Organic food and stores

Locally-grown organic food

The Basque Country is a very fertile land and some of the ancient techniques are still used when growing produce. This means that San Sebastian has plenty of organically produced fruits and vegetables that have been locally grown for those who have an organic mindset.

Fair trade and imported goods

Organic stores around the city sell Quinoa, Spirulina, almond milk, vitamins, cosmetics and other quality products under the fair trade seal. From gluten-free products to milk alternatives these shops will satisfy most organic needs.

We recommend:

Granel Donostia
Laramendi, 23

Organic 49
Urbieta, 49

Farmer Markets

As most medieval cities, San Sebastian was a major trading hub for the nearby areas. Nowadays, it still remains a place where local farmers come to sell their fresh produce.

San Martín farmers market

The construction of San Martin farmers market began in 1882. Since then, the building and the purpose of the market itself has been through a process of actualization and modernization that has allowed it to keep up with the wants and needs of the Basque society. Nowadays, the two structures hold several flagship stores like technology-oriented Fnac and fashion retailer Zara. However, at the heart of the building remains an area where sell their top quality products.

La Bretxa farmers market

In addition to the farmers market in San Martín, there are other smaller ones, such as the one held in La Bretxa market. Some others happen in specific dates all over the city and they will often be accompanied by fairs. So if you run into traditional Basque music and the smell of grilled txistorra (a traditional type of Basque chorizo) you should follow it because there is a good chance you will come upon an exquisite chance to buy local products straight from the people that grow them.an d sell

Butchers and Fishmongers

San Sebastian is situated between mountains and sea and, as such, it encapsulates both sides of Basque agriculture. The green hills and mountains of the Basque Country have led to hardy breeds of stock and agriculture that favors green vegetables over cereals. Southern part of the Basque Country is on the Spanish side and brings variety via wheat, potatoes and famous wines.

On the other side, there is a sea that has fed towns built near it, including San Sebastian. There even used to be whales! Basque whale hunting was the origin of their current rowing sport.

In addition, this seafaring culture pushed Basque people to sail over the world, bringing all types of foods with them. Some people even say that Basque fishermen exploited the Canadian codfish banks way before Columbus made it to the Americas.

Best fish to eat

San Sebastian houses a big amount of fishmongers offering their services at street level. You will find their shops in any neighborhood, and they will sell seafood caught by Basque fishermen as well as products from other parts of Spain like the Mediterranean!

Their catch will vary depending on the season, naturally, and we invite you to embrace this. Centuries of tradition and modern science mean that Basque fishermen will bring in their catches when it is both sustainable and also ensures maximum deliciousness.

Chorizo, jamón, blood sausage and steak

Pork and beef are mainstay in the Basque diet, and these products are easy to find in one of the many butcher shops around the city. Let’s start with products made of pork. Plain or spicy chorizo are locals’ favorite. There’s also a local specialty txistorra a deep fried sausage that is often served with a traditional corn tortilla called Talo. And finally jamón a Spanish cured ham with an international fame. It is an absolute delicacy, and we highly recommend to taste it! Any of these cold cuts will make an excellent snack. Just get a fresh baguette and settle in your favourite spot by the sea or in the park and enjoy your own personal banquet.

Besides cold cuts like jamón, txorizo, lomo, etc. there’s a great selection in beef and pork like ribs or locally loved txuleta - a thick steak on a bone. Also chicken, lamb, or rabbit can easily be found in the city’s butchers.