MADRID<\/a> | BARCELONA<\/a> | SEVILLE<\/a> | LISBON<\/a>\u00a0| ROME<\/a><\/span> | PARIS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Traveling has never been as easy as it is now, which means that now it\u2019s more important than ever to be a responsible traveler. <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAfter all, don\u2019t we all want to make cities better for those who live in and visit them?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nSan Sebastian is located in the Basque Country, or Euskal Herria in Basque. This means \u201chome of the Basque people,\u201d and it is a cultural region that covers four provinces in Spain and three in France. It\u2019s a small piece of land that has been isolated for many centuries from the rest of the world by a mountain range on one side and the rough waters of the Bay of Biscay on the other. The inhabitants have managed to preserve their traditions, culture and language almost unchanged over hundreds of years, which is what makes the region one of the most interesting destinations in Europe. Recent years have brought a record number of visitors and we all, locals and tourists alike, have to take responsibility for preserving San Sebastian so that future generations will be able to enjoy its treasures.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/responsible-travel-in-San-Sebastian-1-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to be a good tourist in San Sebastian<\/h2>\n\n\n\n- Learn a few <\/span>words in Basque<\/span><\/a>! You will get the respect of Basques and melt their hearts!<\/span><\/li>
- Support local businesses. Small and family-run places will give you the real experience.<\/span><\/li>
- Get to know the story behind San Sebastian and its people. Take a guided tour and find the answers to all your questions.<\/span><\/li>
- Use public transportation\u2014it\u2019s fantastic! The buses and trains will take you anywhere you want to go, and parking your car out of the city center will cut down on congestion and save you money and hassle.<\/span><\/li>
- Get out of the Old Town and visit other neighborhoods. You\u2019ll love the Basque hospitality.<\/span><\/li>
- Respect the residents\u2019 right to rest. We all love to stay out and hang out with friends but remember that not everyone around you is on vacation.<\/span><\/li>
- Learn the <\/span>pintxo etiquette<\/span><\/a> before heading out to bars\u2014it isn\u2019t a buffet!<\/span><\/li>
- Leave the city and its beaches clean.<\/span><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
![\"Practicing](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/best-beaches-in-San-Sebastian-view-from-Ondarreta-1.jpg\")
San Sebastian’s beaches are some of the best in Europe. Please leave them the same as (or better than!) when you arrived.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhen to visit San Sebastian responsibly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This shouldn\u2019t come as a surprise: during the low season! San Sebastian is the busiest during the summer months, especially in August. This is the month when it takes an hour to find a tiny spot on La Concha beach and when the Old Town becomes so crowded that you feel like you\u2019re marching in a parade just to get from A to B. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nBut fear not, there is a solution! San Sebastian is wonderful any time of the year. Imagine all these <\/span>beautiful beaches<\/span><\/a> just for yourself (and maybe a few local dog walkers), enjoying a delicious <\/span>pintxo<\/span><\/a> and glass of local wine without being jostled from side to side, and most importantly: meeting locals and maybe even making some new friends. Visit November through March for the most authentic experience!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Start](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/responsible-travel-in-San-Sebastian-boats-in-port-1.jpg\")
Quiet moments are much harder to come by in high season.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhere to stay in San Sebastian responsibly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As a responsible traveler, you want to support local businesses, not massive chain hotels. We have plenty of great options in San Sebastian and the surrounding areas. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nChoose boutique hotels if you\u2019re looking for a memorable experience with a taste of luxury. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nOur picks<\/strong>: <\/span>Hotel Niza<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>SANSEbay Hotel<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Okako Hotel<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Villa Soro<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Hotel One Shot Tabakalera House<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nGuest houses, called <\/span>pensiones <\/span><\/i>in Spain, are a simple, cheap and authentic accommodation option in San Sebastian. There are hundreds of them all over but the majority are in the Old Town and Gros neighborhoods. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nOur picks<\/strong>: <\/span>Pensi\u00f3n Iturriza<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Pensi\u00f3n Amaiur<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Pensi\u00f3n Kursaal<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Pensi\u00f3n Balerdi<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nAvoid over-crowding the most central neighborhoods and invest some of your tourism budget in a lesser-visited neighborhood. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nOur picks<\/strong>: Benta Berri, <\/span>Aiete<\/span><\/a>, Miramar, <\/span>Egia<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Amara<\/span><\/a>, Ulia and <\/span>Igueldo<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"One](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/responsible-travel-in-San-Sebastian-view-from-miramar-1.jpg\")
The Old Town isn’t the only part of San Sebastian with incredible views!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe last option is to escape San Sebastian all together and stay in one of the nearby villages which are well-connected to San Sebastian. This is sure to be the cheapest option, great for a relaxed pace! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nOur picks<\/strong>: Astigarraga, Hernani, Pasaia or Lasarte-Oria.<\/span>
