Conde Nast Traveler is out with its annual list of “Readers Choice Awards” that highlights the best cities in Europe to visit.
In 2023, the list notes a few European cities you know and may have even visited (hello, Dublin, Copenhagen, and Zurich). The top spot, however, goes to a mountain spot in Southern Europe that’s not usually in the limelight as far as Euro excursions go.
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That city is San Sebastian, Spain, located in the country’s Basque region that offers mountains with scenic vistas and a high-octane surfing experience that ranks among the best in the world.
Topping cities like Dubrovnik, Croatia; Bruges, Belgium; and Porto, Portugal, which also made the Conde Nast “top Euro cities for 2023” list, San Sebastian lies “up and around” the Bay of Biscay coastline and by Spain’s scenic Basque Country mountains.
“It’s an area known for its relaxed atmosphere, long stretches of honey-hued beaches, and various foodie outposts with world-famous chefs at their helm,” Conde Nast reported. In fact, San Sebastian has more Michelin star-ranked eateries per capita than any other city in the world, according to San Sebastian Turismoa.
“You can choose from six one-star (Alameda, Elkano, Kokotxa, Mirador de Ulia, Zuberoa) to three three-star restaurants (Akelarre, Arzak, Martin Berasategui), depending on your tastes and budget ($100 - $250+ meal per person,)” the tourism site said. “There are also many restaurants for casual dining and a countless number of pintxo bars”, which are small finger foods served at bars and taverns throughout the Basque Country, long considered the backbone of Basque’s food culture.
Tourists who visit San Sebastian in winter are encouraged by locals to enjoy the Cantabrian Sea’s 30-meter-high waves, but only from a distance, preferably on the bluffs in Paseo Nuevo or from the monument at nearby La Concha Bay.
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The city is also famous for its legendary residents.
Author Ernest Hemingway lived in San Sebastian while writing his book “Death in the Afternoon," which described the annual “Running of the Bulls” in nearby Pamplona. One of Europe’s most famous designers, Cristobal Balenciaga, opened his first atelier (design studio) in San Sebastian in 1924 at the age of 22.
The closest airport to the city is San Sebastián Airport, which offers connections to Madrid and Barcelona. Bilbao Airport, while also providing connections to Europe’s major bourses. Additionally, the average three-day hotel cost in San Sebastian is $622, according to the travel website “Budget Your Trip.”
It’s not the city you’d think would top a Conde Nast Traveler “best cities” list, but if you go, you’ll be thankful you discovered San Sebastian.
Now it’s time for the city to discover you.
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