{"id":4348,"date":"2016-10-13T10:16:17","date_gmt":"2016-10-13T10:16:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/?p=4348"},"modified":"2022-11-18T13:08:21","modified_gmt":"2022-11-18T13:08:21","slug":"4-days-to-fall-in-love-with-san-sebastian-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/fall-2016\/4-days-to-fall-in-love-with-san-sebastian-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Days to Fall in Love With San Sebastian, Spain"},"content":{"rendered":"
Recently, Carolyn Worthington, editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging Magazine had the opportunity to visit San Sebastian and sample the gastronomic and cultural offerings. Her experiences and recommendations for what not to miss appear here as a four-part <\/em>Healthy Aging\u00ae Magazine\u00a0series.\u00a0<\/em><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

By Carolyn Worthington<\/p><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

(Clockwise from top left) San Sebastian explorer, Juan Sebastian Elcano, first man to circumvent the globe. One of the many Pintxos bars. Restaurants and shops line the marina of San Sebastian port.\u00a0Photo: All photos: San Sebastian Tourism.<\/p><\/div>\n

S<\/span>an Sebastian, Spain, the cultural and gastronomic jewel of Europe, is an undiscovered destination not to miss and should move to the top of your travel list.<\/p>\n

If you are an active traveler who likes to find unique opportunities from sampling local seafood and farm fresh ingredients to exploring unique historical sites while becoming one with the local culture, San Sebastian is for you.<\/p>\n

While many people think of Madrid or Barcelona as the only places to visit in Spain, San Sebastian is one of the best-kept secrets in this culinary and culturally diverse country.<\/p>\n

There are many reasons to put this gem at the top of your bucket list from location, location, location to the tantalizing gastronomic experience and out-of-the-ordinary cultural happenings.<\/p>\n

A Seaside Jewel<\/h4>\n

Located in the Basque region where two languages are spoken (Basque and Spanish), San Sebastian is the perfect destination for those who want to combine the seashore with country and city life.<\/p>\n

Getting there is easy \u2026 San Sebastian is just an hour plane ride from Madrid where you fly to Bilbao and then an hour drive by car. Or you can just take a scenic 4.5-hour drive from Madrid. An added plus, San Sebastian is 45 minutes from the famed running with the bulls city of Pamplona.\n[awesome-gallery id=4387]<\/p>\n

San Sebastian Named European Capital of Culture for 2016<\/h4>\n

Travel to San Sebastian this year is even more special as the city is celebrating its designation as the European Capital of Culture for 2016, so designated by the European Union for a period of one year.<\/p>\n

San Sebastian received the honor in 2010 and the city has been preparing to showcase all that it has to offer for six years. The European Capital of Culture program was started in 1985 by the Greek actress Melina Mercouri\u2014who was Greece\u2019s Minister of Culture\u2014and French politician, Jack Lang. The purpose was \u201cto bring Europeans closer together by highlighting the richness and diversity of European cultures and raising awareness of their common history and values.\u201d<\/p>\n

San Sebastian\u2019s mission is true to the original charter, according to Fernando Alvarez, director of communications at the European Capital of Culture Donostia-San Sebastian 2016, who defines it as an opportunity \u201cto encourage a culture to live harmoniously together, to have a more integrated society and to overcome violence.\u201d<\/p>\n

San Sebastian is a \u201csmall big town,\u201d Alvarez says, and the perfect place where culture, sport, and gastronomy intersect. \u201cTo me this is the best place in the world. I can come home from work, get on my wet suit and surf, and then go to a concert.\u201d<\/p>\n

Itinerary for Four Days in San Sebastian<\/h3>\n

Recently, I visited San Sebastian and moved this gastronomic hub to the top of my favorite-destination list. Here is my suggested itinerary for four special days in San Sebastian:<\/p>\n

\"Bilbao

Bilbao International Terminal shaped like a dove.<\/p><\/div>\n

Day One<\/h3>\n

Fly into Madrid and take a short, one-hour hop to Bilbao Airport where your adventure begins as you walk through La Paloma (The Dove), the main terminal designed by the famous Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava. The white concrete and glass building boasts two symmetrical \u201cwings\u201d tipping to the center, adding to the special feeling that you have landed in an extraordinary country where artistic details are appreciated.<\/p>\n

