Basque Country Travel Guide

Spain’s Basque Country is its own microcosm; it has its own culture, climate, cuisine, and even language. Basque Country, País Vasco in Spanish or Euskadi in Basque, is different. 

Basque Country is divided into three provinces situated in northern Spain: Álava to the south; Vizcaya (Bizkaia) to the west and Gipuzkoa to the east. 

Álava is the most extensive province, with Vitoria-Gasteiz as its capital. It is landlocked, characterised by rolling hills, fertile plains, low valleys, and vast vineyards, unlike the other two regions, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike, cycle, taste fine wine and more, in Álava. 

Besides its capital, the modern port city Bilbao, Vizcaya's highlight is its long-stretching coastline dotted with charming fishing villages, sun-dappled beaches, and the tiny island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. 

With San Sebastian as its leading city, Gipuzkoa clings to the coast of the Cantabrian Sea. The smallest province, but the most diverse out of the three, Gipuzkoa’s landscape concurrently features pine-covered hills, deep valleys, and some of Spain’s most beautiful beaches. 

In the Basque Country, there is a persevering sense of “gure”; “our” as translated from Basque to English. It is a simple word that is quintessentially Basque, as it epitomises a shared and appreciated identity, culture, and tradition that has stood firm for a long time. 

It is a sentiment you’ll discover is expressed in the Basque Country’s craggy cliffs; rooted in 50 million years of history (make note of the Flysch Route), snow-capped mountains that are inextricably linked to true Basque custom; hiding authentic villages and untouched nature, and its hearty food that has been uniting the region and its people since the 1st Century. 

This Basque Country travel guide will shed light on this highly underrated Spanish region. With insider tips and expert knowledge, this guide will leave you ready to uncover one of Spain’s greatest treasures. Soon, you could be sampling pintxos yourself!

June to September are the warmest and driest months of the year, with high temperatures lingering between 23°C and 27°C. With that being said, these summer months are Basque Country’s busiest, with an influx of local and international visitors. 

Though these months are sunny and warm (especially July and August), the heat isn’t as scorching as it is in southern Spain during this time of year. Therefore, hiking conditions are perfectly mellow, and it is balmy enough to enjoy Basque’s golden beaches that average a sea temperature of about 20°C. You can also expect short heatwaves throughout the summer, with temperatures reaching over 30°C. 

On the flip side, December to March are Basque Country’s wettest months, with November witnessing the most rainfall. However, winters aren’t harsh but mild as temperatures average at 10°C. 

The best time to visit the Basque Country is during the shoulder months of June and September. Prices are lower, and crowds are less. September also offers prime swells for surfing, especially at Zarautz.

To note: It does rain a lot throughout the year. The rain may even catch you off guard during Basque's high season, so keep an ubmrella close. 

San Sebastian and Bilbao 

Though marvellous on their own, it’s fitting to tour these two iconic Basque Country cities together as part of the ultimate Basque Country experience. 

San Sebastian, Basque Country’s ‘pearl’, is nothing short of character. You’ll tour its breathtaking bay and bask on its wide sandy beaches. Pair your trip with nearby industrial Bilbao. Here, you’ll marvel at one-of-a-kind culture and architecture, especially Frank Gehry's revolutionary Guggenheim Museum.

Although these two cities differ in their landscape, their greatest commonality has to be first-class cuisine (more on this below). It would be a crime to miss out on a culinary tour that explores the revolutionary gastronomic scene of San Sebastian and Bilbao. 

This 7-Day Basque Country Luxury Food Experience will throw you into a Basque coastal food adventure, with the opportunity to promenade La Concha in San Sebastian and eat your way through the city in pintxos! In Bilbao, after a day of learning about northern Spain’s culture, you’ll uncover the city’s best seafood taverns with a local guide.

For a more in-depth exploration of both San Sebastian and Bilbao, this 9-Day Culture and Gastronomy tour in Northern Spain has the perfect itinerary to entice both your taste buds and your mind.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

You may recognise this impressive feature from the blockbuster television show, Game of Thrones. Or, maybe a photograph of this rocky phenomenon caught your eye.

Either way, the mystical San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a definite must-visit when in the Basque Country for its breathtaking coastal views and unspoilt surrounding landscape.

The small island that stands off the coast is connected to mainland Spain by a zigzagging man-made stone bridge. The walk up to the church, which is dedicated to the prophet John the Baptist, is about 45 minutes. According to legend, after completing the climb, you must ring the church bell three times to veer off the bad spirits. For a challenge, there is also a steep hike from the church down to the ocean. 

Walk the jagged path yourself on our 12-Day Bilbao to San Sebastian tour.

