Latest news with #Basques
Metro
18-05-2025
- Metro
Everything I ate during a weekend pintxos hopping in San Sebastián
San Sebastián is the crown jewel of the Basque region that runs along Spain's dazzling northern coast. It's a beach town turned Michelin hotspot with world-class cuisine — seriously, wear loose trousers. The city, known as Donostia in Basque, lies on the Bay of Biscay, its Old Town flanked by two sandy beaches, where you'll find streets filled with photogenic bars serving up mouthwatering local tapas and cider. San Sebastián started life as a fishing village in 1180, and enjoyed a revival as a seasonal holiday spot in the 19th-century, when Queen Isabel II chose it as her summer residence. This is a place rich in history and scenery, with sweeping views of La Concha beach best enjoyed from high atop Monte Igueldo. Its winding streets come alive each September for the San Sebastián International Film Festival, but its star quality is, undisputedly, the food. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. With the second-most Michelin stars per capita and an enviable claim to the title of most bars per person, this is a destination for people who eat differently. The Basques even have a name for it: pintxo , aka hopping from bar to bar and sampling bite-size bits of culinary art. Fresh from a flying visit to the place known as Europe's most beautiful bay, here's everywhere I ate, and alternative things to do, in fabulous San Sebastián. San Sebastián's status as a contemporary food stop can be traced to the late Anthony Bourdain, who visited the city three times for his shows A Cook's Tour, No Reservations, and Parts Unknown. He spoke of the deep connection between cuisine and community, emphasising that meals are less about food, more about bringing people together. Bourdain made several repeat visits to restaurants across the city, something he rarely did. All of that said, ordering at a pintxos bar is not for the meek. Not only will you struggle to find an English menu at more old-school spots, you'll need to claim your space at the counter — make yourself known when you want to order, just as Bourdain would have done. Etiquette is everything, so move along swiftly once you've hoovered down your grub. Otherwise, you're at risk of attracting a brusque 'vamos!' from over your shoulder. The bars are set up so you order a pintxos (pronounced 'peen-chos') or two alongside a drink, at just a few euros each. They're essentially a small snack, typically served on a piece of bread and skewered with a toothpick. From anchovies and olives to jamon and seafood, the variety is astounding. Each bar is generally known for one particular pintxos, be it the fois gras or urchin cream at Bar Sport, grilled mushrooms with egg yolk from Ganbara, or anchovies at Bar Txepetxa. More popular spots will be crowded with tourists and locals alike; be prepared for a lot of shouting and pointing. It's almost like a sport, and the best thing to do is lean in and resign yourself to the chaos. While pintxos is designed to be eaten quickly, some bars have seating and in the case of La Cuchara De San Telmo, it's worth planning ahead to nab one of its four tables for the evening session. Having seen a lot of recommendations for this place on TikTok and beyond, we knew it would be a fight for the bar. Arriving 20 minutes before doors opened for dinner, we scored ourselves a spot outside, where we could spend a little longer enjoying glasses of red at €2.80 (£2.30) a pop and trying its specialties without getting an elbow in the ribs from other diners. Runaway winners were the suckling pig (€19, £16.10), expertly seasoned steak (€17, £14.40), salty, oiled peppers (€9, £7.60) and oreja de cerdo aka pig's ear (€14, £11.80). Don't knock it, it's delicious and looks more like a folded omelette than animal anatomy. While most of the famous pintxos spots are confined to the walls of the Old Town, a short walk opens up another realm of amazing eats. To the east of the Old Town is the Gros neighbourhood, where you'll find local-approved spots such as the unpretentious Ricardo Taberna. Here you'll be joined by old, suntanned men yelling at TV screens and punters enjoying a drink outside. Two ciders, two croquettes and a slice of the most delicious cod tortilla set me back €11.30 (£9.50). A street away is Casa Galicia, where a plate of paprika-seasoned Octopus will relieve you of only €4 (£3.30). Get two. The region is known for its cider (or cidre ), and a 10-minute taxi from San Sebastián's centre will take you to Astigarraga, the home of the drink. Book a long lunch at one of these cider houses before you visit and you're guaranteed an incredible afternoon. We took a table at Astarbe Sagardotegia, a cider house that's been in operation since 1563, with the 15th-generation producing the latest bottles while the kitchen turns out velvety T-bone steaks and cod omelettes. Once you take your seat, you're handed a glass and, without invitation, you can make your way to a small room with several giant barrels filled with various ciders. There you'll be met by a trained txotxero (or cider master), who uses a key to open one of the barrels as a stream of golden liquid arcs out, ready to be caught by your outstretched glass. Don't be alarmed if you get more on the ground than in your glass on the first attempt. San Sebastián may be known for pintxos, but that doesn't mean you should sleep on its desserts. The creamed buns of Otaegui patisserie will set you back €2.25 (£1.90), so it's financially prudentto indulge. We walked along munching slabs of its hazelnut-laden milk and dark chocolate, snapped into sizes of your choosing and paid by the weight. Basque cheesecake is a speciality of the region, and La Vina's claim to fame is that it was the first to make it. Despite its newfound popularity on TikTok, it's well worth a visit, but there is no need to wait longer than 20 minutes. We went at 9pm when it was arguably at peak service, and were hastily ushered in to find any available space and force our way to the bar. Politely, of course. At a time when few things live up to expectation, a slice of this dessert truly is worth the hype. Each forkful delivers a masterpiece of creamy, soft wonder. It was so good it felt wrong to wolf it down in the hotel room, and I wanted to return several times over my few days in the city. One set me back €6.50 (£5.50). Fed, watered and bursting at the seams, a short funicular ride will bring you to Monte Igueldo, where you're rewarded with breathtaking views of the region. More Trending There's a hotel and a restaurant should you want a wine, but the fun is the small amusement fair which runs on the mountain. From a slightly questionable Casa Del Terror to the Mysterious River ride along a narrow waterway, there's plenty to entertain kids and big kids alike. While the Old Town is brimming with cultural history, the new town boasts a shopping district that will challenge you not to burn serious cash. From high street stores like Zara and Mango, to Sephora and a range of Spanish designers including Bimba Y Lola, there's something to suit every taste after a long day of eating. Getting to San Sebastián There are no direct flights from the UK to San Sebastián, but you can fly to nearby airports like Bilbao, then take a bus or train. From Bilbao, the bus is around 1.5 hours and will set you back anywhere from £7 to £17, depending on the operator. Vueling flies direct from London Gatwick to Bilbao with flights starting from £43. Where to stay Best value: Okako, located in Gros, is stylish in its simplicity and only a 15-minute walk from the Old Town and only 10 from Zurriola beach. Perfect for those who 'don't spend any time in the hotel room anyway' but still appreciate the touches of a coffee machine and a fruit bowl with muffins, single rooms start at €99 (£83.90) a night. Best splurge: If you want to splash out, Hotel Maria Cristina, located in between the old and new towns, was designed in 1912 by the same architect behind the Ritz in Paris. Now owned by the Marriott chain, expect total 5-star luxury. Of course, that comes at a cost, with lower rate rooms in June available for £641 per night. MORE: What's Cooking? I worked in cabin crew for 12 years — avoid these five foods on planes MORE: 'Lively' European city named world's most walkable and flights are just £66 MORE: Spain risks major fine from Eurovision Song Contest by persisting with political message
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Arsenal transfer target Zubimendi was seen as the new Busquets… Arteta will love him but he WON'T win Gunners games
He is no stranger to a yellow card, but he never oversteps the mark ZU BEAUTY Arsenal transfer target Zubimendi was seen as the new Busquets… Arteta will love him but he WON'T win Gunners games ARSENAL are on the brink of starting their summer splurge with a £50million deal for Martin Zubimendi. But what will the Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder bring to Mikel Arteta's side? Spanish-based journalist Andy West runs the rule over the 26-year-old. Advertisement 5 Martin Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal in a £50m deal Credit: Getty 5 Zubimendi protects the back four and can smoothly link defence and attack Credit: Getty 5 He has been compared to midfield great Sergio Busquets Credit: Getty Dynamic, composed, aggressive... it's long been inevitable Zubimendi's qualities would lead him to Europe's elite. When a young Zubimendi progressed from Real Sociedad's youth ranks to become a first-team regular five years ago, he was quickly touted as a target for Barcelona to replace the fading Sergio Busquets. That never materialised, mainly because of Barca's well-documented financial problems, but the comparison is largely accurate. Zubimendi occupies the same terrain as Busquets at the base of midfield, protecting the back four and smoothly linking defence with attack. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL ON THE MEND Arsenal 'agree to sign Zubimendi' but fans have big doubt about Sociedad star He is also press-resistant, capable of receiving and calmly retaining possession in tight spaces. But Zubimendi is physically more explosive than Busquets, able to evade pressure by driving with the ball into space. Zubimendi is an effective and efficient performer rather than flashy — much of his best work unfussily executed off the ball. He reads the game superbly, always popping up in the right place to receive possession from a team-mate or disrupt the opposition's rhythm. That includes game management. Advertisement JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 5 A central aspect of Real Sociedad's approach is preventing counter-attacks by physically pressing the first phase of possession, using fouls if necessary. Zubimendi's 47 career yellow cards — but no reds — show he is not averse to controlled aggression. Advertisement These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts' best bets More tellingly — just 11 goals and eight assists in nearly 250 appearances makes it clear Zubimendi is not a major presence in the opposition final third. That is not his game. Rather than chasing personal glory, Zubimendi makes his team better through positional discipline, distributing simply but quickly, and denying the opposition space. If there is one concern about the long-awaited move to Arsenal, it is whether he can adapt to a new team in a new league. Growing up in San Sebastian and joining his local club aged 12, Real Sociedad is all he has ever known. Advertisement The Basques boast one of football's best youth systems, with a clearly- defined style throughout the age groups allowing local talents to enjoy a seamless transition to senior football. Away from that comfort zone, Zubimendi has rarely been so effective for his country. Since his Spain debut in 2021 he has struggled to become a regular, mostly deputising for Manchester City's Rodri with just one start at last summer's triumphant Euros. Can Zubimendi thrive when he leaves the familiarity of his boyhood club? Advertisement Surely no coach could be better placed to help the transition than Arteta, his fellow San Sebastian native. The Arsenal boss knows exactly what he is getting, with the presence of former team-mate Mikel Merino another help. At 26, Zubimendi is in his prime. The step-up to a major title candidate like Arsenal has been brewing for years. As long he is expected to knit the team together rather than win games single-handedly, everything points towards Zubimendi quickly becoming a key piece for Arteta's Arsenal. Advertisement Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates
The Irish Sun
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal transfer target Zubimendi was seen as the new Busquets… Arteta will love him but he WON'T win Gunners games
ARSENAL are on the brink of starting their summer splurge with a £50million deal for Martin Zubimendi. But what will the Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder bring to Mikel Arteta's side? Spanish-based journalist Andy West runs the rule over the 26-year-old. Advertisement 5 Martin Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal in a £50m deal Credit: Getty 5 Zubimendi protects the back four and can smoothly link defence and attack Credit: Getty 5 He has been compared to midfield great Sergio Busquets Credit: Getty Dynamic, composed, aggressive... it's long been inevitable Zubimendi's qualities would lead him to Europe's elite. When a young Zubimendi progressed from Real Sociedad's youth ranks to become a first-team regular five years ago, he was quickly touted as a target for That never materialised, mainly because of Barca's well-documented financial problems, but the comparison is largely accurate. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL He is also press-resistant, capable of receiving and calmly retaining possession in tight spaces. But Zubimendi is physically more explosive than Busquets, able to evade pressure by driving with the ball into space. Zubimendi is an effective and efficient performer rather than flashy — much of his best work unfussily executed off the ball. He reads the game superbly, always popping up in the right place to receive possession from a team-mate or disrupt the opposition's rhythm. That includes game management. Advertisement Most read in Football Latest Exclusive JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 5 A central aspect of Real Sociedad's approach is preventing counter-attacks by physically pressing the first phase of possession, using fouls if necessary. Zubimendi's 47 career yellow cards — but no reds — show he is not averse to controlled aggression. Advertisement These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts' best bets More tellingly — just 11 goals and eight assists in nearly 250 appearances makes it clear Zubimendi is not a major presence in the opposition final third. That is not his game. Rather than chasing personal glory, Zubimendi makes his team better through positional discipline, distributing simply but quickly, and denying the opposition space. If there is one concern about the long-awaited move to Arsenal, it is whether he can adapt to a new team in a new league. Growing up in San Sebastian and joining his local club