\n<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere to eat in San Sebastian responsibly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In Spain we might call a place a <\/span>\u201cbar de toda la vida,\u201d<\/span><\/i> which means that the place has been open for a long time and is recognized as a great place to try local specialties. These establishments are often family-owned businesses, running back generations, that use local, seasonal and fresh products in their kitchens.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Responsible](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/responsible-travel-in-San-Sebastian-roast-tomato-bar-1.jpg\")
The quality of food at locally owned restaurants is far and away better than anything you’ll find at a chain.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHere are some of our favorites:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nOld Town<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Txepetxa<\/span><\/a>: house-marinated anchovies and over 120 years of tradition.<\/span><\/li>
- La Cepa<\/span><\/a>: famous for their excellent ham sandwiches.<\/span><\/li>
- A Fuego Negro<\/span><\/a>: a very Basque and very modern approach to local dishes.<\/span><\/li>
- Casa Urola<\/span><\/a>: home to a fantastic chef whose kitchen is based on seasonal products.<\/span><\/li>
- Paco Bueno<\/span><\/a>: well known for its pintxo <\/span>gambas en la gabardina<\/span><\/i>, or \u201cprawns in a coat.\u201d<\/span><\/li>
- Ganbara<\/span><\/a>: the third generation of fantastic chefs. Their specialty? Spider crab tartelette.<\/span><\/li>
- Haizea<\/span><\/a>: delicious & traditional dishes.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Gros<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Hidalgo 56<\/span><\/a>: love black pudding? Try their<\/span> volcan de morcilla.<\/span><\/i><\/li>
- Bergara<\/span><\/a>: one of the favorites in Gros that offers delightful pintxos like <\/span>txalupa<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/li>
- Bodega Donostiarra<\/span><\/a>: a locals\u2019 favorite!<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Our](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/responsible-travel-in-San-Sebastian-group-eating-pintxos-wine-1.jpg\")
Pintxos and wine taste even better when enjoyed at a locally owned bar.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCenter<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Antonio Bar<\/span><\/a>: yummy pintxos and their excellent crayfish ravioli.<\/span><\/li>
- Zazpi<\/span><\/a>: where tradition meets modern high cuisine.<\/span><\/li>
- San Marcial<\/span><\/a>: you will feel the history in this traditional Basque bar.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
And let\u2019s not forget the <\/span>cider houses<\/span><\/a> that are located around San Sebastian. This experience is unique and definitely unforgettable. You will not only eat an excellent local menu that includes a salt cod omelette and Basque steak but you\u2019ll also try the local specialty: cider! It\u2019s not what you\u2019d expect after hearing \u201capple cider:\u201d cloudy, dry, flat and very much loved among the Basque people.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Responsible](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pouring-cider-from-above-1.jpg\")
The ultimate cider challenge: pouring it the traditional way from up high!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nA responsible travel itinerary for San Sebastian<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Visiting San Sebastian doesn\u2019t only mean eating local food and swimming in the Cantabrian Sea. It\u2019s also about getting to know the Basque culture and its history. Take time to visit the <\/span>San Telmo Museum<\/span><\/a> to learn about the region. Make sure to book a guided tour or rent the audio guide. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf, after this visit, your curiosity still isn\u2019t satisfied, take a trip to the nearby villages of San Juan and San Pedro to discover the <\/span>Albaola Museum<\/span><\/a>. You\u2019ll learn about Basque maritime heritage\u2014and help to build the San Juan whaleship!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nFor those who like to get moving, San Sebastian boasts a wide range of activities like <\/span>hiking, cycling, water sports<\/span><\/a> and more. San Sebastian is located on the coastal route of the Camino de Santiago and visiting is a great opportunity to do a part of it. You can go towards France or Bilbao. Both of the trails are well marked and easy to walk. The views of dramatic Basque coast will take your breath away.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"One](\"https:\/\/assets.devourtours.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/best-beaches-in-San-Sebastian-santa-clara-island-view-1.jpg\")
San Sebastian and the surrounding regions have unbelievably gorgeous coastlines!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe other alternative for those craving action is <\/span>to rent a bike<\/span><\/a> for an environmentally-friendly way to discover the city and its surroundings. There are plenty of places to rent a bike around town and San Sebastian boasts an extensive network of cycling paths, or \u201cbidegorri<\/em>.\u201d If you\u2019re aiming for a longer ride, pick up a <\/span>map for cyclists<\/span><\/a> in a local <\/span>tourist office<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd most importantly, meet the locals! The best way is by taking part in local celebrations and festivities and by visiting <\/span>markets<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>San Sebastian Tourism<\/span><\/a> created an impressive website where you can find agendas. Check what\u2019s on and join us!<\/span>
\n<\/p>\n\n\n\nOur favorite small shops and artisans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No way you\u2019re going home without at least one of these <\/span>delicious products<\/span><\/a>: a bottle of local <\/span>