Navarre

During a Navarre tour, such as this 6-Day Self-Drive to Navarre and Aragonese Pyrenees, you’ll explore the best of the medieval kingdom. Wander Olite’s enchantingly old-age pathways, as you pass through narrow cobbled-stone streets that link houses and churches reminiscent of the Middle Ages. Eventually, you’ll be taken to marvel at the grand Royal Palace.

Other highlights include the quaint towns of Estella and Puente La Reine that lie on the pilgrim’s route of Santiago de Compostela.

Yet the star of your Navarre trip is a visit to The Natural Park of Urbasa-Andía. Picnic between the tall trees with a view of wild cows, sheep, goats, and wild horses. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could hike its scenic routes and trails.

Add in a day trip to the capital city, Pamplona, a major hub for Basque culture and traditional Navarrean cuisine, for the ultimate Navarre experience.

Guernica

As you travel the Basque Coast, Guernica is a great shortstop. You’ll be able to tour the pretty little town en route to San Sebastian on our 15-Day Experience Northern Spain.

Guernica was made famous by Pablo Picasso, who painted the bombing of the town (which was nearly destroyed in 1937). Picasso’s art consequently became a Cubanist masterpiece. Today, the Basque town is a symbol of peace. You can visit the Basque Museum and the Euskal Herria Museum to learn all about the history of how the Basque people were granted political autonomy in Guernica. Make sure to admire the beautiful Santa Maria church, an archetype of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

If your visit falls on a Monday, you can also stroll through a historically beloved market with a myriad of stalls selling local farm produce. It is even credited as one of the best markets in the entire Basque Country!

Lekeitio

Lekeitio on the Basque coast, sits halfway between Bilbao and San Sebastian. Like Guernica, it is a fantastic stopover when touring the Basque Coast, as seen in our 14-Day Exploration of Spanish Art and Culture trip.

The whole town lingers with the smell of the sea. A typical day in Lekeitio could take you to its gorgeous beaches, Isuntza and Karraspio, and its imposing gothic church. But make your first stop at Lekeitio’s multi-coloured port for a colourful spectacle of red, green, and blue boats lining the sea.

For a real treat, head south of the centre to Mesón Arropain’s for a bowl of their delectable fish soup.

Getaria and Zarautz

If you haven’t had enough fish yet, Getaria beckons. The sleepy village is a staple destination for fresh seafood on this 7-Day Scrumptious North of Spain tour. Here, you can savour the grilled turbot and pair it with Getaria’s prestigious semi-sparkling wine, txakoli. 

In this small village, you’ll be blessed with vistas of beautiful beaches and lush green, vine-covered hills. You can also uncover the history of famous fashion designer Balenciaga, who was born in Getaria, by visiting a museum dedicated to him.

If you wish, visit nearby Zarautz which is connected to Getaria by a coastal route offering stunning views of the sea, craggy inlets, and beautiful bays.

Small town Zarautz welcomes surfers from all over the world as its waves and beach breaks are among the best in Europe. To delve deeper into Zarautz’s culture, visit the town on this 14-Day Exploration of Spanish Art and Culture tour.

Train 

Criss-crossing the Basque Country by train is a popular slow-travel option to explore the region with scenic routes. EuskoTren is the main network for rail travel in the Basque Country, connecting major cities and towns. However, EuskoTren can be slow, taking about twice as long as the same trip by car or bus.

Bus 

Travelling through the Basque Country by bus is an easy and comfortable way to move between places. There are always connections between cities and most larger towns, and there are ample bus services along the Basque coast. Yet access to more remote villages is quite limited.

Car

Hiring a rental car is the best way to explore the Basque Country to the fullest. Not only can you travel at your own pace and with the utmost flexibility, but you can easily get around the more rural parts of the region: visit sagardotegis (traditional Basque cider restaurants in the countryside) with more ease and stop at sites that aren’t on your original itinerary.

Moreover, driving along the Basque coastline is a treasure trove for dramatic seascapes, jutting cliffs, innumerable coves splashed by lapping waves, and verdant greenery. Self-drive the Basque Coast on this 7-Day Paradores Routes of Northern Coastal Spain tour.

Altogether, renting a car saves time when travelling between destinations, it allows you to appreciate Spain in a different light, and it is an affordable option too.

Private Tour

If you desire to truly enjoy your Basque Country holiday without the hassle of researching routes, car rentals, and road trip itineraries, sit back and relax on a private tour of the Basque Country with a local guide.

Our Local Designers in Spain can take care of your transport needs between destinations. Not only that, but they can design your entire trip tailored to your travel style, budget, and interests. Altogether, you’ll be able to discover the Basque Country at your own pace with a knowledgeable guide on hand. With expert guides and private drivers, this 10-Day Alluring North Spain Tour is perfect for travellers seeking a stress-free Basque Country holiday.

