📖 About San Sebastián

San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is a coastal city in Spain's Basque Country, renowned for having the highest concentration of Michelin stars per capita in the world. With approximately 190,000 residents, this elegant city features a stunning shell-shaped bay, Belle Époque architecture, and world-class cuisine.

La Concha beach is considered one of Europe's finest urban beaches. The Old Town (Parte Vieja) overflows with pintxos bars—Basque tapas at their finest. The annual San Sebastián International Film Festival draws global celebrities. San Sebastián represents sophisticated European living—gastronomic excellence, beach beauty, and Basque cultural pride.

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💼 Economy & Culture

San Sebastián's economy centers on tourism and gastronomy—the city attracts food pilgrims worldwide. Services support visitors and residents. Conference tourism is growing. Some industry remains in the metropolitan area. The creative economy flourishes. The economy is prosperous and diversified, anchored by the city's reputation for quality of life and cuisine.

Basque culture is proudly displayed—Euskara (Basque language) is spoken alongside Spanish, and the unique Basque identity is celebrated. Catholicism is traditional. Music includes traditional txalaparta and vibrant contemporary scene. Food is paramount—pintxos culture, Michelin restaurants, and txakoli wine define local identity. The culture is refined Basque—proud traditions, creative innovation, and gastronomic obsession.

📜 History

Basque fishing settlement became a medieval port. Spanish royalty established San Sebastián as a summer resort in the 19th century, bringing Belle Époque elegance. The city served as Spain's summer capital under Queen María Cristina.

The Spanish Civil War and Franco era suppressed Basque culture. Post-Franco revival brought cultural renaissance and gastronomy's rise. Chefs like Juan Mari Arzak pioneered New Basque Cuisine from the 1970s. Today San Sebastián ranks among Europe's most desirable cities—beach beauty, Michelin stars, and Basque cultural pride making it a global destination.