Tolosa is a thriving town to the south of San Sebastian in the Basque province of Gipuzkoa. Beautifully located in a valley of the river Oria it is overlooked by Uzturre, a magnificent white cross topped mountain.

In the streets of the old town you will find an eclectic selection of shops interspersed with great bars. Local culinary specialties include guindillas (which are mild cousins of the green chilli pepper) attached to an anchovy fillet and a piece of bread by means of a cocktail stick. Eaten in a couple of bites these pintxos provide an ideal accompaniment to a glass of red wine.

More renowned, perhaps, are the Alubias de Tolosa which are served with black pudding and fatty pork ribs. Many recipes exist and many restaurants lay claim to producing the best. Whatever the reality, most local housewives probably consider their alubias to be the definitive article, so take care.