San Sebastian 

Nestled within the southern coast of the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian is a Michelin restaurant hotspot, framed by gleaming urban beaches, and a romantic old town pulsating with a vibrant nightlife. This Basque city is a must-visit destination that caters to every traveller. 

La Concha, with its teal-coloured ocean backdrop and wide bayfront promenade, is an exciting location for families with several family-friendly hotels and restaurants. Alderdi-Eder Park, at the end of the boardwalk, also has a fun carousel for young children.

Located on the eastern end of La Concha Beach sits San Sebastian’s charming old town, Parte Vieja, which is excellent for first-timers. Not only is it home to popular attractions such as Santa María del Coro Church and the Constitution Square, but its narrow streets also shelter a plethora of bars where you’ll find traditional pintxos. A stone’s throw away from Parte Vieja lies Centro, a fantastic place for travellers on a budget.

Hot tip: Head inwards for more affordable accommodation

Bilbao

Bilbao is an awe-inspiring city well worth the visit. An all-rounder like San Sebastian, Bilbao has a great selection of accommodation for travellers wanting to uncover the cosmopolitan city.

Casco Viejo (Bilbao’s old town) is great for affordable accommodation, including budget hotels. If you’re into gastronomy, this is the best place to taste traditional Basque cuisine, while boutique hotels in Ensanche offer spectacular views of the Guggenheim Museum. For couples, Bilbao la Vieja, sitting across the Nervión River, hosts an idyllic neighbourhood with a bohemian charm, fusing both modern and historic culture.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

This Basque city seamlessly blends the metropolitan with local Basque tradition. Winding cobblestone streets and its magnificent gothic cathedral contribute to its charm, and the six large parks surrounding the city allows for a tranquil city break.

The old-town mixes stylish, more luxurious accommodation, with cheaper lofts for the budget traveller, and families also benefit from whole flats providing ample space for children. Head closer to one of Vitoria-Gasteiz's many natural parks for a more peaceful stay in a countryside villa.

Hondarribia

If you’re in search of a seafront getaway, Hondarribia’s pretty fishing village should be at the top of your list. With rustic charm and beauty, traditional Basque multi-coloured balconies, and encircling medieval forts, Hondarribia’s appeal is undeniable.

The town is also a growing culinary hub. The Marina neighbourhood in particular has no shortage of excellent dining opportunities.

Luxury accommodation seekers can opt for a sophisticated, boutique hotel within the village. If you want to go the extra mile, book a stay in a Basque castle! The town also boasts old, but chic traditional townhouses for a more authentic experience.

Elciego

Elciego is a heavenly destination for wine lovers. It may not be as popular as other places in the Basque Country, but don’t let that fool you - Elciego is well worth a visit!

Surrounded by the Sierra de Cantabria mountains, this picturesque vineyard village is the ideal quiet weekend getaway. It is the perfect romantic spot for couples, or travellers interested in a wine tour. 

Guesthouses with stone walls and cosy rooms dot the village, as well as welcoming bodegas that combine wineries and informal hotels. However, the standout is certainly Hotel Marqués de Riscal, an eye-popping place to stay, blending 21st-century architecture with Basque’s sprawling greenery.

Álava

Since Alava doesn’t border the sea like the other two provinces, its specialities revolve around meat. 

Juicy Navvarean lamb and beef are very hard to find anywhere else, but in this region, you can easily order these lip-tingling specialities straight from the barbecue! Order a txuleton (an enormous rib steak) for an unparalleled experience. 

Some of Alava’s signature dishes revolve around its stews, with meats such as pork, lamb and veal cooked à l'ancienne. However, it’s not always about the meat! Vegetarian dishes like patatas viudas, a rich potato stew tinted with red paprika powder, are also favourites. 

The region also takes pride in its horticulture. Lodosa piquillo peppers (small red peppers that are slightly spicy with a sweet touch) are a star of Basque cuisine, originating from everbearing Navarre. 

For something sweet, try the goxua (hailing from Vitoria-Gasteiz), a finger-licking liqueur-soaked cake, layered with cream and homemade caramel.

Gipuzkoa

San Sebastian is the foodie capital city of Gipuzkoa. Synonymous with pintxos, a pintxos crawl is essential during your visit. If you are a lover of all things spice, order the gilda pintxo - one of the spiciest pintxos in San Sebastian, made of anchovies and spicy guindilla peppers that are skewered together. 

For more refined dishes, take your pick between the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants showcasing Haute Basque cuisine.

Gipuzkoa is also famous for its buttery, melt-in-the-mouth stuffed spider crab or txangurro a la Donostiarra, and angula (baby eels) that resemble a small plate of spaghetti.

