The Basque Country boasts some of the best food in the world, wild beaches and great examples of avant-garde architecture. Due to its strong cultural traditions and a very characteristic language, the Basque Country stands out for its historical and natural wealth. Discover all the things to do in the Basque Country, so you can be seduced by its authenticity and character.
Fishing villages, elegant cities and a amazing gastronomy. Get to know the wild nature of the Basque Country and its unique personality.
Cities to see in the Basque Country
San Sebastian, the city to see in the Basque Country
As the capital of Guipúzcoa, San Sebastián is a cosmopolitan city in the Basque Country that stands out for its urban beaches and Parisian-style buildings. San Sebastian is full of original places and elegance in every street, and is therefore considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.
Visiting La Concha is one of the top things to do in San Sebastian. This beach has been voted as the number one beach in Europe and Spain. Don’t miss the famous railing on its promenade.
Another place you can’t miss in San Sebastian is without a doubt the Parte Vieja. It is the second oldest neighbourhood in the city and is also the heart of San Sebastian. In its cobbled streets you will discover the best bars to enjoy the best pintxos in the city.
Bilbao
Bilbao is the capital of Biscay and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Basque Country. Beyond the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao will captivate you by combining Basque tradition with new trends, culture and art.
Firstly, the Casco Viejo, or the Seven Streets, is one of the best-known corners of Bilbao, and it’s easy to understand why. Nowadays, this enclave of Bizkaia is one of the busiest areas of the must-see city in the Basque Country. The Casco Viejo is the urban nucleus of the original town of Bilbao so it perfectly conveys the way of life of its people.
Another must-see in Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum, which has completely transformed the city since its opening. It is one of the most iconic symbols of the city.
Vitoria
Capital of the province of Alava, Vitoria-Gasteiz is known for being one of the greenest cities in Europe. Its cultural and historical richness is immense, and although it is not as popular as Bilbao and San Sebastian, this city is one of the most interesting and surprising places to see in the Basque Country.
The old quarter is the heart of the city and one of the most iconic places in Vitoria. Another highlight is the so-called Green Ring, an area of the city made up of six large parks that you can explore on foot or by bicycle. The Anillo Verde gave the city the international Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification as a sustainable tourist destination.
If you want to know more about this Basque city, read our post: Things to do in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter, completely free to use, easy and practical. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most by adding them to your route map.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Places you can’t miss in the Basque Country
Sopelana Beaches
A trip along the coast stopping at some of the most stunning beaches is one of the best things to do in the Basque Country. Surrounded by steep cliffs and imposing landscapes, we recommend the lush beaches of Barinatxe, Atxabiribil, Arrietara, Meñakoz and Azkorri. These beaches are ideal for surfing, paragliding or simply enjoying a swim in the Bay of Biscay.
The most famous is Barinatxe, known as “La Salvaje” and, like other beaches in the area, it is suitable for nudists as well as having all the services necessary to enjoy its waters and sandy beaches in peace and quiet.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
On a small rocky peninsula that gradually slopes into the sea, located between the towns of Bermeo and Bakio, the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe dominates the landscape.
There is a beautiful path on a slope from Eneperi, which after crossing a picturesque bridge with 3 arches, leads to the 241 steps going up to the hermitage.
The first section of the route has a viewpoint with a beautiful panoramic view before reaching the rock. We can also access the crag via the Emu path, which is somewhat longer. Legend has it that if you ring the bell of the hermitage three times you will get good luck and also ward off evil spirits.
Lequeitio
Just outside of a protected area but still of incomparable beauty, there is the beautiful coastal town of Lekeitio. Lekeitio is a marvel thanks to its old town, its beaches, the transparency of the water, the cliffs, as well as the beautiful natural environment that surrounds it.
On a leisurely visit around Lekeitio you can’t miss the beaches of Karraspio and Isuntza, the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, the fishing port and beautiful viewpoints such as the Calvario viewpoint. If you end the day with a sunset at the Santa Catalina lighthouse, you’ll come back completely in love with this little coastal town.
