A History in Pastry and Cheese

San Sebastián’s famed pastry culture blends French influence with Basque tradition, creating unique sweets. You’ll explore three distinct San Sebastián neighborhoods through their signature sweets. Your journey begins in Egia, where you’ll be introduced to the Basque language and culture, and even learn how to order coffee like a local. Cross the river to the City Centre, an area developed in the late 19th century as the city expanded beyond its old walls. The final stop, the Old Town, is where bakeries and history converge. At Otaegui, founded in 1886, you’ll taste classic Basque pastries first created during the Spanish Civil War. Nearby, you’ll uncover how San Sebastián’s past as a Napoleonic fortress shaped daily life, including stories of soldiers, fountains, and the 1813 fire that nearly destroyed the city. Throughout, you’ll hear how the Basque Country’s culinary heritage has been shaped by geography, history, and culture — from mountain traditions to coastal influences.

This experience features a curated selection of sweets, pastries, and cheeses, some chosen exclusively for Fernwayer. These additions represent a personal dimension, giving guests access to hidden gems cherished by Maider and Cristina. You’ll taste beyond the usual pintxos, and explore neighborhood streets often missed on tourist trails. Along the way, you’ll learn why food carries such weight in Basque culture — how it shapes identity, community, and daily life. Each stop connects to deeper traditions, from mountain shepherding that shaped local cheeses to pastry recipes passed down through generations. These foods reflect not only flavor but also the resilience and identity of the Basque people. Beyond pastries, you’ll stop for a cheese tasting at a traditional fromagerie and receive a rich treat from an artisanal chocolatier. By joining, you support long-standing local businesses and keep alive culinary traditions that have anchored San Sebastián for generations.

Cristina and Maider are two long term friends. Cristina was born in Mexico and came to San Sebastian to be a chef, while Maider was born and raised in the Basque Country. They bonded thanks to their love of food and its power to connect people and carry culture. San Sebastian is their home, and they are dedicated to sharing the magic of the city with visitors, one bite at a time. For their social impact food tours they collaborate solely with small family businesses which are as dedicated to local heritage and culinary traditions are they are. And with every food tour you purchase, Maider and her team donate the equivalent of a meal to the Zaporeak Kitchen project which cooks meals for refugees in Greece.

Bring a big appetite as there will a lot of sampling and tasting. Wear comfortable shoes; you will be standing most of the time. It’s the Basque way! Try not to bring bulky back-bags or handbags. It’s less than 10 minutes walk between each stop. This tour can be wheelchair friendly, just let Maider know beforehand. If it looks cloudy, bring an umbrella.