Looking for an unforgettable Easter getaway? San Sebastián is the perfect place to experience rich cultural traditions during Semana Santa.
The Basque Country is at its best during Easter: spring is in full swing, nature is starting to bloom, and the city wakes up to glory after the chilly winter. We gathered up a list of five things you can’t miss out during Easter in San Sebastian so you can experience this beautiful time of year like a local.
Discover How Easter is Celebrated in San Sebastián: Key Traditions and Festivals
San Sebastián comes alive during Easter, blending religious traditions with festive, modern celebrations. The city is renowned for its Semana Santa festivities, where locals and visitors alike join in passionate processions, heartfelt ceremonies, and community events that have been celebrated for generations.
What to Expect:
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Religious Processions: Wander through the historical streets of San Sebastián, especially the charming Old Town (Parte Vieja), to witness moving processions that highlight the spiritual heritage of the region.
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Festive Atmosphere: Enjoy a mix of solemnity and celebration as the city honors centuries-old rituals with modern cultural events.
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Traditions and Rituals: From traditional music and street performances to local art and crafts, every corner of the city reflects the deep-rooted customs of Easter.
Must-Visit Spots for Easter in San Sebastián During Semana Santa
When planning your visit, make sure you explore these essential locations:
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Old Town (Parte Vieja): The heart of San Sebastián, where locals and visitors gather to observe vibrant religious parades and ceremonies.
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Historic Churches and Cathedrals: Admire the stunning architecture and participate in Easter masses that take place throughout the city.
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Public Squares and Cultural Hubs: Enjoy impromptu music, street performances, and local food stalls that bring the festive spirit to life.
What to Eat During Easter in San Sebastián: A Culinary Guide for Semana Santa
Easter in San Sebastián is also a feast for the senses when it comes to food. The region’s culinary traditions are an integral part of the celebrations:
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Traditional Dishes: Relish Basque specialties such as pintxos, fresh seafood, and unique Easter treats that blend local ingredients with time-honored recipes.
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Local Markets: Visit bustling markets where vendors offer seasonal produce and homemade goods that capture the taste of Easter in the Basque Country.
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Dining Out: Many local restaurants serve special Easter menus highlighting both traditional and modern takes on Basque cuisine, making dining an essential part of the celebration.
Try the local cheese
Fan of Spanish cheese? Don’t miss the Basque varieties, either. Sagardoaren Lurraldea, a local cider museum in Astigarraga, organizes a dream cheese and cider tasting for cheese lovers every Easter.
In addition to the normal museum visit, you’ll also try Idiazabal, Roncal and Iraty, a great variety of cheeses from different areas of northern Spain which are paired, of course, with some local cider. After the tasting and sampling, you can easily catch a bus back to San Sebastian.
Take a pintxos crawl
Spring is the time to try some of the best seasonal vegetables in the Basque Country, which means that the pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, are at their best this time of year! Head to the Old Town area of San Sebastian, which is home to many world-famous pintxos bars, to try your hand at txikiteo- the Basque-style food crawl, or a pintxos crawl.
The best part of eating pintxos is that you can continue from bar to bar trying the small delicacies of each place for as long as you feel hungry. This is, without any doubt, a must-do on your Easter holiday in San Sebastian. See you in the Old Town!
Insider tip: Experience the pintxo-pote tradition, the Basque style Happy Hour.
Must do activities during Easter in San Sebastián
Enjoy nature
Easter is probably the most gorgeous time of the year in the Basque Country when it comes to nature. Plants and flowers are flourishing after winter and the green hills of San Sebastian invite you to take a beautiful hike along the impressive Basque coastline.
One of our favorite routes—and a perfect day trip for your Easter holiday—is taking a walk from San Sebastian to the attractive nearby fishing town of Pasaia.
Visit a cider house
Springtime in San Sebastian is known as the season of Basque apple cider. Not a big cider fan? Wait until you try some before deciding. Basque cider is different from any other cider in the world: less sweet and oh, so refreshing!
Visiting a sidreria in San Sebastian is a must-do tradition every spring that no Basque will miss out on—and you shouldn’t either! A cider house experience isn’t only about the cider; an inseparable part of the visit is the traditional meal served with the cider. The tables will be filled up with seasonal Basque delicacies such as txistorra sausage, fresh codfish with fried peppers, and txuleta—the mouth-watering Basque T-bone steak—playing the main role. All of that is topped off with the traditional cider house dessert of local Idiazabal cheese, fresh walnuts and quince paste.
Are you convinced yet? So are we! One of our favorite cider houses is Petritegi in the small town of Astigarraga, 20 minutes away from San Sebastian. You can easily arrive there by taxi or by bus.
See the Easter processions in Hondarribia
Processions are an important and traditional part of Spanish Easter celebrations. Nowadays, you won’t find any Easter processions in San Sebastian itself, but if you wish to see some traditional Basque Easter celebrations, we recommend heading to nearby Hondarribia, an attractive small town right next to the French border.
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Accessibility: The processions in Hondarribia are held on Good Friday, and attract a great number of visitors from all over the Basque Country every year. Located less than 30 kilometers from San Sebastian, you can drive to Hondarribia in half an hour. If you don’t have a car, no problem! Catch a bus from Plaza Gipuzkoa, right in the center of San Sebastian.
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Explore Hondarribia: While visiting for the processions, take time to explore the town’s attractions, including the Marina neighborhood, the old city walls, and its renowned Basque gastronomy.
Easter in San Sebastián FAQ
What are the traditions of Easter in San Sebastián?
During Easter, San Sebastián celebrates Semana Santa with processions, traditional music, and culinary delights that capture the essence of Basque culture.
What is Semana Santa in San Sebastián?
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a religious celebration with processions, events, and festivities throughout the city, marking Easter week with a mix of culture, tradition, and faith.
What is the best time to visit San Sebastián for Easter?
The best time to visit is during Semana Santa, which typically falls in late March to early April, when the city hosts several processions and festivals.
How do locals celebrate Easter in San Sebastián?
Locals celebrate by participating in religious ceremonies, enjoying traditional Basque dishes, and attending processions that wind through the streets of the city.
Update Notice: April 9, 2025