During your trip, find a sagardotegi (cider house) and swig far-from-average sagardoa; Basque cider. It is the perfect accompaniment to traditional pintxos!

Vizcaya

Vizcaya, on the other hand, is coined the capital of salt cod or bacalao. Here the bacalao recipes are endless. Bacalao a la vizcaína, salted cod cooked in a delicious red pepper sauce, and bacalao al pil-pil, made with dried guindilla chilli and olive oil, are consistently devoured. 

Straddling the Cantabric Sea, it is no surprise that locals from this Basque province are heavy on fresh seafood and fish.

Other popular dishes consist of hake (merluza) and sea bream (besugo). Almejas en salsa verde (clams topped with a green sauce and flecked with parsley), and chipirones en su tinta (poached/seared baby squid tinted with its own ink), are also strong favourites not to be missed.

Whilst in Vizcaya, pair your meals with a refreshing glass of Txakoli, a crisp and effervescent white wine, that perfectly complements fresh seafood specialities.

Aste Nagusia Festival (Semana Grande)

Taking place in Bilbao, “The Big Week” in English is a jam-packed nine-day event celebrating Basque culture to the fullest. 

Festivities begin with a jolt as a rocket (txupinazo) is shot upwards. Puppet-like mascot Marijaia, also known as “Party Mary,” is then held up (always with her hands in the air) from the Arriaga Theatre amidst blinding confetti and coloured smoke. 

During Aste Nagusia, traditional Basque music and dancing are showcased, along with rural sports such as wood chopping, stone carrying, and even tug of war. Giant figurines (Gargantua) also stomp the streets, swallowing children who then slide down through their bodies, coming out through their tails. And every night, festivities are closed off by an exciting fireworks competition. Finally, to signify the end of Aste Nagusia, Marijaia is set ablaze in front of a huge crowd.

Haro Wine Festival 

Every year on June 29th, one of the world’s biggest wine fights occurs in small-town Haro, situated in the La Rioja region.

Also known as “Batalla del Vino” in Spanish, the festival finds its origins in pilgrimages to the cave of Riscos de Bilibio (Cliffs of Bilibio), where a chapel was later built, and the site became known as the Hermitage of San Felices. At this site, patrons were anointed with wine rather than water, giving birth to the modern-day wine fight.

Today, there is a procession up into the cliffs of Bilibio where a short mass occurs before combatants douse each other in red wine using buckets, cups, bottles, jugs, hoses, and even water pistols.

Tamborrada of San Sebastian 

Tamborrada is an important day in San Sebastian’s calendar, considered to be one of the city’s main events. 

Commencing at midnight in the Plaza de la Constitución (on January 19th), over 15,000 drummers parade through San Sebastian’s streets. With every step, there’s a beat, and this continues for 24 hours. Brass bands and flag-bearers accompany the drummers, who wear traditional costumes as well as cooks’ and soldiers’ uniforms. 

It is a mesmerising event that celebrates the city’s strong traditions, making it an authentic and unmissable experience.

Jazzaldia Festival

Founded in 1966, Jazzaldia is Spain’s oldest jazz festival. It is hosted in San Sebastian every year in July over five days, with more than a hundred concerts. Artists from all over the world participate, with renowned musicians including Iggy Pop, Herbie Hancock, and Gregory Porter.

Jazzaldia’s main venue is the Kuursal Centre, a cultural hub. Zurriola Beach’s long stretch is also a popular spot for a series of free concerts that thousands of visitors attend.

Language: In Basque Country, the official language is Basque. However, many locals also know Spanish. It will be useful to learn some local lingo; both Basque and Spanish, as English isn’t widely spoken. 

Food: Make sure to try local Basque dishes for the utmost experience. From pintxos to pollo al chilindron, you’ll taste some of the best food in the world. And always ask what’s in season!

Driving: To see the most of Basque Country, it is recommended that you rent a car. You’ll therefore have access to smaller villages that you cannot easily get to by bus or train. Be assured, that the roads are in excellent condition and don’t forget a GPS!

Greetings: A simple “kaixo” (hello) and “agur” (hello and goodbye, but usually the latter) could go a long way in the Basque Country. Basque locals are some of the friendliest and most helpful people in the world. So putting in the least bit of effort could potentially gain you some insider tips and help with your travels.

Do’s: Wake up early to avoid the crowds and get the most out of popular places such as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe or Hondarribia.

Choosing a Basque Country tour designed by one of our Local Designers based in Spain guarantees a trip of a lifetime. With insider knowledge and a passion for tailoring your trip to your needs, they’ll create the ideal holiday!

Browse our fully-customisable Basque Country tours for inspiration, connect with our Local Designers with your preferences, interests, and budget, or create your own Basque Country trip.