Undiscovered Spain: a guide to the most interesting places in the Basque Country

The Basque Country is one of the autonomous provinces of the Kingdom of Spain. It is unique, with linguistic and cultural differences from other regions of of Spain make it a country within a country. It is a proud and distinctive region that will amaze you with nature, architecture, authentic Atlantic cuisine, futuristic buildings, and excellent wine.

The province has about 30 natural parks, biosphere zones and national reserves. The most visited among them are Gorbea, Izki, Urquiola, Valderejo, Aizkorri-Aratz.

There are 3 airports in the region: in San Sebastian, Bilbao, Vitoria. They are easily accessible from European cities with the help of Ryanair, Vueling, Volotea. Within the region it is most convenient to travel by buses and trains. The approximate price for a bus/train from Bilbao to San Sebastian starts from €9.

The average price for accommodation in 3* hotels starts from €35, and in 5* hotels from €100.

Bilbao

This is the largest, most touristy and cosmopolitan city in the region and continues to grow steadily. Bilbao is the modern face of the Basque Country. The city successfully combines traditional Basque culture with a new vision of the future. This place should be visited by all lovers of urban design and planning. And the city also beckons nature lovers, as it is surrounded by green hills and located close to the Atlantic coast.

The Guggenheim Museum is without a doubt the city's calling card. This futuristic building was built in 1997 and is now a mascot for the locals, who have given it a nickname - "Puppy". Another important landmark is Casco Viejo (or "seven streets"). This is the old district of the city, where you can wander through the labyrinth of streets and check out Santiago Cathedral, the New Square, the Basque Museum and the municipal library. For local flavor you should go to the Ribera Market, where you can taste local delicacies. By the way, it is the largest covered food market in Europe, occupying an area of 10 000 square meters. meters. meters. We recommend visiting the Campos Eliseos Theater with free guided tours.

San Sebastian

The main resort mecca of the Basque Country can surprise and dispose many travelers. It is a place of parties, enjoyment, fun and relaxation.

San Sebastian is famous for its unrivaled restaurants. Here you can taste local cuisine, all kinds of seafood and fish, as well as bold experiments of chefs. Restaurants in the city have 15 Michelin stars, and Mugaritz y Arzak was ranked in the top 50 best restaurants in the world in 2015. The Old Town has the highest number of bars per square meter in the world! In addition, San Sebastian hosts the annual International Film Festival (September 22-30). The San Telmo Museum contains more than 26,000 ethnographic, archaeological, historical and artistic elements.

Beach San Sebastian is represented by 3 main beaches: Playa La Concha, Playa Ondarreta, Playa Zurriola. The best view of the city and beaches is from Mount Igueldo.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

The second largest city of the Basque Country is often neglected by tourists. But, as you know, modesty adorns, and Vitoria is a perfect proof of that. This is a medieval city, where centuries-old buildings and modernism harmoniously coexist, and the wonderful Old Quarter will not leave you indifferent.

The city has many interesting sights, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the medieval fortress, St. Mary's Cathedral, Bibat Museum Complex, Casa del Cordón, New Cathedral, Eduardo Dato Street, and Escorias Esquivel Palace.

The salt valley of Añana

Just 30 km from Vitoria-Gasteiz is an amazing place - the Salinas de Añana Salt Valley. It is a complex of impressive wooden structures that transport salt water to special sites where the process of evaporation and salt collection takes place. Salt has been mined in this area for 6,000 years, although the methods of collection have been constantly modernized.

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Today there are about 2,000 salt lakes in the valley. The salt production season usually starts in May and lasts until September. The entrance fee is €6 (plus another €2 if you want to see the salt springs).

Laguardia

The beautiful village of Laguardia is set in a picturesque valley, completely surrounded by vineyards and is the perfect place to discover the wine traditions of the region. Originally a fortress, it was used mainly as a military fort.

Another feature of Laguardia is the system of tunnels that were dug under the homes of the inhabitants. Over time, people realized that the climate inside the tunnels was ideal for storing wine. Viñaspre Winery offers a tour of the tunnels, where you can learn about wine production techniques in the Middle Ages and today, as well as taste local varieties.

In the main square of the village is the town hall with its ancient clock with dancing figures. Even in hot weather, it is a pleasant place to wander through the narrow, cool streets of Laguardia.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

Undoubtedly, this place is a must-see for tourists who came to the Basque Country. The small island, located 35 km from Bilbao, is shaped like a cone, and at its highest point stands the small church of St. Juan. San Juan de Gastelugache is connected to the mainland by a man-made stone bridge. You will have to climb 241 steps to reach the island. According to legend, if you touch the bell of the church three times and make a wish, it will definitely come true. The place itself is very atmospheric, and the island offers a mind-blowing view of the Bay of Biscay.

There are several festivals throughout the year in the region, which include San Juan de Gastelugache. On June 24 there is a pilgrimage from the town of Bermeo to San Juan de Gastelugache, on July 31 there is a pilgrimage from the village of Arrieta, and on August 29 there is a pilgrimage from the town of Baquio. Also before the fishing season, Basque fishermen visit San Juan de Gastelugache to ask the saint for good luck.

Mundaca

The small picturesque village of Mundaca is located near the port, which is the center of life for locals and tourists. Next to the port is the beautiful chapel of Santa Catalina, built in 1879 in Gothic and Renaissance style.

Mundaka is considered one of the best European surfing spots. Every year in the fall and winter, the streets are filled with dozens of surfers from all over the world who come here to conquer the famous waves. Their height can reach 5 meters in height and 400 meters in length. Surf schools are open for beginners, the best of which are Mundaka Surf Club, Surfin' Mundaka, Mundaka Surf Shop & Surf School.