San Sebastián, or Donostia as it’s known in Basque, is one of Europe’s culinary capitals — famous for its beaches, Belle Époque architecture, and above all, its pintxos (bite-sized Basque tapas).
Combining cycling with a pintxos crawl is the perfect way to experience San Sebastián at a relaxed pace while working up an appetite along the way. so, here are some of the best things to do in San Sebastian, Spain!
Begin your ride at La Concha Beach, one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe.
Cycle along the wide, smooth promenade, taking in views of the turquoise bay and Santa Clara Island. The dedicated bike lanes make it easy to ride without worrying about traffic, making this an ideal route even for casual cyclists.
From here, you can loop toward Ondarreta Beach and Miramar Palace, a perfect stop for photos of the city and the coastline.
If you’re up for a short climb, head toward Monte Igueldo for a panoramic view that captures San Sebastián’s perfect crescent-shaped bay.
Source: Depositphotos.
Coastal Ride to Zurriola
Continue riding toward the eastern side of the city, passing the Kursaal Congress Centre before arriving at Zurriola Beach — the city’s surf hub.
This area has a younger, more laid-back vibe and is a great place to stop for a coffee or smoothie before continuing.
On summer days, the promenade here is full of surfers, street performers, and live music — a lively contrast to the more elegant La Concha area.
Source: Depositphotos.
Pintxos Stop Number One
After your first loop, it’s time to eat.
Head into the Old Town (Parte Vieja), where the streets are lined with pintxo bars, each displaying counters overflowing with skewered delights. Order one or two pintxos per bar and pair them with txakoli, the lightly sparkling local white wine, or a cold cider.
Classics to try include gilda (anchovy, olive, and pepper skewers), grilled octopus, and txangurro (stuffed spider crab). Cycling between stops allows you to pace yourself and explore multiple neighborhoods.
Source: Depositphotos.
Ride to Mount Ulía
If you want to combine a little more adventure with your food tour, take the gentle climb up Mount Ulía on the eastern side of the city.
The bike path winds through green forest and rewards you with spectacular views of San Sebastián and the rugged coastline stretching toward France.
This ride adds a bit of cardio to balance out the indulgence of your pintxos crawl and is a popular route for local cyclists.
More Pintxos and Sweet Treats
After the ride back into town, it’s time for another round of pintxos.
Try bars like Ganbara for mushroom-based creations, La Cuchara de San Telmo for slow-cooked meats, or Bar Néstor for its legendary tomato salad and steak.
Finish with a sweet stop at one of the city’s bakeries for pantxineta (almond cream pastry) or artisanal ice cream by the port.
Combining Cycling and Culture
Source: Unsplash.
This experience is more than just food — it’s about connecting with the city’s rhythm. Cycling lets you discover neighborhoods beyond the Old Town, from Gros with its surf culture to the more local vibe of Amara.
Many Spain cycling tours include San Sebastián as part of a Basque Country itinerary, pairing coastal rides with culinary stops and vineyard visits in nearby Getaria.
For travelers who prefer organized rides, guided bike tours Spain in San Sebastián often include curated pintxo routes, local guides who share history and food tips, and support to make the experience smooth and memorable.
Best Time to Go
Source: Depositphotos.
San Sebastián is beautiful year-round, but late spring and early autumn are particularly ideal for cycling — the weather is mild, and the city is lively without being overcrowded.
July and August bring peak festival season, including the famous Semana Grande, which fills the city with music, fireworks, and extra energy.
Practical Tips
Pintxo etiquette is simple: take a plate, select what you want from the bar, and keep your toothpicks — they’ll be counted at the end for your bill.
Don’t be afraid to hop between bars, as this is part of the experience.
Wear comfortable clothing for cycling, but bring a lock so you can safely leave your bike while you eat. And remember to pace yourself — there are dozens of pintxos bars, and the temptation to try everything is real.
A Perfect San Sebastián Day
Source: Depositphotos.
Cycling and eating your way around San Sebastián is the ideal way to explore this seaside city. Between the bay views, cliffside rides, and endless culinary stops, you’ll get a taste of Basque life that is as active as it is indulgent.
By the end of the day, you’ll have burned enough calories to justify every bite — and discovered why San Sebastián is a city best experienced slowly, one pedal stroke and one pintxo at a time.
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