The cold season brings a unique transformation to northern Spain, but there is one spot on the map where this change is felt most profoundly. We’re talking about San Sebastián, the jewel of the Gipuzkoa province, recently named the most beautiful city in Europe. With the arrival of winter, Donostia, as the Basques call it, doesn’t fall asleep—instead, it comes alive, offering visitors an irresistible mix of elegance, tranquility, wild nature, and hedonism.
Winter landscapes here look like they belong on postcards. The La Concha bay, free from the summer crowds, turns into a vast mirror reflecting the leaden sky, mountain outlines, and the silhouette of Santa Clara island. Climb Mount Igueldo—on foot or aboard the century-old funicular—and you’ll see one of Spain’s most iconic panoramas: a graceful city cradled by green hills and the open sea. Mount Urgull, with its trails and the ancient Castillo de la Mota, radiates a special serenity in the winter months. The same is true for Mount Ulia, an ideal spot for those wanting to hear the Cantabrian Sea roaring beneath the cliffs as they walk along waymarked paths through lush, damp forests.
San Sebastián breathes culture all year round, but winter gives it a special charm. The city is already preparing for a vibrant 2026, which will bring a wave of new events to the cultural life of the Basque Country. At the center of attention will be the artistic triangle: the Guggenheim Museum, the San Telmo Museum, and the renovated Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, whose expansion — named Agravitas — will open in June and promises to become a milestone in Spanish art. This is complemented by new projects at the Tabakalera cultural center and a packed festival calendar, spanning cinema, gastronomy, and music.
But if there is one thing that makes Donostia irresistible in any season, it’s the city’s passion for food. It’s no coincidence that the region leads Europe in Michelin stars per capita, yet its gastronomic allure goes far beyond fine dining. Winter is the perfect time to retreat to the Old Town, home to legendary pintxo bars. Cod ‘pil-pil,’ the famous ‘gildas,’ or steaming corn ‘talos’ all take on a special flavor when the Bay of Biscay winds howl outside. Centuries-old taverns and creative bars map out a gastronomic trail that never disappoints.
La Concha Beach retains its charm even in winter, and Euskadi’s commitment to sustainable development is bearing fruit. In 2026, the Aiako Arria-Ekain Nature Park is scheduled to open, combining environmental protection with accessible hiking trails. Other natural gems like Urdaibai, Gorbeia, and Izki are also nearby. For sea lovers, the beaches remain a key attraction even in the cold. At Zurriola Beach, surfers catch waves despite the low temperatures, while the Sagüés wall offers the best vantage point for watching sunsets.
Scenic viewpoints, trails, and spaces that captivate travelers. San Sebastián is more than just a city—it’s an experience. From the Paseo Nuevo promenade, where waves crash powerfully against the cliffs, to the iconic ‘Wind Comb’ sculpture by Chillida, every step brings a new perspective. Miramar Palace, with gardens overlooking the bay, creates the perfect setting for a cold but clear morning. In winter, these spots turn almost intimate: fewer tourists, more silence, and plenty of time to savor the sights.
For reference, San Sebastián, or Donostia in Basque, is the administrative center of the province of Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country autonomous community. The city is renowned not only for its beaches and Belle Époque architecture, but also as one of the world’s culinary capitals. Each year, it hosts the famous international film festival, which attracts celebrities of global stature. Its unique location between the sea and the mountains made it a popular aristocratic resort as far back as the 19th century.