Before heading to San Sebastian, be sure to stop at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and have lunch at, appropriately, a customs house turned restaurant.<\/p>\n

\"dsc_4766-guggenheim-exterior-spider-750\"Guggenheim, Bilbao<\/h4>\n

The Guggenheim Museum sits alongside the Nervion River in Bilbao\u2019s old industrial center and is credited for helping turn around a city in transition. The soaring building made of titanium with an impressive glass atrium was designed by American architect Frank O. Gehry. The design has been called \u201csculptural, expressionistic.\u201d<\/p>\n

You are greeted outside the Guggenheim Museum by an almost 30-foot-tall metal spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois who often focused on the spider as an emblem of maternity\u2014suggesting both protector and predator. If you suffer from arachnophobia, you may not enjoy standing under the monster-size spider hovering on stilt-like legs and carring a sack full of eggs in her belly. The sculpture is creepy, awesome, and amazing!<\/p>\n

The Guggenheim Bilbao is an extension of the New York Guggenheim Museum with a focus on contemporary and modern art, particularly art from the mid-20th century to the present. Browse through the 20 galleries reached by the curved walkways on three levels circling the massive sun drenched atrium. The permanent collection offers Christian Boltanski\u2019s Humans, a large-scale work of art displaying more than 1,200 images that the artist rephotographed from school portraits, family photographs, newspaper pictures, and police registries; paintings from Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning to Andy Warhol with his One Hundred and Fifty Marilyns. Marilyn Monroes, that is.<\/p>\n

\"dsc_4750-atea-exterior-750\"Dine in a Converted Customs House<\/h4>\n

<\/h4>\n

What better way to start your dining experience in a new country than in a converted customs house, Atea Restaurant, not far from the Guggenheim? Make your selection from newsprint place mats with the special of the day while seated at long tables perfect for sharing.\n[awesome-gallery id=4398]\nI sampled the potato cream soup with a swirl of purple mashed potatoes, topped with a mushroom croquette; a field greens salad; smoked salmon; and strawberries with the most delicious Spanish olive oil vinaigrette followed by a crispy local fish filet.\nOn to San Sebastian. After checking into the hotel at around 5 p.m., I headed out around 8 p.m. to discover the culture of San Sebastian firsthand through sharing of pintxos \u2026\n[awesome-gallery id=4407]

(Clockwise top left) Pintxos sampling is a social hour often spilling into the streets. Each bar has its specialty such as cheesecake at La Vina.Photos: C.Worthington. Pintxo Gilda, a specialty of the area. Typical pintxos bar. Photos: San Sebastian Tourism<\/p><\/p>\n

Pintxos Hopping<\/h4>\n

Pintxos are a way of life in San Sebastian. The local custom is \u201cto go for pintxos.\u201d You might think this means going bar hopping for tapas, but it is not, and it is so much more. This Basque custom is enjoyed by all ages\u2014families and friends together\u2014as they go from bar to bar, having a small beer called zurito (not a pint of craft beer, mind you, but a small beer), or a small glass of wine called txikito, accompanied by a pintxo. One drink and a consumed pintxo, and the group moves on to the next bar.<\/p>\n

In the beginning, pintxos were simply a slice of baguette bread, topped with a small garnish, and held in place with a toothpick. As haute cuisine kicked in, the bars amped up their creations with each bar having its own signature pintxo.\nA great place to begin your pintxos education is to head over to Pintxopote \/ Gastropote at 8:30 p.m. every Thursday in most of the bars in the Gros neighborhood and San Martin Market.<\/p>\n

A pintxopote is a special night with special prices, arranged by local bars and restaurants to sample pintxos. There are several pintxopote areas in the city and prices range from 1 to 2 euros, depending upon how elaborate the pintxo.<\/p>\n

Top Pintxo Places<\/h4>\n

The number of places to go for pintxos is overwhelming. The menu choices are staggering. What to choose? You can\u2019t go wrong with the Pintxo Gilda for starters, a guindilla (chile) pepper, a Cantabrian anchovy fillet from Spain\u2019s north coast, and a manzanilla (Spanish) olive all on a skewer. Here are a few bars I recommend in your quest for the best pintxos:<\/p>\n

