Why San Sebastián is coastal Spain’s best winter escape

One of Spain's top destinations, the charming town of San Sebastián (also called Donostia-San Sebastián) receives plenty of tourists who flock to this picturesque coastal city for summertime surf and sun. But a trip to San Sebastián in winter affords advantages that visitors may have not considered. From can't-miss cultural experiences to easier access to renowned restaurants, here are seven reasons to book a trip to San Sebastián in winter.

1. Drink up during cider season

January kicks off cider season in San Sebastián, which runs until mid-April (though bottled cider is available year round). Partake in the Basque tradition of drinking it straight from the barrel at one of San Sebastián's cider houses, locally called sidrería or sagardotegi. If you hear someone yell "txotx," it's a signal to patrons that a new barrel has been opened, so gather round to catch a fresh glass.

Planning tip: Many Basque cider houses charge per person for an array of foods that typically pair with cider, like a salt cod omelette, rare steak and local cheeses.

2. Celebrate with locals

Just about everything in San Sebastián has deep religious roots, from the town's namesake, St Sebastian (patron saint of athletes and archers), to stunning 18th-century churches as well as modern sculptures like the La Cruz de la Paz at the Catedral del Buen Pastor. If you find yourself in Basque Country on January 5, partake in the procession of the three kings through the streets of San Sebastián. Locals portray the biblical characters Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar, and parade toward City Hall.

A mere 2 weeks later, San Sebastián Day on January 19 kicks off a 24-hour citywide celebration of everything that makes San Sebastián special. Gastronomy clubs host traditional Basque dinners, then the town gathers at the main square, Plaza de la Constitución, to raise the flag. Marching bands and traditional tamborrada (drum parades) take to the streets until the evening of the next night, when the celebration concludes.

Planning tip: Come March, dFERIA (the Performing Arts Fair of Donostia) presents a weekend of innovative theater and dance productions across a half dozen venues.

3. Enjoy the mild winter weather

If you're worried about missing out on the natural beauty and ornate architecture of San Sebastián due to harsh winter weather, you'll be happy to hear that the coastal town gets little to no snowfall. In fact, temperatures are pleasant, with highs hovering around 12–15°C (54–60°F), simply ideal for strolling through the cobblestone streets of the Parte Vieja (Old Town) or along the picturesque shorefront by Playa de la Concha.

Planning tip: Ride the historic funicular to the top of Monte Igueldo for panoramic views of the city on a clear day.

4. Reserve a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant

San Sebastián has more Michelin-starred restaurants per square meter than any other city in the world with 13, three of which have three stars: Akelarre, Arzak and Martín Berasategui. But getting a reservation during peak tourism season can be challenging. While some of these acclaimed restaurants close their doors for the winter, plenty of noteworthy spots have easier-to-get tables this time of year.

5. See San Sebastián's outdoor sculptures

San Sebastián's open-air sculptures make the entire city feel like a work of art. On a visit to the Peine del Viento in winter, you'll see the fierceness of the sea amplified in juxtaposition with the impressive iron structures. Sculptor Eduardo Chillida's vision for the piece was to create a conversation between his art and the surrounding landscape – and there's no better time to observe that than when the waves are at their highest in winter.

Planning tip: For more Chillida, take a 15-minute bus ride to Chillida Leku, a gallery and sculpture garden where more than 40 of the sculptor’s works sit in natural surroundings. Allow at least 2 hours for your visit – Chillida said viewers should be guided by their intuition and follow the works’ scent.

6. Score a bargain hotel room

Hotel prices are at an all-time low come winter, which means waterfront accommodations at the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra or Hotel Niza can be had for as little as €65–120 per night. Even high-end hotels like the Hotel María Cristina drop their rates down to around €350 per night (as opposed to upward of €1200 per night in summer). Royal luminaries like Queen Isabella II put San Sebastián on the map as a vacation destination – so why not treat yourself to a luxury stay without the royal price tag?

7. Have plenty of elbow room at San Sebastián's pintxos bars

Pintxos are small snacks that are a signature of the Basque region. They're elaborately crafted, designed to be eaten in just a few bites while enjoying drinks with friends. The best pintxo spots in San Sebastián are incredibly crowded during peak season, but a visit in winter means you'll have your pick of prime pintxos no matter where you go.

Planning tip: Standouts include the made-to-order dishes at La Cuchara de San Telmo, local staples at Ganbara and the highly regarded Bergara.