5 Reasons Why You Should Do a Market Tour in San Sebastian

Probably one of the main reasons why you decided to visit San Sebastian or the Basque Country is because of the food. A pintxos night out or a dinner in one of its fabulous restaurants is a must while you are here, but why not take our market tour in San Sebastian to learn about Basque food while tasting local products in their purest form? Here are 5 great reasons for why you should do a market tour in San Sebastian. 

1.- On our market tour in San Sebastian you will visit the two main food markets in San Sebastian (La Bretxa and San Martin) to learn about Basque gastronomy and the different local products sold in them. 

You will get to know the history behind both markets and you will be surrounded by local people during the whole tour (if we are lucky, we may even bump into one of the famous chefs of San Sebastian while they shop).    

An ample offer of fish at the local market of San Martin

2.- You will directly meet the suppliers and learn about the products that they sell.

You will stop at several market stalls to have a small chat with farmers, butchers or fishmongers and learn about the products that they sell. You will get an overview of the elaboration process of the Idiazabal Cheese, the ageing process of ham, and the main types of fish consumed in the Basque Country during each season.

Cheese tasting at San Martin Market

3.- You will understand how important the culture of food is for Basque people.  

A market visit is probably one of the best places to get a sense of how important fresh food is for local people. From very early in the morning you will see people strolling through the market to check and compare the quality and freshness of the products available at each stall. It is common to talk about the ups and downs of prices for seasonal products, but you usually never know what you are going to bring back home that day until you visit the market.

Olive stall at San Sebastian’s La Bretxa Market

4.- On our market tour in San Sebastian you will be able to taste the most representative products of Basque food.

Definitely the best part of the tour. You will get to enjoy tastings of a variety of Basque local products while learning about the different elaboration techniques or ageing processes that have been employed in the making of each product.

Iberian Ham stall at La Bretxa Market

5.- With your booking, you will support local farmers and producers. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a big toll on businesses worldwide, and some of the most affected have been small local businesses that thrive on the livelihood of the neighborhoods where they do business. These businesses will offer you great quality Basque products and you will get to support the local economy while delighting in the yummiest delicacies.