Why San Sebastián is heaven for people with a love for surfing, culture and food

14-09-2018 by Linda

An impressive coastline with golden beaches and a bright blue sea forms the perfect surf bay in the backyard of San Sebastián. Also: the historic buildings are right along the coast and packed with the best pinchos-bars and seafood-restaurants. No surprise that at Extralingo we are very happy to add San Sebastián to our list of Spanish cities to learn Spanish in. You can learn Spanish in San Seabastián at language school Lacunza. Below we explain why everyone should have been in San Sebastián at least once.

For all the surfers out there

Do you want to learn how to surf or do you already find your way through the waves easily? On the beach Playa de la Concha - basically the backyard of San Sebastián - there are waves for every surfer. One beach away, Playa de Zurriola has more powerful waves which makes the water a true fiesta for advanced surfers. On the beaches near San Sebastián you will always find dozens of surfers. Logically, you don't have to search long to find a suitable surfschool: you will find them on the boulevard at almost every corner. Because of the big surf-community the historic center of San Sebastián breathes a relaxed surf- and skate-culture. Not only because of the many surf shops, but mostly due to the relaxed and happy no-nonsense atmosphere that you feel when chatting with the residents and the shop- and restaurant-staff. Just so you know: the golden beaches are also perfect for the less enthusiastic surfers among us and lend themselves perfectly for sunbathing, picnicking, beach volleyball or to read a good book.

Culinary party

In San Sebastián they understand, perhaps better than in other Spanish cities, the art of eating. The bars where the pinchos (Basque tapas) are displayed in glass shelves and beautiful bowls are more difficult to miss than to find. The same bars offer the tastiest wines that are consumed by extravagant chatting Spaniards on the street. For fine dining you can go to one of the restaurants awarded with a Michelin star. Fans of fish and oysters just have to walk along the boulevard to find a perfect seafood restaurant.

Royal Culture

Once upon a time San Sebastián was the favorite destination for the Spanish royal family, and that is still clearly visible: impressive Art Nouveau buildings, elegant bridges, well designed squares and beautiful parks adorn the city and give it an imposing look. Although the city is not very large (less than 190,000 inhabitants), there are many internationally known cultural activities and festivities. Perhaps the most well-known is the International Film Festival that takes place every year in September. With all the cultural and musical activities that takes place in this Basque city, we can continue for a while, but the best thing is of course to go yourself and stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town, past the charming guesthouses, colorful boutiques. and bustling pinchos bars: which together form the lively mix called San Sebastián.

Want to learn Spanish in Spain? Find the best Spanish language schools here.