A journey to the hidden heart of the Basque Country

A summer on the Basque coast isn’t measured in maps, but in sensations. To truly understand this northern land, one must allow themselves to be enveloped by its culture. The more you discover, the more deeply you’ll feel.

Basque gastronomy: tradition meets innovation. Basque cuisine is a centuries-old legacy that honours the freshness of the sea and the purity of the mountains. Since 2007, Akelarre has shone in San Sebastián with three Michelin stars. Here, tradition is reimagined with every dish, capturing the soul and spirit of the land. Perhaps that’s why this small region boasts more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else in the world.

Euskera: the voice that beats within the land.
An ancient language and the soul of its culture, Euskera resonates in every corner: in voices, signs and customs. Its origin remains a mystery, unrelated to any other European tongue. Learning simple words like mesedez (please), eskerrik asko (thank you), kaixo (hello) and agur (goodbye) will open the door to warm and genuine encounters.

Climate and nature: a living canvas.
Here, where rain graces the land nearly 130 days a year, summer drifts between 20 and 25 degrees becoming a refreshing interlude that turns the green into a living song wrapping mountains and forests. Mount Igueldo, a silent guardian, invites you to wander along trails that reveal sweeping views where San Sebastián meets the sea in an eternal embrace.

Beyond, the Bay of Biscay roars with strength and mystery, its salty presence shaping the region’s climate and hiding secret coves revealed only to those who sail or spot them from the sky on a helicopter flight. Its powerful waves draw surfers from across the globe, adding a vibrant rhythm to this land of contrasts.

You can also enjoy the iconic La Concha beach, an urban haven inviting you to dive into its calm and beauty. At Akelarre, discover these experiences that await you with an invitation to immerse yourself in the true heartbeat of this land.

A summer celebration: roots in full bloom.
Summer festivities are another gift of the season. San Sebastián’s Great Week, from 12 to 19 August, honours the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Choir, with live music, performances and fireworks that set the bay alight bringing locals and visitors together in a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the festive soul of the Basque Country.

Summer at Akelarre is an invitation to discover not just a destination, but a different way of feeling.