Things to Do in San Sebastián: Curated Luxury Experiences
San Sebastián is where Spanish elegance meets Basque tradition—an enclave of golden beaches, belle époque architecture, and some of Europe’s most celebrated cuisine. Located in the heart of the Basque Country in northern Spain, this coastal city offers a refined rhythm of experiences shaped by tradition and elevated by exclusivity. For travelers who value taste, craftsmanship, and meaningful indulgence, San Sebastián delivers a distinctive blend of culture, food, and design.
Whether you're strolling past neoclassical façades or savoring a curated tasting menu, each moment here is layered with local nuance and thoughtful detail. Below, we’ve curated a selection of elevated experiences for your luxury trip to San Sebastián—each one crafted with insider access and deep regional roots.
Use this guide alongside our full San Sebastián Travel Guide and curated San Sebastián Experiences for essential insights on where to stay, eat, and explore.
Private Pintxos Crawl with a Local Gastronomic Expert
Estimated Duration: 3 hours
Explore San Sebastián’s old town with a local culinary insider who knows which pintxo bars are worth the hype—and which are still off the tourist radar. Enjoy curated pairings of small bites and local txakoli wine, with personal introductions to chefs and bar owners along the way.
Explore more in our San Sebastián Cuisine Guide (coming soon).
Chef’s Table Dining at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Estimated Duration: 3–4 hours
San Sebastián holds one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars per square mile in the world. Avelia can secure preferred reservations—or private dining arrangements—at exclusive spots like Arzak, Akelarre, or Martín Berasategui. Expect intricate tasting menus, seasonal local ingredients, and elevated hospitality in intimate settings.
Private Sailing Excursion along La Concha Bay
Estimated Duration: 2–3 hours
Charter a luxury sailboat or motor yacht to explore the coast from a privileged vantage point. Cruise past the Urgull and Igueldo hills, toast with champagne near Santa Clara Island, or anchor for a bespoke onboard picnic. Ideal for honeymooners or small groups looking to elevate a sunny afternoon with style.
Market Tour & Cooking Class in a Private Villa
Estimated Duration: 4–5 hours
Start with a guided visit to the Mercado de la Bretxa, where top chefs shop daily. Then head to a private villa in the countryside for a hands-on Basque cooking session—anchovies in vinegar, bacalao pil-pil, or seasonal marmitako. Finish with a relaxed lunch on a sun-soaked terrace, wine pairings included.
Exclusive Architecture Tour with a Local Historian
Estimated Duration: 2.5 hours
Take a closer look at San Sebastián’s elegant belle époque architecture, with insights into the city’s transformation from royal retreat to cultural capital. This private walking tour covers iconic spots like the Miramar Palace, the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, and the ornate façades of the Avenida de la Libertad—with access to private courtyards and lesser-known interiors along the way.
Spa & Wellness Afternoon at a Five-Star Hotel
Estimated Duration: 2–3 hours
Unwind with thermal circuits, sea-view jacuzzis, and signature treatments using locally sourced botanicals. Avelia guests can enjoy preferred access to spa facilities at select luxury hotels like Hotel María Cristina or Lasala Plaza Hotel. We can also arrange in-suite massages or private wellness sessions overlooking La Concha Bay.
Explore top accommodations in our San Sebastián Hotel Reviews.
Day Trip to Getaria: Wine, Fishing Heritage & Balenciaga
Estimated Duration: 5–6 hours
A short coastal drive leads to Getaria—home to txakoli vineyards, grilled seafood, and the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum. Visit a family-run bodega for a tasting and tour, walk the harbor where fishing boats still land the daily catch, and enjoy lunch overlooking the Atlantic. A perfect escape for those seeking both design and tradition.
Interested in wine travel? Explore more in our Duero Valley and La Rioja wine regions.
Seasonal Insider Events (Festivals, Cinema, Music)
Estimated Duration: Varies
From VIP access to San Sebastián International Film Festival screenings to private boxes during classical concerts, Avelia provides custom access to cultural events throughout the year. Our on-the-ground partners keep you in the loop on seasonal highlights worth weaving into your travel dates.
Plan your timing with our Best Time to Visit Spain guide.
Start Planning Your Luxury San Sebastián Experience
From private pintxos tours and chef’s table dining to coastal sailing and exclusive architecture walks, Avelia will design your San Sebastián trip around your passions—culinary, cultural, or coastal. Fill out the form below, and a dedicated travel specialist will reach out within 24 hours to begin crafting your personalized itinerary.