THE BASQUE COUNTRY
The Basque Country is a land of unique identity, with its own language, ancient traditions, and a dramatic landscape of green mountains and a rugged coastline.
This region is a cultural powerhouse, celebrated for its world-class gastronomy and modern architectural marvels set against a backdrop of historic fishing villages and vibrant cities.
Most Popular Attractions
Bilbao City Core & Modern Sites:
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Frank Gehry’s iconic masterpiece of contemporary architecture and a hub for modern and contemporary art.
Casco Viejo (Old Town): A charming labyrinth of seven streets filled with pintxos bars, boutiques, and historic squares.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: Home to an impressive collection of Basque, Spanish, and European art spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Azkuna Zentroa: A multi-purpose cultural center housed in a former wine warehouse, featuring a library, exhibitions, and a rooftop swimming pool.
Zubizuri Bridge: Santiago Calatrava’s elegant pedestrian bridge, connecting the city center with the Abandoibarra district.
Funicular de Artxanda: A vintage funicular offering a quick ride to a panoramic viewpoint with stunning views of the city.
San Sebastián City Core & Coastal Attractions:
La Concha Beach: Considered one of Europe’s most beautiful city beaches, with its iconic shell shape and gentle waves.
Parte Vieja (Old Town): The heart of San Sebastián’s gastronomic scene, with countless bars serving up the city’s famous pintxos.
Monte Igueldo: A historic amusement park and viewpoint reached by a funicular, offering unparalleled views of the bay.
Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind): A series of three monumental sculptures by Basque artist Eduardo Chillida, set dramatically at the end of Ondarreta beach.
Cathedral of the Good Shepherd: A grand Neo-Gothic cathedral that stands as the largest church in the city.
San Telmo Museum: Housed in a former Dominican convent, this museum focuses on the history, culture, and art of the Basque people.
Vitoria-Gasteiz & Álava Province:
Casco Medieval (Medieval Old Town): The well-preserved historic core of Vitoria-Gasteiz, nicknamed the “almond” for its unique shape.
Cathedral of Santa María: An impressive 13th-century Gothic cathedral that inspired Ken Follett’s novel, World Without End.
Plaza de la Virgen Blanca: The city’s main square, featuring the famous monument commemorating the Battle of Vitoria.
Parque de la Florida: A beautiful English-style park and a green oasis in the city center.
Salinas de Añana: An ancient, 6,500-year-old salt valley where salt is still produced using traditional methods.
Coastal Towns & Natural Wonders:
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: A spectacular hermitage perched on a rocky islet connected to the mainland by a winding, narrow stone bridge.
Zumaia & The Flysch: A stunning stretch of coastline with unique geological formations and cliffs that reveal millions of years of Earth’s history.
Hondarribia: A picturesque fortified town with a charming historic center and a lively fishing port.
Getaria: A quaint fishing village famous for being the birthplace of fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga and for its excellent grilled fish.
Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve: A vast estuary and protected nature reserve, home to diverse ecosystems and migratory birds.
Itzurun Beach: The dramatic, cliff-backed beach in Zumaia that was a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Activities & Experiences
Pintxos Crawl in Bilbao or San Sebastián: Go on a “txikiteo” (pintxos crawl) in the Old Town of Bilbao or San Sebastián, hopping between bars and sampling a wide variety of these miniature culinary masterpieces, from traditional to avant-garde.
Surf in Mundaka or Zarautz: Catch a wave at the world-famous left-hand break in Mundaka, or take a surf lesson on the long, sandy beach of Zarautz, a popular spot for all levels.
Explore the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Spend a day at Frank Gehry’s iconic masterpiece, home to one of the world’s most significant collections of contemporary art. Don’t miss the outdoor sculptures, including Jeff Koons’ “Puppy.”
Hike the Flysch Route in Zumaia: Trek along the stunning coastline between Zumaia and Deba to witness the unique geological formations known as “Flysch,” a series of dramatic rock layers that tell millions of years of Earth’s history.
