Basque Country Spain Travel Guide
The diverse landscape of the Basque Country has opportunities for outdoor pursuits.
Regions of the Camino de Santiago Northern Way (e.g., San Sebastián to Orio) offer moderate coastal walks with stunning views. These routes 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 The coast in Donostia (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 the culture via different 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 A Festival of jazz music (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 favorite nightlife activity.
Discover local crafts, produce, and souvenirs at traditional markets. Look for a single-of-a-kind gifts featuring Basque culture.
Find moments of calm and rejuvenation in the Basque Country.
Numerous bars and venues in Bilbao and Donostia have live music. Arriaga Theatre (Bilbao) and Victoria Eugenia Theatre (Donostia) 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 nightspots, some areas may have late-night small eateries or dessert spots.
Mercado de la Ribera (Bilbao) is Europe's largest a market with a roof, 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.
Area 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 urban area center of San Sebastián offer international brands and high-end boutiques.
Consult with shops regarding international shipping for big buys.
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 sources such as GetYourGuide to book tours and activities in advance, notably during busy times.
