San Sebastián Holiday Deals

Holiday In San Sebastian

Want to holiday like royalty? San Sebastian, in Spain’s northern Basque country, became a go-to getaway for VIPs when Queen Isabella came here in the 1800s. (Ernest Hemingway also wrote about it in The Sun Also Rises—yeah, it’s pretty famous.)

Yet somehow this sophisticated hot spot has attracted an exclusive crowd without becoming a velvet-rope-and-giant-bouncer kind of place. Plus, with its own distinct language, currencies and customs, a holiday to San Sebastian is like no other.

Things to Do in San Sebastian

Let’s get to the point: You probably want San Sebastian package deals near Playa de la Concha. It’s one of the most famous beaches in Europe thanks to its seriously postcard-perfect surroundings: City behind you, emerald hills on either side, and super-soothing green-blue water—yes, please. Rent a cabana or just stretch out on your towel, because you’re about to learn the true meaning of tranquilo.

Had enough vitamin D for one day? Snap one of lastminute.com.au’s awesome car hire deals in San Sebastian and get a move on to Getaria, located 25 km west. Legendary designer Cristobal Balenciaga was born here, but you don’t have to be a catwalk connoisseur to appreciate the masterpieces at the Balenciaga Museum—they definitely count as art. If you prefer paintings, visit the old stomping grounds of Dali and Picasso with our Barcelona holiday packages. Nonstop, hour-long flights daily make this an easy add-on to your Spanish adventure.

Shopping, Dining & Nightlife

You won’t find any huge shopping malls on holiday in San Sebastian, and that’s just the way they like it, thank you very much. Old Town is the place to find edible souvenirs like anchovies from Cantabria, beans from Tolosa and puff pastries to go in your mouth right now. Across the channel, browse art and antiques in the Gros district, and if you’ve got euros burning a hole in your pocket, take an extra suitcase to the centre of town, where you’ll find the high-end boutiques and international designers.

Sure, you probably think of tapas when you imagine a San Sebastian holiday—but you’ve never seen tapas like this (or as they’re called in Basque country, pintxos). Anchoas a la jardinera (vinegar-marinated anchovies with onions and peppers), stuffed sea urchins and calamares en su tinta (squid in black sauce) are just the beginning. If the way to your holiday heart is through your stomach, you’re in good hands.

If your life motto goes something like “Sleep is for the weak”, you’ll be among friends near Zubieta Plaza, just a block from the beach. We’d say “start the night with Txakoli”, a distinctly Basque white wine, but to be honest, you’ve probably been drinking it all day! Partied too hard already? Kick back and people watch in a late-night cafe on the pedestrian-only Calle de los Reyes Catolicos.

What’s Next?

On your next trip, it’s time to live in an Ernest Hemingway novel—at least for a little while. Package deals to San Sebastian from lastminute.com.au will have you all set up before you can say “Beste ronda bat!” (“Another round!”). You’ll be using that one a lot.