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Basque Country
Where ancient Pyrenean traditions meet bold modern gastronomy and dramatic coastal landscapes.
- 3 destinations
- 25 attractions
About Basque Country
Nestled at the crossroads of Spain and France, the Basque Country is a distinct cultural enclave defined by its unique language, Euskara, and a deep-rooted sense of identity. Known for its rugged beauty, world-class cuisine, and vibrant modern art scene, it offers travelers an immersive experience that is both traditional and fiercely contemporary.
The Basque Country (Euskadi) is a land of striking contrasts, where lush green pastures meet the rugged Atlantic coastline and the imposing peaks of the Pyrenees. This autonomous community, split between Spain and France, is renowned for its unique culture, language, and world-renowned culinary scene. The region is home to vibrant cities like Bilbao, renowned for the iconic Guggenheim Museum, and San Sebastian, celebrated for its stunning beach, the Zurriola, and its dense concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. Inland, the medieval charm of towns like Vitoria-Gasteiz and the historic stone villages of the Bidasoa Valley offer a glimpse into a timeless way of life. Nature lovers can explore the dramatic coastal cliffs of the Uribe Coast or hike through the lush, green valleys of the interior. The region is best visited in late spring or early autumn, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. Travelers can easily reach the region via Bilbao Airport or the high-speed AVE train, and once there, a mix of rental cars, trains, and buses provides excellent access to all major attractions.Where to go in Basque Country
What to see
San Sebastian · Beaches
La Concha Beach
Shell-shaped bay in San Sebastian, Spain
Vitoria · Architectural Heritage
Plaza de la Virgen Blanca
Plaza de la Virgen Blanca is the central square of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque Country. It lies at the fo...
Bilbao · Historic Churches
San Nicolás Church
San Nicolás Church, known in Basque as San Nikolas eliza, stands at the northern edge of the Casco Viejo in Bilbao, on a...
Bilbao · Abstract Art
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao sits on the south bank of the Nervión river, where an industrial waterfront once stood. Fra...
San Sebastian · Historic Districts
Parte Vieja (Old Town) Pintxo Bars
Traditional pintxo bars in San Sebastian's historic center
Bilbao · Architectural Heritage
San Mamés Stadium
San Mamés, known as La Catedral, the Cathedral, is the home of Athletic Club, and it is one of the best-known football g...
Vitoria · Historic Heritage
Santa Maria Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santa María in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Santa Maria Cathedral, is known as the Old Cathedral, to distinguis...
Bilbao · Museums & Culture
Zubizuri Bridge
The Zubizuri is a footbridge across the Nervión River in Bilbao, Spain, designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calat...
San Sebastian · Coastal Views
Urgull Mountain
Sixteenth-century fortress with panoramic bay views
Itineraries for Basque Country
Day-by-day routes you can follow as written or borrow from.
Stories and tips
· 14 min read
The Bright Side of Bilbao
The world's first transporter bridge, a football club of its own, nearly 4,000 children sent to safety, a city that dug itself out of a flood and a museum that changed urban planning: what Bilbao is proud of, and where to find it
· 4 min read
Bilbao in a Day: The Guggenheim Museum and the Casco Viejo
How to combine the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao with a walk along the river and an afternoon in the Casco Viejo, the city's old town.
· 4 min read
Tapas, Paella, and Pintxos
How tapas, pintxos and paella differ across Spain's regions, and where and when to eat each one.