7 reasons why San Sebastián is Spain's most romantic city
The beautiful Basque city is officially one of the most romantic getaways in the world.
From its beautiful coved beach to its delightful old town - full of delicious sights and smells - San Sebastián is one of the jewels in the crown of Spanish tourism.
And now the Basque city has won another accolade: the most romantic cities in the world.
Dating website We Love Dates has revealed the 25 most romantic cities in the world and San Sebastián is the only Spanish city to make the list - coming in at a very respectable number eleven.
So here's why San Sebastián is the most romantic city in Spain.
La Concha beach in San Sebastián. Photo: AFP
The Food
Ask anyone who has visited San Sebastián for their thoughts on the city and you are guaranteed to hear how amazing the food was.
San Sebastián has more Michelin stars per square meter than anywhere else in the world (apart from Kyoto) and is home to some of the most avant-guarde chefs working today.
It is undoubtably the ultimate destination for a romantic break for a couple of foodies - treat your loved one to the most exciting and innovative dining experiences in the world.
But, importantly, you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy some of the world’s best food. Although San Sebastián is home to three restaurants boasting the coveted three michelin stars, the city is equally as lauded for its pintxos - delicious morsels of meat, fish or vegetables sitting atop a slice of baguette.
The perfect accompaniment to a romantic night out.
Photo: Pug Girl/Flickr
Beaches
What’s a good romantic break without some relaxing sunbathing and a dip in the sea? San Sebastián boasts two beautiful beaches, a picturesque cove (La Concha) where you can while away a sunny afternoon and Zurriola beach - a long stretch of beach popular with surfers - perfect if you’re a couple who like a bit of action on your romantic break.
Hotel Maria Cristina
Photo: Mike_el Madrileño/Wikimedia
One of the best hotels in Spain, this five star Belle Epoque masterpiece is perfect for a romantic weekend break in the city. Its opulent rooms once hosted Mata Hari.
La Concha promenade
Photo: San Sebastián Tourism
La Concha (The Shell) is a shell-shaped bay beloved of all who visit San Sebastian. Its pedestrianized promenade is the ideal place for a romantic stroll perfect for an evening stroll hand-in-hand as the sun sets over the beautiful bay.
La Viña’s famous cheesecake
Photo: La Viña
If there was one reason alone that makes San Sebastián one of the most romantic getaway in the world then it is the famous baked cheesecake made in La Viña restaurant in San Sebastián’s old town.
But don’t even attempt to share slice as not even the most devoted lover could be persuaded to give up a morsel of its soufflé like texture and caramelized top.
Instead stare into each other’s eyes as you experience a mouthful of heaven.
Old Hollywood glamour
Elizabeth Taylor in San Sebastian. Photo: AFP
San Sebastián has welcomed some of Hollywood’s most iconic stars over the years thanks to its film festival. The premiere of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo took place in the city’s Victoria Eugenia theatre and Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn, among many others, wandered throught the cobbled narrow streets of the atmospheric old town.
So why not follow in the footsteps of your Hollywood idols and plan a romantic cinematic break in San Sebastián.
European Capital of Culture
Photo: AFP
San Sebastián is European Capital of Culture 2016 and is planning a host of exciting events for visitors - so there’s no better time to soak up the city’s culture on a romantic break than in 2016.
See Also
From its beautiful coved beach to its delightful old town - full of delicious sights and smells - San Sebastián is one of the jewels in the crown of Spanish tourism.
And now the Basque city has won another accolade: the most romantic cities in the world.
Dating website We Love Dates has revealed the 25 most romantic cities in the world and San Sebastián is the only Spanish city to make the list - coming in at a very respectable number eleven.
So here's why San Sebastián is the most romantic city in Spain.
La Concha beach in San Sebastián. Photo: AFP
The Food
Ask anyone who has visited San Sebastián for their thoughts on the city and you are guaranteed to hear how amazing the food was.
San Sebastián has more Michelin stars per square meter than anywhere else in the world (apart from Kyoto) and is home to some of the most avant-guarde chefs working today.
It is undoubtably the ultimate destination for a romantic break for a couple of foodies - treat your loved one to the most exciting and innovative dining experiences in the world.
But, importantly, you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy some of the world’s best food. Although San Sebastián is home to three restaurants boasting the coveted three michelin stars, the city is equally as lauded for its pintxos - delicious morsels of meat, fish or vegetables sitting atop a slice of baguette.
The perfect accompaniment to a romantic night out.
Photo: Pug Girl/Flickr
What’s a good romantic break without some relaxing sunbathing and a dip in the sea? San Sebastián boasts two beautiful beaches, a picturesque cove (La Concha) where you can while away a sunny afternoon and Zurriola beach - a long stretch of beach popular with surfers - perfect if you’re a couple who like a bit of action on your romantic break.
Hotel Maria Cristina
Photo: Mike_el Madrileño/Wikimedia
One of the best hotels in Spain, this five star Belle Epoque masterpiece is perfect for a romantic weekend break in the city. Its opulent rooms once hosted Mata Hari.
La Concha promenade
Photo: San Sebastián Tourism
La Concha (The Shell) is a shell-shaped bay beloved of all who visit San Sebastian. Its pedestrianized promenade is the ideal place for a romantic stroll perfect for an evening stroll hand-in-hand as the sun sets over the beautiful bay.
La Viña’s famous cheesecake
Photo: La Viña
If there was one reason alone that makes San Sebastián one of the most romantic getaway in the world then it is the famous baked cheesecake made in La Viña restaurant in San Sebastián’s old town.
Old Hollywood glamour
Elizabeth Taylor in San Sebastian. Photo: AFP
San Sebastián has welcomed some of Hollywood’s most iconic stars over the years thanks to its film festival. The premiere of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo took place in the city’s Victoria Eugenia theatre and Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn, among many others, wandered throught the cobbled narrow streets of the atmospheric old town.
So why not follow in the footsteps of your Hollywood idols and plan a romantic cinematic break in San Sebastián.
European Capital of Culture
Photo: AFP
San Sebastián is European Capital of Culture 2016 and is planning a host of exciting events for visitors - so there’s no better time to soak up the city’s culture on a romantic break than in 2016.
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