San Sebastián is widely considered one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Europe and it happens to be the home base for our Basque Country Yoga Retreat (October 3–9, 2026).

Located along Spain’s northern coast, the city sits between green hills and the Atlantic Ocean. Life here revolves around long seaside walks, lingering meals, and spending time outdoors.

It’s the kind of place that invites both exploration and slowing down, which is exactly why we chose it for this retreat.

During our week together we’ll practice yoga daily, explore the Basque coastline, and enjoy plenty of time to wander the city, swim in the bay, and experience the food culture that San Sebastián is famous for.

If you’ve never visited before, here are a few highlights that make this area such a special place to spend a week.

1. Walk or Bike Along La Concha Bay

La Concha Beach forms a perfect crescent along the city’s shoreline and is often described as one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe. A wide promenade follows the curve of the bay, making it ideal for walking or biking.

Condé Nast Traveler notes that three beaches make up the iconic Bahía de La Concha, including Playa de La Concha and the quieter Playa de Ondarreta:

“Start at Playa de La Concha and take a short walk through a small tunnel to reach this beach, where you’ll find more than just pretty lapping waves – Michelin-starred restaurants, iron sculptures by artist Eduardo Chillida, a mountain funicular with epic views, and a tiny island you can swim to.”

During the retreat we’ll experience this coastline on a guided e-bike tour along La Concha, an easy and fun way to take in the bay while riding along the waterfront and through nearby neighborhoods.

Of course, you’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy the beach at your own pace whether that means an early morning walk, a swim in the bay, or lingering over coffee or dinner at a café overlooking the water.

2. Experience Pintxos in the Old Town

San Sebastián is famous for its pintxos, small bites that are expertly prepared and meant to be enjoyed while standing at the bar with friends. The Old Town is filled with pintxos bars, each with its own specialties. One might focus on grilled seafood, another on creative seasonal dishes, another on classic Basque recipes. The tradition is to move from one place to the next, enjoying one or two bites and a drink before continuing on. It’s lively, social, and one of the most traditional ways to experience the culture of the city.

Food writer and San Sebastián resident Marti Buckley captures this in her book The Book of Pintxos, where she describes pintxos as a culinary tradition unique to the Basque Country, one where bar owners carefully develop recipes that are often passed down through generations. Her book offers a wonderful window into the vibrant food culture that defines the city today. You can explore more of her guidance on her website, which also includes her podcast and other writing about Basque food.

During the retreat we’ll experience this firsthand on a guided pintxos walking tour through the old town, where a local guide will introduce us to their favorite bars, pintxos and the traditions behind this lively Basque dining culture.

3. Explore the Dramatic Basque Coastline

The coastline surrounding San Sebastián is rugged and spectacular, with cliffs dropping into the Atlantic and small fishing villages tucked along the shore. Just a short drive from the city, the landscape shifts quickly from elegant seaside promenade to wild coastal scenery.

One of the highlights of the retreat will be a visit to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a tiny island chapel connected to the mainland by a winding stone bridge and a staircase of 241 steps. Climbing the stone steps to the chapel can be a part of the experience, at the top, tradition says you ring the chapel bell and make a wish.

Along the way we’ll also visit Guernica, a town central to Basque history and culture, and Getaria, a fishing village known for its seafood and maritime heritage.

4. Visit a Txakoli Winery in the Basque Countryside

Just outside San Sebastián, the green hills of the Basque countryside slope toward the Atlantic. This landscape is home to Txakoli (or Txakolina), a bright, lightly sparkling white wine that has become one of the region’s most distinctive specialties.

Fresh, slightly citrusy, and often poured from high above the glass to bring out its lively bubbles, Txakoli pairs with the seafood and pintxos that define Basque cuisine. As the New York Times article “Txakolina, a Simple Pleasure With a Deep Sense of Place” describes it, the wine reflects the coastal landscape itself crisp, energetic, and deeply connected to the place where it’s made.

During the retreat we’ll visit a local Txakoli winery, where we’ll learn about the traditions behind this unique wine while enjoying a tasting paired with Basque pintxos.

5. Slow Down and Enjoy the Rhythm of San Sebastián

One of the things people love most about visiting San Sebastián is the rhythm of daily life. Mornings begin slowly, afternoons stretch into long meals, and evenings often include a walk along the waterfront before dinner.

During the retreat we’ll have a mix of shared activities and open time. Some afternoons will include group outings, while others are intentionally left open for exploring the city on your own, relaxing at the spa, visiting the beach, or simply following your curiosity. Sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones you don’t plan ahead of time. One of the things people often appreciate most is the balance. There’s structure when it’s helpful, as well as plenty of time to experience things in your own way.

Why San Sebastián Works So Well for a Yoga Retreat

Some places simply have the right ingredients for a retreat.

San Sebastián offers beautiful natural surroundings, incredible food, walkable neighborhoods, and a culture that values enjoying life slowly and socially.

We can start the day practicing together, then step outside into an area that naturally invites walking, exploring, and lingering over meals.

Many people who join our retreats tell us they’ve always wanted to visit this part of Spain but weren’t quite sure how to organize the experience. Retreats offer a simple way to explore a place like San Sebastián with yoga each day, a welcoming group of people, and a thoughtfully planned home base that makes everything feel easy.

Join Us in the Basque Country

Our Basque Country Yoga Retreat takes place October 3–9, 2026, with San Sebastián as our home base.

We’ll practice yoga each day, explore the coastline and nearby villages, enjoy some of the best food in Spain, and leave plenty of time for you to do more of what feels good to you at the time. If this sounds like the kind of week you’d enjoy, you can learn more about the retreat here: Basque Country Yoga Retreat with Savonn

If you are curious about our approach to retreats check out Thinking About a Retreat? Start Here