aged 12, Real Sociedad is all he has ever known. Advertisement The Basques boast one of football's best youth systems, with a clearly- defined style throughout the age groups allowing local talents to enjoy a seamless transition to senior football. Away from that comfort zone, Zubimendi has rarely been so effective for his country. Since his Spain debut in 2021 he has struggled to become a regular, mostly deputising for Can Zubimendi thrive when he leaves the familiarity of his boyhood club? Advertisement Surely no coach could be better placed to help the transition than The At 26, Zubimendi is in his prime. The step-up to a major title candidate like Arsenal has been brewing for years. As long he is expected to knit the team together rather than win games single-handedly, everything points towards Zubimendi quickly becoming a key piece for Arteta's Arsenal. Advertisement Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 5 Mikel Arteta should be able to get the best out of him Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Nine Athletic Bilbao stars got trapped in lift in strange ‘mishap' reveals coach Ernesto Valverde before Man Utd clash
Valverde wasn't impressed with the suggestion that his side have given up on the tie HELL-EVATOR Nine Athletic Bilbao stars got trapped in lift in strange 'mishap' reveals coach Ernesto Valverde before Man Utd clash ATHLETIC BILBAO have suffered further woes ahead of their clash with Man Utd The Champions League-chasing Basques were hammered 3-0 at San Mames last week, leaving them with it all to do at Old Trafford in the Europa League. 2 Ernesto Valverde revealed nine of his players got stuck in a lift at the weekend Credit: EPA 2 Athletic Bilbao are looking to turn around a three-goal deficit at Old Trafford Credit: Getty Should they achieve a miracle comeback, they will play the Europa League final against Bodo/Glimt or Tottenham at their own stadium. But boss Ernesto Valverde revealed that things took a farcical turn at the weekend. He said: 'How is the team? I saw it very well. "We had a difficult match against Real Sociedad and a mishap. "Nine players were trapped in the lift, which had a capacity of eight people. "But we got them out before the match and managed to earn a draw." Bilbao's preference for this game at Old Trafford have also not been helped by the absence of three of their star players. Brothers Nico and Inaki Williams have stayed at home along with attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet, who has scored 15 La Liga goals this season. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS But Valverde insisted that all of the three players had been ruled out due to injury, and Athletic won't be giving up on the tie. He commented: "If any one [of them] could have been here, they would be here. 'Were we not good enough-' - Man Utd legend Roy Keane takes cheeky dig at David Beckham over 50th birthday snub "Because this game is the most important of the season right now. "I don't understand the question. You talk to the doctor and the players, but there's not much to decide. Those who are injured can't play." The Basques will also be without Dani Vivian after his red card in last week's game.
The Irish Sun
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Nine Athletic Bilbao stars got trapped in lift in strange ‘mishap' reveals coach Ernesto Valverde before Man Utd clash
ATHLETIC BILBAO have suffered further woes ahead of their clash with Man Utd The Champions League-chasing Basques were 2 Ernesto Valverde revealed nine of his players got stuck in a lift at the weekend Credit: EPA 2 Athletic Bilbao are looking to turn around a three-goal deficit at Old Trafford Credit: Getty Should they achieve a miracle comeback, they will play the Europa League final against Bodo/Glimt or But boss Ernesto Valverde revealed that things took a farcical turn at the weekend. He said: 'How is the team? I saw it very well. "We had a difficult match against Real Sociedad and a mishap. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS "Nine players were trapped in the lift, which had a capacity of eight people . "But we got them out before the match and managed to earn a draw." Bilbao's preference for this game at Old Trafford have also not been helped by the absence of three of their star players. Brothers Nico and Inaki Williams have stayed at home along with attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet, who has scored 15 La Liga goals this season. Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS But Valverde insisted that all of the three players had been ruled out due to injury, and Athletic won't be giving up on the tie. He commented: "If any one [of them] could have been here, they would be here. 'Were we not good enough-' - Man Utd legend Roy Keane takes cheeky dig at David Beckham over 50th birthday snub "Because this game is the most important of the season right now. "I don't understand the question. You talk to the doctor and the players, but there's not much to decide. Those who are injured can't play." The Basques will also be without Dani Vivian after his
