The Essence of San Sebastian

Walk from San Sebastián’s elegant city center, lined with Belle Époque buildings, to the lively Old Town. Discover how pintxos culture emerged in the mid-20th century, inspired by the region’s fishing heritage and seasonal produce. Pintxos, pronounced pinch-oss, are skewered snacks ranging from a rich, meaty bite on bread to salty gildas and beyond — the Basque version of tapas (locals boast they are better). With pintxos, you can try all the flavors of the Iberian peninsula. You'll learn the ins and outs of how to navigate the local food scene, the best spots and what to order at them. In this walking tour you'll stop off at various bars, each famous for a particular pintxo flavor or two. And your hosts will know exactly which ones to order at each stop, teaching you local insider tips as you go. You'll conclude with a selection of artisanal chocolates, made with Mexican cacao fused with Basque flavors: treats which reflect the cultural exchange of your hosts themselves.

This experience stands out for its carefully curated selection of pintxos, chosen exclusively for Fernwayer. These special bites add a personal dimension, giving guests access to hidden gems cherished by Maider and Cristina themselves. San Sebastián has more bars per square meter than almost anywhere in Europe, and its pintxo tradition reflects centuries of Basque pride in seasonal produce and communal dining. Walking and food are the best ways to get to know San Sebastián: by exploring its elegant streets with a local while enjoying its culinary offering. Ideal for food and wine lovers, this tour offers a glimpse of everyday life in San Sebastián. Your hosts are dedicated to showing you authentic local haunts frequented by residents and those in the know. At each stop, you'll enjoy a range of flavors, all paired with perfectly refreshing glasses of wine. This tour is also about giving back: for every guest, Maider and her team donate a meal through a European charity.

Cristina and Maider are two long term friends. Cristina was born in Mexico and came to San Sebastian to be a chef, while Maider was born and raised in the Basque Country. They bonded thanks to their love of food and its power to connect people and carry culture. San Sebastian is their home, and they are dedicated to sharing the magic of the city with visitors, one bite at a time. For their social impact food tours they collaborate solely with small family businesses which are as dedicated to local heritage and culinary traditions are they are.

Bring a big appetite, there will be a lot of eating on this experience. Wear comfortable shoes and note that you will be standing most of the time. It’s the Basque way! Try not to bring bulky back-bags or handbags. It’s less than 10 minutes walk between each stop. This tour can be wheelchair friendly, just let Maider know beforehand. Bring umbrellas If it looks cloudy.