Spain
The diverse landscape of the Basque Country presents opportunities for outdoor pursuits.
Sections of the Camino de Santiago Northern Way (e.g., San Sebastián to Orio) offer moderate coastal walks with stunning views. These paths are generally well-marked.
Gorbeia Natural Park, Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park, Izki Natural Park offer trails from easy walks to challenging ascents. Check local visitor centers for maps.
Surfing on Zurriola Beach in San Sebastián (beginners/intermediates), Mundaka (world-class wave). Kayaking/Paddleboarding in La Concha Bay, Bilbao Estuary.
Activities in remote areas carry inherent risks. Prepare adequately.
Engage directly with Basque culture through various experiences.
Look for performances of traditional Basque folk dance (e.g., aurresku) or music (e.g., txalaparta, trikitixa). Check local tourism calendars for featured events.
Explore opportunities to engage with local communities, especially in rural areas. This includes visiting small farms or producers.
Many cultural festivals occur throughout the year, including Semana Grande (Big Week) in Bilbao and San Sebastián in August, and San Sebastián Jazz Festival (Jazzaldia) in July.
Many luxury hotels offer spa facilities. Thalassotherapy centers use heated seawater. Yoga retreats are found in peaceful settings.
Live music venues, theaters, nightclubs, and bar districts offer lively evenings. Pintxos crawls are a popular nightlife activity.
Discover local crafts, produce, and souvenirs at traditional markets. Look for unique gifts featuring Basque culture.
Find moments of calm and rejuvenation in the Basque Country.
Numerous bars and venues in Bilbao and San Sebastián feature live music. Arriaga Theatre (Bilbao) and Victoria Eugenia Theatre (San Sebastián) host performances.
Nightclubs and dancing are in city centers of Bilbao and San Sebastián. Parte Vieja (San Sebastián) and Casco Viejo (Bilbao) are prime areas for pintxos crawls.
Beyond bars and clubs, some areas may have late-night cafes or dessert spots.
Mercado de la Ribera (Bilbao) is Europe's largest covered market, with a gastronomic area. Mercado de la Bretxa (San Sebastián) offers fresh local ingredients.
Look for traditional Basque crafts like ceramics, wood carvings, and textiles in local artisan shops.
Local food products (Idiazabal cheese, Txakoli wine, Basque cider, Gernika peppers), Basque textiles, traditional ceramics, and Lauburu (Basque cross) items.
Navigating shopping options and finding authentic goods.
Gran Vían in Bilbao and the city center of San Sebastián offer international brands and high-end boutiques.
Consult with shops regarding international shipping for larger purchases.
Be aware of your home country's customs regulations for food and alcohol imports.
A well-planned itinerary balances cultural visits, outdoor adventures, and relaxation. Utilize resources like GetYourGuide to book tours and activities in advance, especially during peak seasons.