San Sebastian is located in the Basque Country, or Euskal Herria in Basque. This means \u201chome of the Basque people,\u201d and it is a cultural region that covers four provinces in Spain and three in France. It\u2019s a small piece of land that has been isolated for many centuries from the rest of the world by a mountain range on one side and the rough waters of the Bay of Biscay on the other. The inhabitants have managed to preserve their traditions, culture and language almost unchanged over hundreds of years, which is what makes the region one of the most interesting destinations in Europe. Recent years have brought a record number of visitors and we all, locals and tourists alike, have to take responsibility for preserving San Sebastian so that future generations will be able to enjoy its treasures.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n This shouldn\u2019t come as a surprise: during the low season! San Sebastian is the busiest during the summer months, especially in August. This is the month when it takes an hour to find a tiny spot on La Concha beach and when the Old Town becomes so crowded that you feel like you\u2019re marching in a parade just to get from A to B. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n But fear not, there is a solution! San Sebastian is wonderful any time of the year. Imagine all these <\/span>beautiful beaches<\/span><\/a> just for yourself (and maybe a few local dog walkers), enjoying a delicious <\/span>pintxo<\/span><\/a> and glass of local wine without being jostled from side to side, and most importantly: meeting locals and maybe even making some new friends. Visit November through March for the most authentic experience!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n As a responsible traveler, you want to support local businesses, not massive chain hotels. We have plenty of great options in San Sebastian and the surrounding areas. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose boutique hotels if you\u2019re looking for a memorable experience with a taste of luxury. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our picks<\/strong>: <\/span>Hotel Niza<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>SANSEbay Hotel<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Okako Hotel<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Villa Soro<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Hotel One Shot Tabakalera House<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Guest houses, called <\/span>pensiones <\/span><\/i>in Spain, are a simple, cheap and authentic accommodation option in San Sebastian. There are hundreds of them all over but the majority are in the Old Town and Gros neighborhoods. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our picks<\/strong>: <\/span>Pensi\u00f3n Iturriza<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Pensi\u00f3n Amaiur<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Pensi\u00f3n Kursaal<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Pensi\u00f3n Balerdi<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid over-crowding the most central neighborhoods and invest some of your tourism budget in a lesser-visited neighborhood. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our picks<\/strong>: Benta Berri, <\/span>Aiete<\/span><\/a>, Miramar, <\/span>Egia<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Amara<\/span><\/a>, Ulia and <\/span>Igueldo<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The last option is to escape San Sebastian all together and stay in one of the nearby villages which are well-connected to San Sebastian. This is sure to be the cheapest option, great for a relaxed pace! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our picks<\/strong>: Astigarraga, Hernani, Pasaia or Lasarte-Oria.<\/span> In Spain we might call a place a <\/span>\u201cbar de toda la vida,\u201d<\/span><\/i> which means that the place has been open for a long time and is recognized as a great place to try local specialties. These establishments are often family-owned businesses, running back generations, that use local, seasonal and fresh products in their kitchens.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of our favorites:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Old Town<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gros<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Center<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n And let\u2019s not forget the <\/span>cider houses<\/span><\/a> that are located around San Sebastian. This experience is unique and definitely unforgettable. You will not only eat an excellent local menu that includes a salt cod omelette and Basque steak but you\u2019ll also try the local specialty: cider! It\u2019s not what you\u2019d expect after hearing \u201capple cider:\u201d cloudy, dry, flat and very much loved among the Basque people.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Visiting San Sebastian doesn\u2019t only mean eating local food and swimming in the Cantabrian Sea. It\u2019s also about getting to know the Basque culture and its history. Take time to visit the <\/span>San Telmo Museum<\/span><\/a> to learn about the region. Make sure to book a guided tour or rent the audio guide. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n If, after this visit, your curiosity still isn\u2019t satisfied, take a trip to the nearby villages of San Juan and San Pedro to discover the <\/span>Albaola Museum<\/span><\/a>. You\u2019ll learn about Basque maritime heritage\u2014and help to build the San Juan whaleship!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For those who like to get moving, San Sebastian boasts a wide range of activities like <\/span>hiking, cycling, water sports<\/span><\/a> and more. San Sebastian is located on the coastal route of the Camino de Santiago and visiting is a great opportunity to do a part of it. You can go towards France or Bilbao. Both of the trails are well marked and easy to walk. The views of dramatic Basque coast will take your breath away.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The other alternative for those craving action is <\/span>to rent a bike<\/span><\/a> for an environmentally-friendly way to discover the city and its surroundings. There are plenty of places to rent a bike around town and San Sebastian boasts an extensive network of cycling paths, or \u201cbidegorri<\/em>.\u201d If you\u2019re aiming for a longer ride, pick up a <\/span>map for cyclists<\/span><\/a> in a local <\/span>tourist office<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n And most importantly, meet the locals! The best way is by taking part in local celebrations and festivities and by visiting <\/span>markets<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>San Sebastian Tourism<\/span><\/a> created an impressive website where you can find agendas. Check what\u2019s on and join us!<\/span> No way you\u2019re going home without at least one of these <\/span>delicious products<\/span><\/a>: a bottle of local <\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to be a good tourist in San Sebastian<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When to visit San Sebastian responsibly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Where to stay in San Sebastian responsibly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere to eat in San Sebastian responsibly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A responsible travel itinerary for San Sebastian<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/p>\n\n\n\nOur favorite small shops and artisans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n