A Fuego Negro\nafuegonegro.com<\/h5>\n

Great ambiance with low lights and walls wall-papered with music albums and rock memorabilia. Try the olives in vermouth; local tuna, peppers, and red onion; grilled octopus, green apple, and purple potato.<\/p>\n

Gandarias\nrestaurantegandarias.com<\/h5>\n

Located in the heart of Old Town, this bustling spot had people waiting in line not only for pintxos but for dinner. Specializing in local and seasonal seafood, vegetables, and meat. Try the codfish croquettes, lamb brochette, and fried anchovies.<\/p>\n

La Vina\nlavinarestaurante.com<\/h5>\n

Each pintxo bar has its specialty. The chef at La Vina served a cheesecake one night, and today, the restaurant is swamped with people who come there just for this tasty sweet. Opened in 1959, La Vina is still a family-run restaurant offering a warm, inviting atmosphere with a large selection of pintxos and, of course, the can\u2019t-miss cheesecake.\nFor more ideas of what to see and do in San Sebastian, check out the tourism website: sansebastianturismo.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"25468766665_46471949db_o-san-sebastian-tourism_javier-larrea-750\"

White sandy beaches of San Sebastian. Photo: San Sebastian Tourism, Javier Larrea<\/p><\/div>\n

Day 2 of 4<\/h3>\n

Hopefully, you have slept in after a late night sampling pintxos, discovering new restaurants and bars while rubbing shoulders with the locals. Today is a perfect day to walk, bask in the sun on a beach, and experience the spectacular panoramic view of San Sebastian from Mount Igeldo.<\/p>\n

\"7285962628_495b442228_o-san-sebastian-tourism-650\"

Surfing in San Sebastian. Photo: San Sebastian Tourism<\/p><\/div>\n

Beaching It<\/h4>\n

San Sebastian is a beach lover\u2019s heaven. La Concha<\/a> with its white sand stretches almost a mile and a half. It is considered one of the world\u2019s most popular and beautiful city beaches. Odarreta<\/a> is a bit smaller, about a half mile in length, and is a favorite place for beach volleyball. Surfers love it here when the wind picks up.<\/p>\n

Zurriola<\/a>, located in the Gros district, is the surf beach. From spring through fall, there are loads of local, national, and international championships held there. Rent a board or take a lesson from the local pros. Or rent an umbrella and chair to just watch the dare devils.<\/p>\n

Santa Clara Island<\/a> is fun to explore and has a small beach. You can get to this small island by boat. Small paths lead to its lighthouse, picnic areas, bars, restaurants, and\u2014of course\u2014swimming in the nooks and crannies. The island is so popular that a lifeguard is on duty.\n[awesome-gallery id=4848]\n

(Left to right) Igeldo Funicular, photo by O Morand, Wikimedia. View of La Concha Bay from Mount Igeldo. Photo: C. Worthington\n<\/p><\/p>\n

Ride the Cable Car for Panoramic View From Mount Igeldo<\/h4>\n

To take postcard-worthy scenic photos or a spectacular selfie, stopping at Mount Igelo is a must.<\/p>\n

The trip to the top can be an experience in itself when you ride the Igeldo Funicular Railway<\/a>, located nearby and next to Ondarreta Beach. Over 100 years old, the wooden cable car ride takes three minutes up a steep cliff. You can catch the ride year round.<\/p>\n

Stunning View of La Concha Bay<\/h4>\n

When you reach the top of Mount Igeldo, you will feel like you have stepped back in time as you get out of the cable car in the Monte Igeldo Amusement Park.<\/a><\/p>\n

First, enjoy the most stunning view of La Concha Bay. You might want to shoot this scene with your panoramic camera setting to capture it all \u2026 Ondarreta and La Concha Beach, Santa Clara Island, all against the glistening sea. Check it out here on Google Earth.<\/a><\/p>\n

Test the Rides at Mount Igeldo Amusement Park<\/h4>\n

Become a kid again at the amusement park. Built in 1910, the park boasts a wooden roller coaster \u201cThe Labyrinth,\u201d which you explore in a toboggan and love boats that glide through the softly moving river. Test your scary side in the house of horrors (\u201cCasa del Terror\u201d), raise your heart rate on the steep toboggan run, exercise your mind with the arcade games, and more.<\/p>\n

