San Sebastian-Donostia: if you have not visited yet, make it your next priority to experience this gem nestled along Spain's Basque Country coast. Known for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and gastronomy excellence, our experience in this city was nothing short of magical. Immediately upon arrival, you are greeted by the premier La Concha Beach, a stunning crescent of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, framed by the city's picturesque promenade. The beach was alive with locals and tourists alike, all basking in the sun's embrace or diving into the refreshing sea.

But San Sebastian's allure extends beyond its beaches. The city's heart and soul could truly be found in its culinary scene, especially through the art of pintxos. These small snacks, often skewered with a toothpick, are not merely food; they are a culinary tradition that encapsulates the essence of Basque cuisine. Each pintxo bar we visited in the Old Town offered a unique experience, with counters laden with an array of these delectable bites. Simply order, eat, and repeat. The ritual of “pintxo hopping” from one bar to another, pintxo in one hand and a txakoli (a must-have white wine accompaniment to pintxos) in the other, was an adventure in itself and a delectable way to spend a weekend evening.

The city is a haven for food enthusiasts: from housing Michelin-starred restaurants boasting avant-garde cooking, to pintxo bars serving Basque Country’s answer to tapas, to siderias (cider houses) serving traditional Basque Food, to asadores serving parrilla-cooked grilled meats, to the freshest seafood caught daily. 

Beyond San Sebastian, our adventures led us to the historical town of Hondaribbia with its colorful marina, ancient walls, and cobblestone streets. Wandering through the Parte Vieja (Old Part), we were transported to a time where every stone told a story, and every balcony bloomed with flowers, resonating with the echoes of a vibrant past. The Gothic church of Santa María de la Asunción and the Castillo de Carlos V were silent custodians of the town's illustrious heritage. 

Finally, no trip to Spain’s northern coast would be complete without a trip to Gaztelugatxe, an islet connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge. Climbing the 241 steps to the chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, dedicated to John the Baptist, was a journey through time. The panoramic views from the top were breathtaking, a vivid reminder of nature's majesty and the rich history that has shaped this region.

If you have more time, consider exploring some of the other coastal towns such as Bilbao, Zumaia, Zarautz, Lekeitio, or Getaria! Leaving Basque Country, don’t miss La Rioja, Spain’s renowned wine region, on your way to Madrid or Zaragoza.

This journey was more than a vacation for us; while we only covered a fraction of the Camino del Norte route of the legendary Camino de Santiago (and not necessarily on foot as in the traditional pilgrimage), it was nonetheless an immersion into a culture that prides itself on its heritage, its natural beauty, and above all, its culinary excellence. The memories of pintxo hopping, exploring hidden alleys and discovering delightful surprises, and the views of Gaztelugatxe's rugged coast will forever serve as a reminder of the beauty that lies in exploration and discovery.