Incentive destination: San Sebastián

The city of San Sebastián is nestled in the north of the Basque Country, on the southern coast of the Bay of Biscay. Known for its gastronomical delights and film festival scene, visitors may be surprised to find beautiful beaches framed by the greenery of rolling hills. San Sebastián is jam-packed with hidden gems.

If you are visiting in the summer months, walk the historical streets of the Old Town. Absorb the traditional architecture and stop for a taste of Pintxo - a range of delicious snacks typically eaten in bars in this area and often served with a beer or glass of wine! The Pintxo hopping tours are a brilliant way of experiencing the Old Town in all its glory, whilst delighting in the delicacies.

San Sebastián has a remarkable wine selection, being conveniently located just two hours from La Rioja region, it is home to a range of impressive wineries. As you enter almost 2000 square miles of wine land, the landscape changes from city views to vast mountain scapes. An interesting way of exploring the winelands is by e-bike, providing an opportunity to fully experience the breath-taking views and stop off for some wine tasting. One of the most well-known wineries worth visiting is Marques de Riscal. Designed by Frank O. Gehry, it’s a futuristic work of art offering a complete contrast to its surroundings. One of the more hidden, but most impressive wineries to visit is Bodegas Baigorri, where the wine making process takes place underground!

En route back from La Rioja region, the medieval town of Laguardia is an ideal spot to grab dinner and take a glimpse into the past. The town has a population of just 1,500 and is surrounded by an ancient wall. You may feel like you have been transported back in time as you wander the cobbled streets, passing wine cellars and the charming local shops, before enjoying a traditional Basque dinner at Hospederia Los Parajes.

The gastronomy in San Sebastián is of an exceptionally high standard. With 11 Michelin star restaurants, and 18 Michelin stars within a 25-kilometre radius.

The scenery combined with the laid-back Spanish culture allow you to fully relax whilst enjoying the delights of the Basque country. An experience that you will want to repeat

• Fly into Biarritz or Bilbao airports with short transfers
• 2hrs from London
• GMT + 1 hour
• Best time to visit is in the summer months

In San Sebastián, you must:

• Take a Pintxo tasting tour around the old town
• Experience La Rioja region, have a walk/cycle around a vineyard and do a wine tasting (or two!)
• Enjoy a visit to a restaurant featured in the Michelin guide, such as Mugaritz which is considered as one of the best restaurants in the world
• Walk along La Concha beachfront at sunset and soak up the sounds of the live music eminating from outside the town hall