Feast on Pinchos in San Sebastian´s Old Quarter

San Sebastian and pinchos ( pintxos in the Basque language) are something not to be missed on any visit to this elegant Basque capital known worldwide for it´s superb gastronomy.

Pinchos take their name from the Spanish word for skewer or cocktail stick as this is what is normally used to hold them together. Pinchos are an artform in the Basque Country and in San Sebastian especially where annually city bars compete for the best pincho in town.  The variety of pinchos on offer is remarkable with each bar offering it´s own, often immense, selection of hand made tapas.  Some appear deceptively simple while others are elaborated to the highest level using only the freshest and finest ingredients.  It is wrong to call them tapas because they are much more elaborate than that.

Some of the best pinchos bars are often tucked away in quiet side streets of the Old Quarter known only to locals but several little gems are also hidden away in the newer neighbourhoods of San Sebastian.   Some of the tastiest pinchos are not laid out on the bar but need to be ordered on the spot and it takes a local to know what to order in each place.

There's no better way to discover San Sebastian´s pinchos scene and how to handle the bustling pinchos bars while learning a little bit about the city and it´s traditions than in the company of a charming, witty and knowledgeable local.  Totally Spain can arrange for you to spend an evening (3hrs approx) in the company of such a person. You will enjoy visiting at least half a dozen of the city´s best pinchos bars where you´ll taste an ample and varied selection of the best pinchos on offer accompanied by some of the best wines from around Spain, Basque cider and txakoli (a local Basque white wine). 

We recommend doing this tour on your first evening in San Sebastian as it´s a terrifc introduction to the city.  And for most people the food enjoyed on this tour easily constitutes a dinner. 

You only need to let your Totally Spain agent know and we can include a private or small group Pinchos Tour with our expert local guide, as part of your very own custom private tour in Spain.

 

TOTALLY SPAIN BLOG ARTICLES RELATED TO SAN SEBASTIAN, PINCHOS & TAPAS

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TOTALLY SPAIN´S GUIDE TO THE ART OF GASTRONOMY IN SPAIN

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UNUSUAL FOOD CUSTOMS IN SPAIN

 

Pic credit: San Sebastian Turismo