Visit a Cider House (Sagardotegi): In the rural areas around San Sebastián, visit a traditional cider house during the season (January to April) to experience the “txotx” ritual, where you drink natural cider directly from huge barrels (kupelas) and enjoy a hearty meal of cod omelet, fried cod, and a charcoal-grilled steak.
Wander through the “Casco Viejo” (Old Town) of Vitoria-Gasteiz: Explore the medieval quarter of the Basque capital, known for its well-preserved architecture, narrow streets, and unique “almendra” (almond-shaped) layout.
Take a Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic Basque dishes like marmitako (tuna stew), bacalao al pil-pil (cod with a garlic and olive oil emulsion), or the famous tarta de queso (cheesecake) from a local chef.
Hike to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: Walk the winding stone steps to the hermitage on this tiny island, made famous as a filming location for Game of Thrones. The views of the Bay of Biscay are breathtaking.
Take the Funicular to Monte Igueldo in San Sebastián: Ride the historic funicular up to Monte Igueldo for the best panoramic views of La Concha Bay and the city of San Sebastián, then enjoy the charming vintage amusement park at the top.
Explore the Txakoli Vineyards: Take a tour of a txakoli winery, the Basque Country’s unique sparkling white wine. Learn about its production and enjoy a tasting with views of the Cantabrian Sea.
Local Tips & Transport
Train & Bus Network: The Basque Country has an excellent public transport network. The Euskotren connects coastal cities like San Sebastián, Zarautz, and Bilbao, offering scenic views. The Lurraldebus and Bizkaibus networks provide extensive coverage to smaller towns and rural areas. For inter-city travel, the ALSA bus network is a reliable option.
City Transport: Both Bilbao and San Sebastián are very walkable. Bilbao has an efficient metro system (Metro Bilbao) with stunning station designs by Sir Norman Foster. In San Sebastián, walking or using the public bike-sharing service (Donostiako Bizikleta) is the best way to get around.
Rental Car for Rural Exploration: While cities are well-connected by public transport, a rental car is the best way to explore the rugged coastline, the inland valleys, and the smaller villages that are harder to reach by bus or train. The scenic coastal roads are a pleasure to drive.
From the Airports: Bilbao Airport (BIO) and San Sebastián Airport (EAS) are well-connected to their respective city centers by dedicated bus lines (Bizkaibus A3247 to Bilbao, Lurraldebus E21 to San Sebastián), which are an affordable and quick alternative to taxis.
Language: The Basque language, Euskara, is a co-official language with Spanish and is spoken throughout the region. While Spanish is universally spoken, learning a few phrases like Kaixo (hello) and Eskerrik asko (thank you) will be greatly appreciated. Place names are often in Euskara (e.g., Donostia for San Sebastián, Gasteiz for Vitoria).
Pintxos Culture: Pintxos (pronounced “pin-chos”) are not just small plates; they are an art form. The etiquette is to eat them standing at the bar, often with a glass of txakoli or red wine (rioja). Don’t be afraid to hop between bars to try their specialties. In many places, you simply tell the bartender what you had at the end.
Dining Times: Lunch is typically around 2-3 PM and dinner starts late, often after 9 PM. Many restaurants offer a menú del día (fixed-price menu) for a great value lunch.
The Weather: The Basque Country is known for its lush green landscapes, which are a result of frequent rain. Don’t be surprised by a sudden downpour, even in summer. Always carry a small umbrella or a waterproof jacket. The weather can be changeable, so dress in layers.
Hidden Gems:
- The Basque Coast Geopark: Beyond the famous Flysch in Zumaia, this geopark stretches along the coast, offering stunning cliffs, secluded coves, and well-marked hiking trails.
- Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve: Located near Mundaka, this UNESCO-recognized reserve is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, with salt marshes, dunes, and unique ecosystems.
- Ondarreta Beach in San Sebastián: While La Concha is famous, Ondarreta is the more relaxed and local beach at the western end of the bay, a perfect spot to escape the crowds.
- The Old Port of Algorta: A charming and picturesque old fishing port in the Getxo area of Bilbao, a world away from the city’s modern architecture. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk and a seaside pintxo.
