The Basque Country is a small region with a huge personality. Its three provinces – Gipuzkoa, Bizkaia and Álava – combine a rugged coast on the Bay of Biscay, green mountains, vineyards and lively cities. Basque, or Euskara, an ancient language unrelated to any other in Europe, is spoken alongside Spanish.
Why visit the Basque Country
For food above all: tiny pintxos in the bars, cider houses, grilled fish and more Michelin-starred restaurants per head than almost anywhere. Add the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the elegant beaches of San Sebastián and dramatic coastal landscapes.
Top places in the Basque Country
San Sebastián (Donostia)
A belle-époque resort on the La Concha bay, with an old town full of pintxo bars and views from Monte Igueldo.
Bilbao
Once industrial, now famous for Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum, the riverside walks and the medieval Casco Viejo with its seven streets.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
A hermitage on a rocky islet reached by a stone bridge and more than 200 steps. Access is free but in busy periods you need to book online.
Zumaia, Getaria and the coast
The flysch cliffs of Zumaia, with layers of rock millions of years old, the fishing town of Getaria and the walled town of Hondarribia.
Vitoria-Gasteiz
The Basque capital, with a medieval quarter, a Gothic cathedral open for guided visits and a ring of green parks.
Rioja Alavesa
Vineyards at the foot of the mountains, the hilltop town of Laguardia and wineries by star architects.
Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn brings the warmest weather. July and August are busy. The climate is mild but rainy all year, so bring a light jacket.
Getting to and around the Basque Country
Bilbao airport has the most flights; San Sebastián and Vitoria have smaller airports, and Biarritz in France is close to San Sebastián. Euskotren trains and frequent buses link the cities and the coast, and Bilbao to San Sebastián takes about an hour by bus.
What to eat in the Basque Country
Pintxos, bacalao al pil-pil (salt cod), grilled turbot and txuleta (beef chop), Idiazabal cheese, gâteau basque and drinks such as txakoli white wine and natural cider, poured from a height.
Basque Country FAQ
What are pintxos?
Small bites served on bread or skewers in bars. You order a few at the counter with a drink, then move on to the next bar.
Do I need to speak Basque?
No. Everyone speaks Spanish, and many signs are in both languages.
