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GII moved here thinking I was “moving to Spain”… but the Basque Country is basically its own world (in the best way). Here are a few things I wish someone told me sooner:
✨ 1. The weather is NOT what you picture when you think Spain.
Yes, it’s green. Yes, it rains. And yes… you will still fall in love with it. But always have an umbrella and accept that cloudy beach days are part of the charm.
🍅 2. The quality of the food is unreal.
Even the “basic” groceries taste like they came from a farm. Tomatoes actually taste like tomatoes, eggs are richer, and bread is just… better.
It ruined me for grocery shopping anywhere else.
🗣️ 3. Basque culture is strong — and it’s different from the rest of Spain.
The pride here is real, traditions are deeply respected, and people don’t identify as Spanish… they identify as Basque, and I love that.
📍 4. Everyone lives outside.
Rain, cold, wind… doesn’t matter. People are walking, meeting friends, eating outside, hiking, surfing. The lifestyle is active without even trying.
💸 5. It’s not “cheap Spain.”
San Sebastián is stunning… but it comes with a price tag. Rent and daily life can be surprisingly expensive compared to other Spanish cities.
🐢 6. Life moves slower here — and that’s not a bad thing.
People aren’t rushing everywhere. Meals are long. Coffee isn’t grabbed in a car. Time with friends and family is prioritized, and at first it feels strange… but eventually it becomes one of the best parts of living here.
👀 7. People may seem reserved at first.
It can take time to build community here. But once you do, it feels real and lasting — not surface-level.
🏔️ 8. You get the best of everything in one place.
Beach mornings, mountain hikes, France 20 minutes away, the best food you’ve ever eaten, and a city that feels safe and walkable.
And honestly… I’d do it all over again, every time 🤍
#donostia #sansebastian #basquecountry #donostiasansebastian #donosti
@girlsgone_donostia
