San Sebastian is known for its vibrant food and drink culture, and of course its delicious cider. The city is home to some of the best cider houses in the region, where visitors can enjoy traditional Basque cider and a range of hearty and delicious dishes. Here we put together all the necessary information about what is cider, the cider ritual (txotx), the best cider houses in San Sebastian, what to expect, and the best cider tours in the city.
What is Cider?
Cider, also known as “sidra” in Spanish or “sagardoa” in Basque, is a traditional alcoholic drink made from fermented apple juice. It is a popular beverage in the Basque Country, where it is typically served during cider season, which lasts from January to April.
In San Sebastian, cider houses are a popular destination for locals and tourists during cider season. Visitors can experience the cider ritual and enjoy traditional Basque cider, along with a range of delicious and hearty dishes. Many cider houses also offer tours of their facilities, where visitors can learn about the cider-making process and the history of Basque cider culture.
The Cider Ritual (Txotx)
The cider ritual, or “txotx”, is an important part of the Basque cider culture. It is a traditional way of serving cider that involves opening a barrel of cider and inviting guests to drink directly from the barrel. The cider is poured in small portions, and drinkers must catch the stream of cider in their glasses as it is poured. The ritual is typically accompanied by traditional Basque music and dancing, and it is a fun and festive way to celebrate the cider season.
Visitors to San Sebastian can enjoy the cider ritual and sample traditional Basque cider at local cider houses.
Best of Guided Cider Tours in San Sebastian
Guided cider tours in San Sebastian are a great way to learn more about the local cider culture and explore the city’s top cider houses. These tours typically take visitors on a guided tour of the cider houses, where they can learn about the cider-making process, sample different types of cider, and enjoy traditional Basque cuisine.
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What to Expect?
Many guided cider tours in San Sebastian include a visit to several of the city’s top cider houses, such as Petritegi, Zelaia, and Ola. Visitors can experience the cider ritual and enjoy delicious pintxos, or small plates, along with their cider. Some tours may also include a visit to local apple orchards, where visitors can see the apples used to make the cider and learn about the different varieties of apples grown in the region.
Best Time
Guided cider tours in San Sebastian are available throughout the year, although they are most popular during the cider season, which typically runs from January to April. Some tours may include transportation to and from the cider houses, while others may require visitors to make their own way to the cider houses.
Why & How to Buy Online?
Buying guided cider tours online in advance can offer several advantages for visitors to San Sebastian. Here are some reasons why you might consider purchasing a guided cider tour online before your trip:
- Guaranteed availability: By booking your cider tour in advance, you can ensure that there will be space available for you on the tour. During the busy cider season, tours can fill up quickly, and you may miss out on the opportunity to experience the cider ritual and visit top cider houses if you wait until the last minute to book.
- Time and cost savings: Booking your cider tour online in advance can also save you time and money. You can compare prices and schedules for different tours and choose the one that best fits your budget and itinerary. Additionally, many tours include transportation to and from the cider houses, which can save you the hassle of finding your own way there and back.
- Convenience and flexibility: Purchasing a guided cider tour online in advance can offer greater convenience and flexibility, as you can book your tour from the comfort of your own home or while on the go. Some tours also offer flexible cancellation policies, which can give you peace of mind in case your travel plans change.
Buy Your San Sebastian Cider Tour in advance Online
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Best Cider Houses in San Sebastian
San Sebastian is home to some of the best cider houses in the Basque Country, where visitors can enjoy traditional Basque cider and a range of delicious and hearty dishes.
Petritegi Cider House
Petritegi is a popular cider house that offers a range of traditional Basque dishes, including salt cod omelet, grilled steak, and slow-cooked beef cheeks. Visitors can also take a tour of the cider house and learn about the cider-making process.
- Address: Petritegi Cider House, Camino de Petritegi, 8, 20115 Astigarraga, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Zelaia Cider House
Zelaia is a traditional Basque cider house that offers a range of hearty and delicious dishes, including chorizo cooked in cider, grilled beef, and cod in pil-pil sauce. Visitors can also enjoy the cider house’s picturesque garden and terrace.
- Address: Zelaia Cider House, Barrio Zelaia, s/n, 20120 Hernani, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Ola Cider House
Ola is a popular cider house that offers a range of traditional Basque dishes, including grilled steak, salt cod in tomato sauce, and Basque-style omelet. The cider house also offers tours of its facilities and a shop where visitors can purchase bottles of its delicious cider.
- Address: Ola Cider House, Txopitokieta auzoa, 8, 20115 Astigarraga, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Astarbe Cider House
Astarbe is a family-run cider house that has been producing cider for over 200 years. The cider house offers a range of traditional Basque dishes, including grilled beef, salt cod in pil-pil sauce, and Basque-style omelet. Visitors can also enjoy a tour of the cider house and learn about the cider-making process.
- Address: Astarbe Cider House, Gudarien etorbidea, 16, 20115 Astigarraga, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Bereziartua Cider House
Bereziartua is a popular cider house that offers a range of traditional Basque dishes, including chorizo cooked in cider, grilled beef, and salt cod omelet. Visitors can also enjoy a tour of the cider house and learn about the cider-making process.
- Address: Bereziartua Cider House, Caserío Jauregui, s/n, 20115 Astigarraga, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Gartziategi Sagardotegia
Gartziategi is a family-run cider house that has been producing cider for over 25 years. The cider house offers a range of traditional Basque dishes, including grilled beef, salt cod in pil-pil sauce, and Basque-style omelet. Visitors can also take a tour of the cider house and learn about the cider-making process.
- Address: Gartziategi Sagardotegia, Camino de Urdaneta, 28, 20115 Astigarraga, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Etxeberria Sagardotegia
Etxeberria is a traditional Basque cider house that offers a range of hearty and delicious dishes, including grilled beef, salt cod in pil-pil sauce, and chorizo cooked in cider. Visitors can also enjoy a tour of the cider house and its facilities.
- Address: Etxeberria Sagardotegia, Iriarte Kalea, 12, 20115 Astigarraga, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Zapiain Sagardotegia
Zapiain is a popular cider house that offers a range of traditional Basque dishes, including grilled steak, salt cod in pil-pil sauce, and Basque-style omelet. Visitors can also take a tour of the cider house and learn about the cider-making process.
- Address: Zapiain Sagardotegia, Camino de Korta, 53, 20120 Hernani, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Astarbe Sagardotegia
Astarbe is a traditional Basque cider house that has been producing cider for over 500 years. The cider house offers a range of delicious and hearty dishes, including grilled beef, salt cod in pil-pil sauce, and Basque-style omelet. Visitors can also take a tour of the cider house and learn about the cider-making process.
- Address: Astarbe Sagardotegia, Gudarien etorbidea, 16, 20115 Astigarraga, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Bereziartua Sagardotegia
Bereziartua is a popular cider house that offers a range of traditional Basque dishes, including chorizo cooked in cider, grilled beef, and salt cod in pil-pil sauce. Visitors can also enjoy a tour of the cider house and its facilities.
- Address: Bereziartua Sagardotegia, Caserío Jauregui, s/n, 20115 Astigarraga, Gipuzkoa, Spain