Cycling friendly San Sebastian with miles of bike lanes. Photo: San Sebastian Tourism, Bidegorri Oteiza<\/p>\n

Cycling in San Sebastian<\/h4>\n

San Sebastian is a cycling paradise. It\u2019s no wonder it was chosen for the start of the Tour de France back in 1992. You can feel like a pro when you rent a road, touring, or mountain bike and explore the 11 miles of cycling lanes in and through the city. For more adventure, serious riders might ride to Bilbao, an approximately 63-mile trip.<\/p>\n

Tabakelera Museum<\/h4>\n

After your active morning, explore the Tabakalera Museum<\/a>. This former tobacco factory closed in 2002 and reopened as a multi-use cultural center. It was here that 1,000 workers rolled cigars from Cuban tobacco. You can almost hear the chatter of the women rollers as you walk up the dramatic center hall staircase to view art exhibits, film labs, children\u2019s activities, and an open-air theater for summer experiences.<\/p>\n

Lunch or Dinner at World Famous 3-Star Michelin Restaurant: Arzak<\/h4>\n

Today is the perfect day to have lunch or dinner at Arzak,<\/a> the 3-Star Michelin restaurant under the watchful eyes of chefs Juan Mark Arzak in collaboration with his daughter Elena Arzak. The Basque-style cuisine here is described as cutting edge and always evolving. It\u2019s truly an experience not to be missed.<\/p>\n

Arzak\u2019s recipe for success combines classical culinary methods with new wave ideas and ingredient combinations while drawing from the finest local foods with an added splash of theatrical presentations.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe story of the restaurant is, as far back as I can remember, the story of my family,\u201d Juan Mark Arzak, 73, said. The house was built in 1897 by his grandparents as a wine cellar and tavern in the village of Alza, which is now part of San Sebastian. \u201cMany of my earliest childhood memories took place there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

It remained a tavern until his parents took over. They turned it into a simple restaurant with carefully prepared recipes. Soon, word traveled that this was indeed a special restaurant. It became popular for banquets and family celebrations. In 1951, his father passed away but his mother continued to build the restaurant.<\/p>\n

In 1966, after completing hotel and restaurant management studies, Juan Mark Arzak began working in the restaurant. A year later, he was joined by Maite Espina who helped build the business further. She became his wife, and they had two daughters, Marta and Elena. Over the years, he learned the secrets of gastronomy from his mother and began adding his own creativity.<\/p>\n

In the 1970s, Arzak began to receive prizes and awards, culminating with the 1989 prestigious Michelin star.<\/p>\n

Elena Arzak started in the kitchen at age 11 and is now the fourth generation of this family dedicated to building the restaurant even further while sharing the family’s passion for great cuisine. She is the winner of the coveted Veuve Clicquot World\u2019s Best Female Chef award among many others.<\/p>\n

Today, the restaurant has consistently ranked within the top 10 of the World\u2019s 50-best restaurants<\/p>\n

Perhaps, today is your day to experience the very special cuisine that is presented with flair and some showmanship. As long as you have made reservations months in advance. Some say there might be a three-month wait for a table!<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t despair if you did not plan ahead. Chef Elena Arzak recommends calling the day of or day before to check on cancellations.<\/p>\n

The intimate restaurant accommodates 50 diners at two seatings, lunch and dinner. Wine lovers will be impressed by the extensive wine list. Arzak boasts a collection of 100,000 bottles from 2,300 wine makers.<\/p>\n

You will immediately feel at home here in part from the welcoming staff some of whom started their careers working here for Chef Arzak’s grandmother.<\/p>\n

Every ingredient is fresh and most are local. The bread is made by a local baker and is delivered a mere 20 minutes before the meal service.<\/p>\n

If you have a group of 8 to 10, you can request the special table in the kitchen. Here you will experience the bustle of the kitchen while seated at a marble work station, covered in a white tablecloth, and tucked into an alcove decorated with framed artwork on the walls.<\/p>\n

A tasting menu included such artistic delicacies as marinated prawns on lemon grass and mint served with beetroot and crunchy krill; sea bass cooked with a mojo sauce and served in a corn husk; roast pigeon with \u201cpotato feathers,\u201d a feathery textured potato; ice cream in the shape of birds’ eggs and presented in a bird cage.<\/p>\n