Top Restaurants
Bar Gorriti [$20-$30] – A classic, no-frills bar in the heart of Pamplona’s old town, known for its delicious tortilla de patatas and traditional pintxos.
Bar Goiz Argi [$15-$25] – Located in the old town of San Sebastián, this tiny bar is famous for its grilled prawns, a simple but essential pintxo experience.
Bar Azkena [$15-$25] – A traditional bar in Bilbao’s old town known for its wide variety of pintxos, especially the “Gilda” (a classic skewer of olive, anchovy, and guindilla pepper).
La Cuchara de San Telmo [$25-$40] – A bustling and highly-regarded spot in San Sebastián’s old town that serves delicious hot pintxos and classic Basque dishes.
Txepetxa [$20-$35] – A famous bar in the old town of San Sebastián, specializing in anchovy pintxos, prepared in dozens of different ways.
Bar Nestor [$25-$40] – This small bar in San Sebastián is famous for its simple but perfect food: tortilla de patatas (sold out quickly!), tomato salad, and a single steak served for dinner.
La Viña [$20-$30] – A historic bar in San Sebastián’s old town, renowned for its classic pintxos and, most famously, its legendary Basque cheesecake.
Ganbara [$25-$45] – A traditional bar and restaurant in San Sebastián, famous for its excellent wild mushroom dishes and a wide selection of top-quality pintxos.
Café Iruña [$20-$30] – A beautiful, historic cafe in Pamplona with stunning Moorish-inspired decor, known for its traditional food and lively atmosphere.
Bar Zuloaga [$20-$30] – A classic bar in the old town of San Sebastián, popular with locals for its traditional pintxos and friendly service.
Txirrita Sagardotegia [$25-$40] – A traditional cider house in the heart of San Sebastián that offers the classic cider house menu of salt cod, steak, and cheese with walnuts and quince paste.
Restaurante Asador Etxebarri [$25-$40] – A traditional steakhouse located in the countryside near Bilbao, famous for its high-quality grilled meats and a focus on local ingredients.
Casa Urola [$30-$50] – A well-regarded spot in San Sebastián’s old town that has a modern feel but serves high-quality, traditional pintxos and a great sit-down restaurant experience.
La Espiga [$25-$40] – A classic spot in San Sebastián known for its creative and traditional pintxos, especially the tortilla and the stuffed pepper.
Bar Bergara [$25-$40] – A famous pintxo bar in San Sebastián that offers a huge selection of creative and classic pintxos, from traditional to modern.
Borda Berri [$25-$40] – A modern pintxo bar in San Sebastián known for its hot, inventive pintxos like carrilleras (pork cheeks) and risotto.
Bar Sport [$20-$35] – A popular bar in San Sebastián’s old town, famous for its foie gras pintxo and a wide array of other traditional pintxos.
Sagarzardi Sagardotegia [$25-$40] – A traditional cider house located in Astigarraga (a short drive from San Sebastián), offering the classic cider house menu and an authentic experience.
Baserri Maitea [$50-$80] – Located in a beautiful Basque farmhouse near Bilbao, this restaurant offers a fine dining experience focused on traditional Basque cuisine.
A Fuego Negro [$30-$50] – An innovative and funky pintxo bar in San Sebastián’s old town, known for its creative fusion of traditional and modern cuisine.
Atari Gastroleku [$30-$50] – A vibrant and popular spot with a great location near the Santa María church in San Sebastián, known for its modern pintxos and great atmosphere.
Sirimiri [$25-$40] – A creative pintxo bar in San Sebastián, offering a modern twist on classic Basque dishes in a relaxed, casual setting.
Zeruko [$30-$50] – A famous and innovative pintxo bar in San Sebastián known for its artistic and experimental creations.
El Vaso de Oro [$20-$35] – A classic pintxo bar in San Sebastián that, while traditional, has a modern flair with its inventive preparations.
Kaixo [$25-$40] – A small and creative tapas bar in Bilbao’s old town that focuses on high-quality ingredients and modern presentation.
