paokfc.gr/First Team/The aristocratic beauty of the Basque Country
The aristocratic beauty of the Basque Country
Between France and Spain, the Pyrenees and the Bay of Biscay, lies the Basque Country. Where the approximately four million descendants of an archaic and unruly mountain tribe speak Euscera and have always tried to simply remain Basque, there is also a former fishing village, which is now a cosmopolitan resort.
San Sebastian or Donostia, the coastal city of 190,000 inhabitants that will welcome PAOK fans, is one of the most sophisticated vacation centers of the European aristocracy, but also the capital of European gastronomy.
- San Sebastian has idyllic beaches, the aristocratic aura of the Belle Epoque, palaces, a magnificent Old Town, as well as the most Michelin-starred restaurants per capita of any city in the world.
- In Basque, it is called Donostia and is built on the edge of three magnificent beaches (Playa de la Concha with the island of Santa Clara, Playa de Ondarreta and Playa de Gros).
- A stroll along the pedestrian street of the Parte Vieja, the Old Town, is a must. For its aristocratic neoclassical, cobblestone streets, for food, coffee, shopping…
- San Sebastian was founded on On August 31, 1813, during the Iberian War, San Sebastian was completely burned down by the British and Portuguese, by Napoleon’s army. The city was rebuilt from scratch. Only one street managed to survive. It was named after August 31st and on every anniversary the street is filled with lit candles.
- In the early 19th century, kings who couldn’t stand the heat of central Spain turned San Sebastian into their summer resort. Take a stroll through the Miramar and Aiete palaces – former royal residences of course – and their gardens. You’ll be rewarded, among other things, with the view of the Atlantic Ocean.
- The San Telmo Museum showcases the history and culture of the Basques.
- A gastronomic tour is …mandatory if you’ve made it this far. Hidden markets, the best local restaurants – not necessarily the far-flung Michelin-starred restaurants – incomparable flavors. However, if … your wallet can handle it, some of the most famous restaurants (with three Michelin stars!) are Arzak, Akelarre and Martin Berasategui.
- The Basilica of Santa Maria in the Old Town is famous for its Gothic architecture.
- Try the famous pintxos (known as tapas). Here they are tastier than anywhere else! Also Basque cod (bacalao al pil-pil), a popular crab dish (txangurro), and txuleton (large sirloin steak).
- The motto “Fidelidad, nobleza y lealtad (fidelity, nobility and loyalty)” is engraved on the city’s coat of arms and was adopted in the mid-16th century.