Be prepared for an experience of a lifetime. Arzak is a unique opportunity to be served graciously and to sample Arzak\u2019s signature, cutting-edge cuisine in the Basque-style with a touch of theatrics.<\/p>\n

Arzak<\/a>\nDonostia \/ San Sebastian<\/h5>\n

Day 3<\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s change it up today by first visiting a local market and by heading a little out of town to Getaria where you can enjoy seafood specialties, pay a visit to a world-acclaimed fashion museum, experience a wine tasting, and lunch at a vineyard. Then, head back to San Sebastian and take a food tour.<\/p>\n

Stroll Through the Food Markets<\/h4>\n

If you are like me, you will love to explore the local food markets to see what the farmers have brought to market. Two to check out are La Bretxa<\/a> and San Martin<\/a>. La Bretxa has both the outdoor produce and many shops and stalls within the building. San Martin, originally built in 1884, is today a modern building refurbished in 2005, housing a combination of food markets and other stores.<\/p>\n

Visit Sea-Side Village of Getaria<\/h4>\n

Take the short half-hour drive to Getaria<\/a>, the small coastal town west of San Sebastian. Or for more fun, take a boat from San Sebastian to this quaint fishing village.<\/p>\n

This is the hometown of Juan Sebastian Elcano who is proudly claimed by the Basque as really the first man to circumnavigate the world. It\u2019s now a dispelled myth that it was Magellan.<\/p>\n

Although Magellan planned the expedition and set off with five ships, he met his demise in the Philippines where he became entwined in a local war and lost his life in 1521. Only three ships ultimately made it to the Pacific Ocean. One made it back to Spain, the Nao Victoria, captained by Juan Sebastian Elcano.<\/p>\n

So, folks, time to update your history lesson. Magellan is out as the first one to circle the globe. Remember the name Juan Sebastian Elcano for trivia night.<\/p>\n

Balenciaga Museum<\/h4>\n

Fashionistas, the Balenciaga Museum<\/a> is a must stop on your tour.<\/p>\n

If you know or wore the sack dress, the high waisted baby doll dress, or an empire dress, then you know or wore a Cristobal Balenciaga-inspired creation.<\/p>\n

Before the sack dress was designed by Balenciaga in 1957, the typical dress style was a fitted bodice, narrow waist, and full skirt. Often, those full skirts were made possible by those itchy crinolines (those stiff poufy slips\u2014anyone remember?).<\/p>\n

As someone who was smitten with sewing back in the 60s, I felt like I was walking through a museum of clothes that had many of the design elements I either wore or made. Fashionistas and anyone interested in fashion history and design will love to be lost and consumed in this museum.<\/p>\n

Wander through the four floors of the museum, and you will see a magnificent display of Balenciaga\u2019s classic designs.<\/p>\n

I was mesmerized and impressed by the Balenciaga quality not generally seen today in ready to wear. His use of exquisite fabrics, signature lace, and bound buttonholes are on display. Gorgeous.<\/p>\n

ORANGE COAT CAPTION: Stunning orange Balenciaga day coat with a jewel neckline and turndown collar. Special details include the double row of buttons at the front and precise cut below the chest. The pockets are hidden by the vertical seams in the front.<\/p>\n

Olatu:\nwww. txakoliolatu.com<\/h5>\n

A Vineyard Tasting at Akarregi Txiki Txakolindegi\u2014Olatu<\/h4>\n

Discover Txokoli (pronounced \u201cChock-o-lee\u201d), the special wine of the Basque Country at Olatu. Sample this delicious, aromatic wine with its slight tones of the sea breeze picked up by the grapes grown on the high trellis system on the slopes of Gretaria.<\/p>\n

Txokoli is a slightly sparking, very dry, acidic white wine. Best when drunk young, Txokoli is perfect as an aperitif especially with pintxos. The locals recommend pairing it with salty anchovies or tuna.<\/p>\n

You will feel like you have gone to oenophile heaven when you arrive at Akarregi Txiki <\/a>on the slopes of the town of Txakoli. This small family-owned-and-run winery opens their doors for wine tastings, guided tours, and lunch.<\/p>\n