Gure Toki [$25-$40] – A modern and lively pintxo bar in Bilbao’s Plaza Nueva, known for its creative and beautifully presented pintxos.
Mina [$80-$120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Bilbao with a focus on creative, contemporary cuisine and a beautiful location overlooking the river.
Bascook [$50-$80] – A modern and creative restaurant in Bilbao, known for its avant-garde take on Basque cuisine in a unique, urban setting.
Restaurante Zortziko [$70-$120] – An elegant and refined restaurant in Bilbao that blends traditional Basque flavors with a creative, modern touch.
Arzak [$200-$300] – A legendary three-Michelin-starred restaurant in San Sebastián, led by chef Juan Mari Arzak, a pioneer of New Basque Cuisine.
Mugaritz [$200-$300] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant near San Sebastián that is famous for its innovative, avant-garde, and sometimes challenging culinary creations.
Akelarre [$200-$300] – A three-Michelin-starred restaurant in San Sebastián with stunning views of the Bay of Biscay, offering a sublime dining experience.
Martín Berasategui [$200-$300] – A three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Lasarte-Oria (just outside San Sebastián), led by one of Spain’s most celebrated chefs.
Azurmendi [$200-$300] – A three-Michelin-starred restaurant near Bilbao, celebrated for its sustainable, eco-conscious approach and an exceptional tasting menu.
Eneko Atxa Azurmendi [$100-$150] – A more casual, but still high-end, restaurant by chef Eneko Atxa in Bilbao, offering a fantastic and more accessible taste of his cuisine.
Andra Mari [$80-$120] – A traditional Basque restaurant in a beautiful setting near Bilbao, known for its classic cuisine and focus on local, seasonal products.
Mugarra [$70-$120] – A fine dining restaurant in Bilbao that offers a modern, elegant take on traditional Basque cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao [$100-$150] – Located inside the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, this one-Michelin-starred restaurant by Josean Alija offers a modern and creative menu.
Mercado de la Ribera [$15-$30] – Located in Bilbao, this is not a single restaurant but a large market with numerous food stalls and bars, perfect for a casual pintxo crawl.
Bar Charly [$20-$35] – A historic bar in San Sebastián with a classic feel, known for its good food and lively, traditional atmosphere.
La Venta de Hoz [$25-$40] – A classic restaurant in the countryside near San Sebastián, famous for its traditional food, especially its grilled meats.
Restaurante Xarma Cook & Culture [$50-$80] – A creative and unique restaurant in San Sebastián that blends traditional Basque cuisine with international influences.
Restaurante Aratz [$40-$60] – Located in San Sebastián, this grill restaurant is a favorite with locals for its excellent quality meats and a great selection of traditional dishes.
Txindoki [$25-$40] – A popular bar in San Sebastián, known for its classic pintxos and a great place to experience the traditional pintxo-hopping culture.
Zelai Zabal [$25-$40] – A family-run restaurant in the countryside near San Sebastián, known for its traditional Basque food and welcoming atmosphere.
Taberna Danontzat [$25-$40] – A small but excellent restaurant in Bilbao that focuses on high-quality, traditional food with a modern twist.
Sutan [$30-$50] – A modern restaurant in Bilbao that specializes in grilled dishes, from meat to fish, in a unique and stylish setting.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Residence Café (Bilbao): Situated in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo (Old Town), this bar is a legendary spot for whiskey lovers and those seeking a cozy, English pub-like ambiance with a vast selection of classic and specialty cocktails.
Sirimiri (Bilbao): Tucked away in the vibrant Siete Calles (Seven Streets) of Bilbao’s Old Town, this bar is known for its inventive cocktail menu and its creative pintxos, offering a fusion of flavors in a modern setting.
Coppola Cocktail Bar (Bilbao): This sophisticated bar, located in the Indautxu neighborhood, offers a chic atmosphere and a menu of meticulously crafted cocktails, perfect for a refined evening.
Dock (Bilbao): A modern cocktail bar in the heart of Bilbao’s Abando district, known for its creative drinks, vibrant music, and a stylish, contemporary design.
