Tapas..Tasting..Touring in San Sebastian!
Donastia- San Sebastian
Tapas..Tasting..Touring!
This amazing little coastal town, is actually of the Basque origin, although located in Spain. It lies on the most northern region of the country, just below the Pyranease Mountain range separating Spain and France. The town is primarily a vacation destination for much of the French and Spanish, but also a large fishing village. The Basque and Spanish people, live and vacation a little differently than the rest of the world. Its hard to explain if you've never been to Spain, so I highly recommend it to see for yourself!
We spent just 2 short days here, as it was our first stop on our Spanish exploration Although this seems short, it was the perfect amount of time to experience the little town to its fullest. We stayed right on the Biscay Bay, at Hotel Londres. I highly recommend it! Charming, great service, and great location! Right on the Playa de la Concha and centralized enough in town where we easily walked everywhere without question. This is what you want to do here, as the old town, is mostly a pedestrian only area, and how you find all of the great duck in’s! Still when I think about San Sebastian, I think Tapas and Gin Tonics. Yes, I said Gin Tonics, not Gin and Tonics. This is how the Spanish say it, and let me tell you they have crafted and perfected so many various versions of this drink, I never knew possible!
While your there, make sure to take the short hike to the top of the old fort above town. Its a perfect short hike (less than 3 miles) before you get started exploring old town and tasting some of the most delicious tapas and splashy wines. After this, head to old town, find the first place that grabs your eye (as this is not hard to do). I couldn't tell you what we tried, because we tried it all! The way most of these tapa bars work, is you pick out whatever you would like in the counter/bar, and pay as you go. Grab a seat when you find it, because its rare to find one! Most of these places are standing room only, which is why the tapas are bite sized, easy to eat, drink and hop on to the next place. Its totally different than most dining experiences, but it certainly is that, and experience. You don't have to commit to anything really, and if you don't like it (which some dishes can be a little fishy or explorative), just leave it. Everything was so reasonable (and really almost cheap) compared to what are typically used to for bites and appetizers. Some of our favorites that are must try; Iberico Ham, padrone peppers roasted red peppers and tomatoes, and octupus. All the food pairs really nicely with a splashy white wine or red, whatever your in the mood for.
Ole!