I was fortunate to be greeted by a vineyard tasting followed by lunch in the winery. The menu was filled with locally grown mini carrots, white asparagus, and garnishes of chive flowers. The mushroom soup paired with tear drop peas, grilled tuna with pine nuts, finished by a simple strawberry and mascarpone layered dessert was amazing.<\/p>\n

Their trademark wine is Olatu in the blue bottle. The winemakers describe Olatu as a wine \u201cthat evokes the sea and coastal breeze\u201d to be drunk young. Although the wine is limited in production, it can be savored here and is expected to be distributed in the U.S. in the future.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Back in San Sebastian<\/h4>\n

Fill your afternoon back in San Sebastian with a craft fair, a concert, a theatre play, or a food tour.<\/p>\n

San Sebastian Food<\/h4>\n

If you would appreciate a guide to take you through the local food scene, San Sebastian Food<\/a> might be appealing. Located near old town and within the elegant Hotel Maria Cristina building, San Sebastian Food offers wine tastings, cooking classes, and tours of local food markets.<\/p>\n

Dinner at Ni Neu<\/p>\n

One of the most spectacular views of San Sebastian is from the hillside perch of the restaurant Ni Neu<\/a>. Chef Mikel Gallo is at the helm of Ni Neu, overlooking the Zurriola Bridge and the sea below.<\/p>\n

The elegant and thoughtful menu prepared by Chef Gallo is filled with local ingredients and served with flair. The cuisine is a cross between a classic bistro and haute cuisine.<\/p>\n

I sampled tuna tartar served with an avocado cream, Iberian port carpaccio with a nutty vinaigrette, crispy cod with a celery mayonnaise, and slices of roasted lamb served on a bed of shaved irati sheep\u2019s milk cheese. All of this was followed up by spectacular desserts of caramelized French toast, topped with ice cream and a flavored Fuji apple served with a fresh cheese ice cream.<\/p>\n

Make sure to put this restaurant on your list.\u00a0Get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow we go to the sea!<\/p>\n

Day 4<\/h4>\n

We\u2019ve explored the local markets, taste tested the pintxos, explored a fashion museum, and had over-the-top meals.<\/p>\n

Today, let\u2019s explore the natural environment of San Sebastian and immerse ourselves in one of the city\u2019s most natural resources\u2014the sea.<\/p>\n

The San Sebastian Aquarium<\/h4>\n

You don\u2019t have to be a kid to be mesmerized by the almost-one-century-old San Sebastian Aquarium<\/a>. The stunning view alone of the harbor is worth the trip. Refurbished in 2008, the two-story building houses numerous tanks of more than 200 species, primarily from the Bay of Biscay.<\/p>\n

Get swallowed up in the 360-degree whopper of a fish tank. You will be humming \u201cUnder the Sea\u201d as you walk though this tunnel surrounded by sea life. By appointment, you can even swim with the fish in one of the tanks.<\/p>\n

I did not try this!<\/p>\n

Albaola Naval Factory<\/h4>\n

Part two of your seafaring day is a visit to the Albaola Naval Factory<\/a> built on a shipyard and converted into a museum. Just two-and-a-half miles from center city of San Sebastian, this is a fun and easy-to-get-to excursion. And you can even go by boat<\/a>. You can park your car for free at Hospitalillo in Trintxerpe <\/a><\/em>and take the 10-minute ride.<\/p>\n

The mission of the Albaola Naval Factory is to keep the Basque Maritime heritage and accomplishments of Basque seaman alive. Today, a small team of dedicated mariners follow this quest in the impressive boat \u201cworking museum\u201d building.<\/p>\n

Nautical craftsmanship and technology are on full display here as the passionate boat builders tirelessly research, recover, and showcase the nautical craftsmanship of bygone eras.<\/p>\n

This \u201csea factory of the Basques\u201d is filled with exhibits and a great hall workshop where visitors can watch the boat builders in action. The crew are building a historical replica of the 1563 whaling ship San Juan and you can have a bird\u2019s eye view as they work. Complementing the boat construction is an exhibit that takes you through the epic times of 16th century whale hunting when Pasaia was the main whaling port of Europe. For centuries, expeditions set sail from here toward Newfoundland.<\/p>\n

