Basque Country Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Basque Country with our comprehensive travel guide. Featuring places to visit, activities, food scene, accommodations, local culture, and more.


Introduction to Basque Country

Located in Northern Spain, Basque Country is a region known for its unique language, distinctive culture, and breathtaking coastline. The region spans both Spain and France, and the Basque people are proud of their heritage that dates back thousands of years. Visitors to Basque Country can immerse themselves in its rich history, explore its natural wonders, and indulge in its renowned cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Basque Country

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: A stunning museum housing a collection of modern and contemporary art.
  • San Telmo Museum: A fascinating museum showcasing the history and culture of Basque Country.
  • Vitoria-Gasteiz Cathedral: A beautiful Gothic-style cathedral in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz.
  • Gaztelugatxe: A small island featuring a picturesque chapel surrounded by stunning coastal views.
  • The Old Town of San Sebastian: A charming area featuring narrow streets, historic buildings, and excellent pintxos bars.

Natural Attractions of Basque Country: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve: A stunning nature reserve home to various species of flora and fauna.
  • Basque Coast Geopark: A UNESCO-listed site featuring breathtaking cliffs and unique geological formations.
  • Mount Txindoki: A peak in the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park offering breathtaking views from the top.
  • Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park: A vast wilderness area featuring hiking and biking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views.
  • Flysch Route: A scenic trail along the coast of the Basque Country offering gorgeous views of the sea and rock formations.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Basque Country

Basque Country is a hiker’s and biker’s paradise, with numerous trails and routes to explore. Some of the best include:

  • GR-10 Trail: A long-distance hiking trail that spans the Pyrenees mountain range.
  • Basque Coast Way: A scenic route along the Basque coastline.
  • Camino de Santiago: A pilgrimage route that passes through Basque Country on its way to Santiago de Compostela.
  • Arrikrutz Caves Trail: A hiking trail that leads to a spectacular cave system in the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park.
  • Bidasoa-Txingudi Greenway: A bike path that follows an old railway line, offering stunning views of the Basque countryside.

Best Things to Do in Basque Country: Activities and Tours

  • Taste the pintxos: Basque country is famous for its pintxos bars, serving up delicious bitesize snacks that are perfect for pairing with a glass of wine or beer.
  • Visit a Basque Cider House: A traditional experience where visitors can sample the region’s famous cider and enjoy a hearty meal.
  • Surf at Zurriola Beach: San Sebastian is a popular surf destination, with Zurriola Beach a great spot for beginner and experienced surfers alike.
  • Take a Basque cooking class: Learn to cook the region’s famous dishes such as bacalao al pil-pil or marmitako.
  • Explore the Basque Wine Region: Visit vineyards and wineries in the region to taste the local wines.

Week-Long Itinerary for Basque Country

Day 1-2: Bilbao – Explore the city’s famous Guggenheim Museum and enjoy pintxos in the old town. Day 3-4: San Sebastian – Relax on the beaches, hike in the surrounding hills, and taste the famous Basque cuisine. Day 5-6: Vitoria-Gasteiz – Discover the city’s medieval history and visit nearby parks and nature reserves. Day 7: Hondarribia – Explore the charming town of Hondarribia and its narrow streets, historic buildings, and stunning coastal views.

Food and Drink Scene of Basque Country

The Basque Country is known for its outstanding gastronomy, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Some of the must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bacalao al Pil-Pil – A popular Basque dish featuring salt cod in a garlic and olive oil sauce.
  • Marmitako – A hearty fish stew made with tuna, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes.
  • Pintxos – These small snacks are a Basque staple, often served at bars and paired with wine or beer.

Local Beverages

  • Basque Cider – A tart and refreshing alcoholic beverage made from locally grown apples.
  • Txakoli – A crisp and slightly effervescent white wine that pairs perfectly with seafood.

Where to Stay in Basque Country: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Basque Country offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the best options include:

  • Hotel Maria Cristina, San Sebastian – A luxury hotel in the heart of San Sebastian.
  • Pensión San Francisco, Bilbao – A budget-friendly guesthouse in Bilbao’s historic district.
  • Casa Rural Arregi, Vitoria-Gasteiz – A charming bed and breakfast in the countryside outside Vitoria-Gasteiz.

What to Buy in Basque Country: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Basque Country can bring home a range of souvenirs and locally produced items, including:

  • Basque berets – A traditional headwear item made of wool or felt.
  • Txakoli wine – A local white wine that is perfect for pairing with seafood.
  • Basque cheese – A variety of artisanal cheeses made in the region.
  • Basque Coast sea salt – Harvested from the sea, this salt is a regional specialty.

Local Culture and Customs of Basque Country

Basque culture is distinctive and proud, with a focus on family, community, and nature. Visitors to the region should be respectful of local customs and traditions, including:

  • Greet locals in Basque if possible, saying “Egun on,” and “Agur” for goodbye.
  • Punctuality is important in the Basque country.
  • Dress modestly in churches or religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Basque Country

The best time to visit Basque Country is between May and September when the weather is mild and the beaches are at their best. However, the region is a worthwhile destination year-round, with indoor activities like museums and gastronomic events to enjoy during the colder months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Basque Country

Do:

  • Learn a few Basque words and phrases.
  • Enjoy the local cuisine, including the famous pintxos.
  • Visit the museums and historical sites to learn about Basque culture and history.

Don’t:

  • Take pictures of locals without their permission.
  • Be loud or disruptive in public places.
  • Wear offensive clothing or attire on public beaches or in religious sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Basque Country

Basque Country is a safe and welcoming destination. However, visitors should take standard precautions to ensure their safety, including keeping an eye on personal belongings and not leaving valuables unattended.

Health in Basque Country

The region has good healthcare facilities, including public and private hospitals. Visitors from EU countries should have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access free or reduced-cost healthcare. Travel insurance is also recommended.

Getting to Basque Country: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Basque Country

The nearest airports to Basque Country are:

  • Bilbao Airport
  • San Sebastian Airport
  • Vitoria-Gasteiz Airport

Bus Stations Near Basque Country

Buses are an affordable transportation option for getting around Basque Country. Some of the main bus stations include:

  • Bilbao Termibus
  • Donostia-San Sebastian Bus Station
  • Vitoria-Gasteiz Bus Station

Other Options

Train travel is also an option, and the Basque Railways network connects many of the cities and towns in the region.

How to Get Around in Basque Country

The best way to explore Basque Country is by car, which allows visitors to see many of the region’s hidden gems. However, public transportation is also available, including buses, trains, and trams.

Where to Go Next from Basque Country: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby destinations and excursions from Basque Country include:

  • La Rioja – A wine region famous for its red wines and picturesque vineyards.
  • Biarritz – A French seaside town with sandy beaches and a charming old town.
  • Pamplona – The city of the famous Running of the Bulls festival.

Conclusion

Basque Country is a unique and fascinating region that offers visitors a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums and historical sites, taking in stunning coastal views, or indulging in the local cuisine, Basque Country has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover all that this remarkable region has to offer!

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    Bilbao
    Getaria
    Hondarribia
    San Sebastián
    Zarauz