Cider houses of Astigarraga: a mandatory visit

The Astigarraga cider houses are the most outstanding in Guipúzcoa since it is in this municipality located less than 10 kilometers from San Sebastian where the most iconic cider houses in this area of the Basque territory are located.

Around the world of cider there are great traditions such as txotx, so today we will talk about it and mention the best cider houses in Astigarraga to enjoy this season.

Cider Bars in San Sebastian

As we have mentioned before, the cider houses are one of the iconic and world-renowned points of the city of San Sebastian and the Basque Country in general, so enjoying them should be a mandatory stop on your visit, even more so if you you do it during txotx season.

However, the best are the cider houses in Astigarraga, as it is a municipality where the cider is produced in-house and by hand.

You may be interested in our Sagarbike Tour to the cider museum.

Txotx: the tradition that must be lived in the cider houses of Astigarraga

Despite the fact that many of the Astigarraga cider houses that we will see below are open throughout the year, others are limited to opening during txotx season.

The txotx refers to the tradition of opening the kupela tap and getting up for a glass of cider. However, this also refers to the cider season, which begins a week before the Tamborrada, therefore lasting from mid-January to the end of April.

During this time you will see much more atmosphere and people in the Astigarraga cider houses than at other times of the year.

The 5 best cider houses in Astigarraga

Next, we will see some of the best sagardotegi or cider houses in Astigarraga. Sagardotegi is how the Basques refer to cider houses. Now you know a new Basque word!

You should know that in all the cider houses in Astigarraga you will find a very similar menu since it corresponds to typical food and you can enjoy it accompanied by a good glass of cider.

Astarbe Sagardotegia

It is the oldest cider house in Astigarraga and it has been serving its own cider for no more and no less than 15 generations. Of course, they only do it during the txotx and summer season so… you must write it down if you want to enjoy it.

The menu is limited to the traditional; cod omelette, cod with peppers and T-bone steak.

Petritegi: the perfect plan

In this case, in addition to being one of the best cider houses in Astigarraga to eat, it also offers the possibility of visiting the production of the drink. Remember to make a reservation on their website to enjoy it.

In this case, it offers again the typical menu based on cod and steak. In addition, it remains open throughout the year, although with a greater influx of people during the txotx.

Ipintza: the perfect option for vegetarians

As we have mentioned, the typical menu of the Astigarraga cider houses is based on cod and steak, however, Ipintza is one of the few where you can find options for vegetarians.

It is also open throughout the year and the menu is around €30.

Oialume Zar: one of the best chorizo in cider

This Astigarraga cider house, in addition to standing out for its own cider, preserves the traditional menu but adds an incredible chorizo in cider to its menu.

In this case, it is kept open only during the txotx season.

Iretza: a modern touch with quality

This is the least old Astigarraga cider house that we have mentioned (it has been around for less than 10 years) but it has two other cider houses as a reference that do have a great tradition.

In this case, its decoration stands out because you can enjoy the traditional menu “inside” some huge barrels where the cider is processed.

Now you know some of the best cider houses in Astigarraga and the tradition that revolves around them. If you want to discover more about the city of San Sebastian and other of its traditions, do not hesitate to take a free tour where local guides will make you feel like a true Basque. We wait for you!