San Sebastián combines total relaxation with fantastic food…

Tucked away in northern Spain's Basque Country, you’ll find my home away from home. San Sebastián is ideally located on the Bay of Biscay - surrounded by beaches and mountains for the surfing and hiking enthusiasts. For food lovers it is a paradise with pintxos (similar to tapas) bars on every corner. In fact, this small town is third (behind Luxembourg & Kyoto) for the most Michelin star restaurants per capita in the world. There are not many places that I keep returning to, but San Sebastián is one of them!

Here are the top luxury foodie (and other experiences) you must try:

Favorite Pintxo Bars:

1.Ganbara
Their setas salteadas (wild mushrooms) with foie gras is amazing. It is possible to make a reservation for a sit-down dinner only, and not the tapas bar… This place is always packed, so you may have to push your way to the front!

2. La Cuchara de San Telmo
This bar is tucked away on a corner and the dishes are amazing. Their octopus and squid ink risotto are always a favorite.

3. La Viña
Famous for their Basque cheesecake, this is a must!

4. Borda Berri
The risotto de Idiazabal (local Basque cheese) and the ravioli de txipi (squid ink) are not to be missed.

5. Gandarias
This is my favorite spot for their uni/sea urchin. They also have amazing pimientos rellenos de txangurro (stuffed peppers with spider crab).

*Insider Tip: Each pintxo bar has different specialties, and the best pintxos are made-to-order and found on a board or menu of the day. Try some local Txakoli, a slightly sparkling dry white wine.

Favorite Hikes:

6. Monte Urgull
Directly opposite Mount Igueldo, you can find stunning views of the bay and city from atop. It is a very easy hike, and at the summit you can explore Castillo de la Mota and Sagrado Corazon. Be sure to stop at Urguelleko Polboriña for a drink and to take in the views!

7. San Sebastián to Pasaia Hike
This was my favorite hike in all. This is a part of Camino de Santiago del Norte, and is about 9.5 miles one-way… but totally worth it! For a shorter hike, you can hike along the coast with amazing views and eventually it takes you into the quaint town of Pasaia. You can hop on the public bus which will take you right back to San Sebastián.

Favorite Tour:

8. Private Pintxos & City Tour
Get lost in the world of pintxos in San Sebastián (or Donostia as the locals call it) with a private pintxo and city tour. What’s better than exploring a city while stopping at all of the best pintxo bars and eating along the way.

Michelin Star Restaurants:

9. Arzak Restaurant
For the food lovers, this is a 3-star Michelin restaurant that is worth the splurge. It offers a unique twist to traditional Basque dishes. We enjoyed the tasting menu, and it still holds down as one of my all-time favorite restaurants.

10. Elkano
About 25 minutes outside of San Sebastián, in the coastal town of Getaria, this is another Michelin star restaurant that will not disappoint. The freshest seafood is the specialty here.

Favorite Hotel:

11. Hotel Maria Cristina
As a hallmark of the city, this regal Spanish hotel offers top-tier hospitality and was once the preferred destination of royalty and aristocrats.

Clients get all these perks when I book them a room with a view here:

•Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability •Daily buffet breakfast for two •$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out •Welcome Amenity