La Mula de Moscú (San Sebastián): Located in San Sebastián’s Gros neighborhood, this is a must-visit for its unique and masterfully prepared cocktails, served in a cozy and intimate setting.
Dioni (San Sebastián): This classic establishment in the Parte Vieja (Old Town) of San Sebastián is a local favorite, known for its traditional vermouth and an unpretentious, lively atmosphere.
Arce (San Sebastián): A cocktail bar with a classic feel, located in the city center of San Sebastián, offering a great selection of high-quality drinks in an elegant and timeless space.
Guinness Irish Pub (San Sebastián): While a pub, it’s famous for its wide variety of beverages beyond just Guinness, and is a popular spot for a lively night out in the Parte Vieja, especially for its central location and energetic crowd.
Essence Cocktail Bar (San Sebastián): Situated in the city center, this bar stands out for its sophisticated and innovative drinks, prepared with a focus on fresh ingredients and artistic presentation.
Txiki (Vitoria-Gasteiz): A popular and lively bar in the heart of Vitoria’s historic quarter, known for its excellent gin and tonics and a friendly, bustling atmosphere.
Pura Brasa Bar (Vitoria-Gasteiz): A unique spot in the city center offering a combination of fine cocktails and a wide selection of grilled specialties, making it a great place to start an evening.
Zuloa Irudia (Vitoria-Gasteiz): This quirky, comic-book themed bar in Vitoria’s old town is a great choice for those seeking a fun, relaxed, and alternative atmosphere with a good selection of drinks.
Gargantua (Vitoria-Gasteiz): A classic and cozy bar in the city center, known for its relaxed ambiance and a great selection of drinks, making it a perfect spot for conversation and a quiet night out.
Haiku Café & Bar (Vitoria-Gasteiz): A stylish bar located near the city center, offering a relaxed and sophisticated environment with a focus on high-quality cocktails and creative drinks.
Sala Moma (Bilbao): A modern and popular nightclub in the Abando district of Bilbao, known for its trendy decor, state-of-the-art sound system, and a mix of commercial, electronic, and reggaeton music.
Fever (Bilbao): One of Bilbao’s largest and most famous clubs, located in the Deusto neighborhood. It features multiple rooms with different music genres, from techno and house to pop and commercial hits.
Kafe Antzokia (Bilbao): A unique and multi-purpose venue in the Indautxu area. During the day it’s a cultural center and restaurant, and at night it transforms into a vibrant club and concert hall, often featuring live bands and diverse music genres.
Santana 27 (Bilbao): A large concert hall and nightclub located near the city center, known for hosting international bands and DJs, and for its energetic atmosphere on weekends.
Discoteca Living (Bilbao): A centrally located nightclub in Bilbao’s Old Town with a lively, young crowd and a mix of mainstream and Latin music, popular for its vibrant atmosphere.
Bataplan Disco (San Sebastián): An iconic and stylish nightclub located directly on La Concha beach in San Sebastián. It offers stunning views, a sophisticated crowd, and a mix of house, electronic, and commercial music.
Sala Dabadaba (San Sebastián): A smaller, independent venue in the Gros neighborhood of San Sebastián that functions as a concert hall, club, and cultural space. It’s known for its alternative music scene, featuring indie, rock, and electronic artists.
Le Bukowski (San Sebastián): A legendary club and live music venue in San Sebastián’s Egia neighborhood. It’s a key spot in the city’s nightlife, known for its diverse music lineup, from indie rock to DJ sets.
Friends Gasteiz (Vitoria-Gasteiz): A popular nightclub in the city center, known for its energetic atmosphere and a mix of commercial and reggaeton music.
Kubik (Vitoria-Gasteiz): A well-known nightclub in Vitoria, located slightly outside the city center, offering a large dance floor and a regular rotation of commercial and electronic music DJs.
Círculo Vitoriano (Vitoria-Gasteiz): A more traditional and exclusive club in the city center, known for its ballroom-like setting and a more classic, upscale atmosphere, sometimes hosting special themed nights.