Albaola is more than an international boatbuilding school attracting students from many different countries. On the day of my visit, a young American was busy working on a fishing boat replica in the massive workshop.<\/p>\n

I learned on this visit that the people of the Basque region are very proud of their area, historical accomplishments, and culture enhanced by the sea.<\/p>\n

There is no better spokesperson for the Basque seafarers than Xabi Agote, 51, who grew up in San Sebastian. He now manages and carries the torch and for the Basque lore.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was a kid, 9 or 10, I would go to the pier to fish. There were a lot of fishing back then. Women were sewing nets, the fish were being sold,\u201d he said. \u201cBut, when I was 18, I realized all the wooden boats that I knew had disappeared. I decided then to become a boat builder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI found a boat-building course on French television that was taking place in Maine,\u201d he said. And so, he traveled to Maine and became an \u201capprentice\u201d at the Maine Maritime Museum<\/a> in Bath, Maine.<\/p>\n

As part of his apprenticeship in Maine, he was asked to help build a replica of a Basque boat. The boat was meant to stay in Maine. He decided to buy it and bring it back to Spain. After much fund-raising through clubs promoting Basque culture, such as Euskal Etxea<\/a> and Basque House, his dream came true. The boat was brought to Spain and launched the beginning of the museum in 2014. Last year, 38,000 visitors came here.<\/p>\n

Agote plans to sail his 16th century boat from Pasaia to North America. Agote\u2019s dream is to change the history books. He is convinced that the Basque sailors arrived in the U.S. before the French, and he is determined to prove it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe plan to finish this boat and set sail by 2017,\u201d he said with tremendous passion. By the looks of the enthusiastic team he has put together there, I believe he will do it.<\/p>\n

Lunch at Mirador de Ulia, One Star Michelin<\/h4>\n

Chef Reben Trincado is the innovative chef of Mirador de Ulia<\/a> who combines the traditional recipes of his childhood with as he says, \u201cAvante garde techniques to surprise diners with the creations on their plates.\u201d A jovial chef, he is passionate about his craft while being humble about his accomplishments.<\/p>\n

The restaurant received a Michelin star in 2010 and the ever-smiling Trincado is quick to say \u201cit was a team effort.\u201d<\/p>\n

On any given day, you will be surprised and delighted by the chef\u2019s creations while soaking in the outrageous view overlooking Zurriola beach.<\/p>\n

Your dinner might include oysters with pickled vegetables, marinated sardines, hake with pistachio praline, and duck with glazed apple. Or, perhaps, you might choose pigeon stew. I was surprised by the amazing details like the cappuccino served in test tubes and \u201cmanzana a la sidra\u201d (a creative apple confection with lots of eye appeal).<\/p>\n

\"dsc_5156-cider-house-exterior-750\"

Petritegi cider house. Photo: C. Worthington<\/p><\/div>\n

Cider House Rules \u2026 Finish Off the Tour with Dinner and Drinks at a Traditional Cider House<\/h4>\n

You cannot leave the Basque region without tasting the local cider, one of the trademarks of the area. Tucked into the hillsides around San Sebastian are charming cider houses that offer the delicious, relatively low alcohol beverage, bistro fare, and yet another opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals.<\/p>\n

My last stop of the four-day tour was to the Petritegi cider house named for the farmhouse press built in the early 1500s. Built around the massive cider press, \u201cThe house of Petri\u201d has been family owned for over 500 years. Today, Petritgi is owned by the Gipuzkoa family who took the reins in the early 20th century.<\/p>\n

Grab a glass and head to the oversized barrels, or kupelas, and pour your own cider. Sit at the long tables family style and sip your cider with cider house menu selections like fried green peppers, charcoal-grilled beef rib chop, quince jelly, and walnuts for dessert.<\/p>\n

Raise your glass and toast to the best four days ever exploring the best of San Sebastian.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Come with us on a 4 day tour of San Sebastian, Spain, the cultural and gastronomic jewel of Europe <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4358,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[62,64],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4348","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fall-2016","category-fall-2016-features"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4348","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4348"}],"version-history":[{"count":48,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4348\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6202,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4348\/revisions\/6202"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4358"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4348"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4348"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4348"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}