Zumaia
This is a town that is full of surprises. It is located on one of the most beautiful stretches of the coast of Gipuzkoa, surrounded by green mountains that descend to the sea in the form of steep cliffs. As well as the views, this coastal town has many things to see, from its historic quarter to its picturesque beaches.
A must-see in this town are its spectacular cliffs. From Itzurun beach to Deba, you can take a beautiful route to admire the views and also discover the peculiar geological phenomenon, Flysch, which are found on this beach and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Zarautz
Zarautz is one of the most famous and beautiful places in the Basque Country, standing out for its atmosphere and charm. Known for being the quintessential surfing town, beyond water sports Zarautz also has a unique character. This town boasts a kilometre-long beach of fine golden sand, an old town full of monuments, such as the Narros Palace or the Church of Santa María la Real, and an amazing natural environment.
Getaria
Guetaria is located in Guipúzcoa, 25.2 km from San Sebastián. This fishing village is considered one of the most beautiful on the Basque coast, but it is also one of the most famous, as it is the birthplace of great historical figures such as the sailor Juan Sebastián Elcano and the famous designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. Stroll through its narrow streets and stone houses that give it a unique charm. An essential stop on the Basque coast.
Hondarribia
Hondarribia is definitely one of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country and is yet another place you cannot miss. It is a fishing village full of colour, with the smell of the sea and amazing architecture and gastronomy. It is therefore a real pleasure for the senses and an unquestionable must-see in the Basque Country.
Things to do in the Basque Country in 4 days?
If you really want to get to know the essence of the Basque Country, you have to go into its villages, wander through its streets and explore its natural spaces. So here is our recommended tour of the Basque Country to get ideas for your trip to this incredible region.
- 1st Day: Bilbao and Sopelana beaches.
- 2nd Day: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Lequeitio
- 3rd Day: Zumaia, Zarautz and Getaria.
- 4th Day: San Sebastián.
Things to do in the Basque Country in 5 days?
5 days is ideal to visit the Basque Country, because you will be able to enjoy all its corners and get to know each of its towns and villages in depth. Here is a possible 5-day itinerary through the Basque Country.
- 1st Day: Bilbao and Sopelana beaches.
- 2nd Day: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Lequeitio
- 3rd Day: Zumaia and Zarautz.
- 4th Day: Getaria and Hondarribia
- 5th Day: San Sebastián.
How to organise what to see in the Basque Country?
If you are a traveller who likes to plan your trip and don’t want to miss anything important, then Passporter has several options for you. You can use this post as a reference and combine it with the app’s suggestions. Download the app and discover all its useful features!
On the app you can find inspiration on what places to see and things to do in the Basque Country, so you can create your perfect travel itinerary. If you have any doubts about how to use the app, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to the Basque Country
Basque gastronomy is internationally renowned, and one of the best aspects of Spanish culture. Here is a list of some of the most typical dishes of Euskadi that you must try on your visit to the Basque Country.
– Gilda
– Marmitako
– Bacalao a la vizcaína
– Chuletillas al sarmiento
– Txangurro
– Txipirones en su tinta
– Pastel Vasco
Here is a list of some of the best restaurants in the Basque Country that we recommend you try at least once in your life. Taste the north and learn more about the Basque culture through its food.
– Arzak
– Akelarre
– Martin Berasategui
– Azurmendi
The accommodation on offer in the Basque Country is very wide and varied. You will easily find the perfect accommodation for your stay in this beautiful region. Here are some recommendations of the most charming accommodations in each province.
Vizcaya:
– Hotel Bilbao Plaza
– Puente Colgante Boutique Hotel
– Hemingway casa rural Kanala
Guipúzcoa:
– Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra in San Sebastian
– Villa Magalean Hotel & Spa in Hondarribia
– Hotel Urdanibia Park in Irun
Alava:
– Hotel Balneario Orduña Plaza
– Parador de Argómaniz
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