we were no longer under COVID-19 restrictions, and everything had returned to normal. The list of pintxos looked very inviting indeed. The small kitchen staff were hard at work, as usual. We made

BAR TXEPETXA We returned to another favourite. You may have second thoughts when you walk into this traditional bar and see all the retro ceramic anchovy pintos displayed there. Don’t…………….. nothing here is false. All anchovy/boquerone pintxos here are made to order and served within a few minutes. You can choose from a variety of toppings displayed on the fish-shaped menu boards at the back of the bar. One board features the antxoas (anchovies), while the other shows the exc

ANTONIO BAR This is a top modern pintxo bar with a restaurant in San Sebastián. It’s located a few blocks from Parte Vieja (the old town), making it worth the detour. It’s a fantastic place to visit, whether you’re alone or with friends, and it offers a casual atmosphere for socialising. Many locals stop by to have a bite to eat and catch up with friends before heading home. They serve some of the best tortillas (Spanish omelettes) in town, featuring ultra-caramelised onions,