A few nights in the Basque region

We had a short but amazing visit back to the wonderful Basque region in late May. Having visited and photographed Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela (I know, I know, its in Galicia) on previous visits, this time I travelled to San Sebastian and to Biarritz.

Both were absolutely wonderful and we were blessed with beautiful late spring sunshine and gorgeous light. San Sebastian (Donostia to the locals) is a glorious seaside town. Lots of tight streets in the Old Town filled with Pintxo bars and amazing Basque cheesecake shops. The Gros section across the River Urumea was also lovely. All superb.

It can be a little daunting entering a Pintxo bar for the first time, as we didn't find people spoke a lot of English, but armed with Google Translate and a few Spanish phrases we managed to make ourselves understood, even though it felt like Basque was more widely spoken than Spanish.

We loved trying the Pintxos and local white wine Txakoli which was dry and slightly sparkling. Favourite Pintxos for us were Frito de Jamon e Quesa (Ham & Cheese croquette), Tortilla Patata, Hoguera de Bacalao (smoked cod), Cochinillo a Lieza Asado (Roast Suckling Pig). Everything we tried was superb though, and to pay, you just retain your Pintxo skewers to show how many you had. Everywhere was also amazing value with two glasses of Txakoli wine, and three or four pintoxs coming in at around €18.

We enjoyed one splurge lunch at world famous Arzak Restaurant which holds three Michelin stars and it was incredible. Hands down the best meal I have ever eaten in my life. The tastes, wines and attention to detail was incredible with each course a visual work of art. At the end of the meal the owner and chef Elena Arzak even introduced herself to ask what we thought. Needless to say we were blown away, and its worth travelling to San Sebastian to dine here alone.

We also visited Biarritz in France during our stay. A very beautiful and glamorous seaside town which has a totally different vibe to San Sebastian despite its original Basque roots. Stylish, French widely spoken, with far more pavement cafes and restaurants serving typical south of France dishes. Only 50 minutes from San Sebastian by car, it feels completely different.