Basque Country
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

BASQUE COUNTRY TRAVEL GUIDE

Recommended destinations to discover selected by highly-rated travel experts.

 
 
 
 
 

BASQUE COUNTRY

 

Why Travel to the Basque Country?


The Basque Country is one of the top destinations to visit in Northern Spain, renowned for its distinctive culture, history, traditions, and the unique Euskera language, which has no relation to Indo-European languages. Euskadi, as it's known in Basque, is a welcoming land inhabited by resilient and independent yet friendly locals. The region is formed by three provinces, Alava, Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia (Biscay) along with Navarra and a portion of southwestern France.

To truly grasp the essence of Basque culture, one must venture beyond the urban landscapes and delve into the hidden gems scattered across the mountains, forests, and countryside. It is in these rustic retreats that you will discover the Basque spirit thriving in picturesque small villages along the rugged coastlines where Basque fishermen, are respected for their prodigious fishing skills against formidable climatic odds that have historically taken them as far away as Newfoundland.

In these rural neighbourhoods, the heart of native Basque culture beats strong. Here, time seems to stand still, preserving traditions such as the thrilling sport of pelota vasca (jai alai), that highlights the energy and competitive spirit of the Basques. Traditional festivals provide a window into the enduring strength and dexterity of Basque singers and dancers as they come together in vibrant celebrations.

For an authentic off the beaten path experience in the Basque Country look beyond the cities and embrace the enchanting countryside, where culture and tradition unfolds against a backdrop of natural beauty with mountain peaks reaching for the sky and sublime rocky coves battered by mighty Atlantic swells.

Basque Country Must-See Sights

The capital of the Bizkaia province is Bilbao (Bilbo), a bustling seaport, industrial hub, and financial centre. Since 1997, it has been the home of the stunning Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, the architectural marvel of the century.

Nestled along the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian, known as Donostia in Basque, emerges as an upscale coastal resort, with spectacular beaches such as Playa de la Concha along with its western counterpart, Playa de Ondarreta. This beach stands out as one of Europe´s finest urban beaches with conditions for swimming that are consistently favourable and safe. As night descends, the sight of the bay´s shimmering lights and illuminated monuments cast a spell of enchantment that is truly magical. San Sebastian is the capital and main city of Gipuzkoa province, and it extends like a string of pearls around the Bay of Biscay. This city displays sophistication, offering a blend of beauty and elegance with a cultural, social and gastronomic importance far in excess of its size.

Explore the inland, and you will encounter Vitoria-Gasteiz in Alava, the apex of the Basque triangle. It serves as the political and administrative heart of the region and the seat of the Basque government.

To the far northeast lies Irún, renowned as a significant starting point for pilgrims embarking on the Northern Way (Camino del Norte) pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James). And then Pamplona, famous worldwide for its Fiestas de San Fermin, and a stopping off point for pilgrims on the French Way.

From the majestic Pyrenees to the lovely city of Vitoria, this region offers an abundance of activities and sights to explore, making it a top destination for travellers.

Culinary Marvels of the Basque Country and Txakoli Wine

Great eating is another important reason for many food and wine lovers to visit the Basque Country. Basque chefs are highly admired and the cooking of the Basque region has perhaps Spain´s finest cuisine. It was here in the Basque Country that nueva cocina vasca -new Basque cuisine- was born, based on the creative use of the finest locally sourced ingredients. It exists alongside traditional Basque cooking that revolves around exquisite seafood -especially hake, salt cod, spider crab and baby eels (angulas)- all accompanied by the wonderful local white wine called Txakoli. 

Txakoli the signature wine of the Basque Country is a mild and lightly sparkling wine renowned for its crisp, refreshing character, making it a perfect companion for the region´s seafood. Txakolí has a long history in the Basque Country, with some wineries producing it for generations. It is deeply rooted in Basque culture and often served in the region´s traditional pintxos bars.

Our food experts have chosen the best tour operators offering tours with food, wine, and walking holidays in the Basque Country. You can check our full list of top food tours to the Basque Country and recommended boutique hotels in the sections of this Basque Country travel destination guide.

Capital of  Basque Country: Vitoria-Gasteiz
Population:  2.22 million (2023) inhabitants
More details
 
 
 
Basque Country
Basque Country
Basque Country
Basque Country
 

THE 10 BEST DESTINATIONS TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover our top destinations recommended by our highly-rated tour experts.

 
 
 
 

SAN SEBASTIAN


BILBAO


 

RECOMMENDED TOURS, EXPERIENCES & TASTINGS

Our top 10 best tours, experiences & tastings in the destination selected by our experts. Slow Way Food Tours, Green Walking Holiday and Exclusive Food & Wine Tours/Tastings.

 
 
 
 
 
  4 Days / 3...
On Request Best Rate euros 
 

Short Break to San Sebastián, Basque Country:...

 

San Sebastián is a city well-known for its gastronomy and beautiful beaches. With our short break to San Sebastián you’ll enjoy a pintxos tour, market visit, cooking class and time to relax in this luxurious coastal city.

 

  0 User Reviews

 
See details
 
Half-Day...  
On Request Best Rate euros 
 

Bilbao Private Monumental Tour with Traditional...

 

Take a culinary journey through Bilbao´s food culture with our expert local foodie guide. Prepare for an exploration of the city´s finest and most beloved pintxo bars favoured by locals. Get to know Bilbao´s rich history with a walking tour through the old quarter and important landmarks.

 

  

 
See details
 
  Half Day...
On Request Best Rate euros 
 

Discovering Bilbao´s Guggenheim Museum Artistic...

 

Experience the famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao like never before! Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of artistic wonder and discovery. Enjoy a visit to one of the world´s most celebrated cultural landmarks, where art comes to life in the heart of Bilbao!

 

  0 User Reviews

 
See details
 
Half Day...  
On Request Best Rate euros 
 

Bilbao City Highlights, Old Quarter & Guggenheim...

 

Discover the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum and get to know the city´s rich history and culture with a relaxed walk through the enchanting old quarter. Experience the breathtaking panoramic vistas that showcase the city´s scenic beauty.

 

  

 
See details
 
 
 


 

TOP RESTAURANTS

The best places to eat selected by our foodie experts in the food destinations we cover.

 
 
 
 
 
  4 Days / 3...
On Request Best Rate euros 
 

Short Break to San Sebastián, Basque Country:...

 

San Sebastián is a city well-known for its gastronomy and beautiful beaches. With our short break to San Sebastián you’ll enjoy a pintxos tour, market visit, cooking class and time to relax in this luxurious coastal city.

 

  0 User Reviews

 
See details
 
 
 
 

RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Our travel experts have researched the best hotels in the destinations we cover. Stay in unique accommodations from modern city centre hotels to wine country manor house with amazing food & wine. If you can not find a suitable option just let our experts know and we will suggest something different for you.

 
 
 
 
 
 

No results found

 
 
 




TRAVEL JOURNAL

In our Travel Journal read posts and articles about upcoming tours, expert reviews of hotels, wineries, destinations, etc...

 
 
eatanwalkabout Home: Blog

WOULD YOU LIKE A PERSONALIZED TOUR?