Basque Country
Welcome to the place where you will savour some of the finest food found anywhere in the world! Also known for its beautiful beaches in natural settings and avant-garde architecture, the Basque country is an ideal place for an all-round visit.
When you are here, don’t forget to try the famous ‘pintxos’: miniature morsels of ‘haute cuisine’ displayed in all their glory on the counters of numerous bars and also sample the fine dining in many of its flag ship restaurants. There are more than 20 restaurants in the Basque region alone that enjoy a Michelin star - with notable names like Akelarre and Arzak (San Sebastían, Guipuzkoa), Martín Berasatagui (Lasarte-Oria) and Azurmendi (Larrabetzu) featured among them.
It’s cities like Bilbao, San Sebastian and Vitoria-Gasteiz have wonderfully preserved historic centres that are worth exploring on foot and they offer something for everybody – from architecture and movie lovers to families and of course the gastronomic seeker!
don't MISS
Bilbao
The city of Bilbao is practically an outdoor architectural museum and brings together many buildings designed by prestigious architects such as the Guggenheim Museum, one of the most important contemporary art museums in Europe designed by Frank Gehry, the Euskalduna Conference and Music Centre, Norman Foster´s Underground and the towers designed by the renowned architects Isozaki and Pelli to name a few.
One cannot of course also forget that this city is at the forefront of international cuisine with its multiple Michelin star eateries and a visit to one of them is an experience in itself!
Visit the Old Town (Casco Viejo) made up of 7 picturesque streets, the most authentic place for a ‘Pintxos’ crawl, as well as Ribera Market, Europe´s largest indoor food market and enjoy a stroll along the lovely Ria promenade.
Bilbao is also surrounded by fertile landscape with forests, mountains, beaches and steep coasts – some of which were also featured on Game of Thrones. You can visit the Hanging Bridge of Vizcaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just a few kilometres outside of the city, in Getxo, or the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the impressive cliffs on the Flysch route that have been featured in multiple cinematic productions.
San Sebastian
Also known as Donostia, this elegant city that lies along a white sandy bay between 2 hills is the gem of the Basque country and was once the holiday destination of Spanish Royalty. Today, San Sebastian´s flourishing restaurant scene boasting of the world´s second highest concentration of Michelin-starred eat outs in the world coupled with its dynamic cultural scene and upscale beach lifestyle makes it one of the most sophisticated cities in Europe to visit.
Visit La Concha Beach, one of the most beautiful bays in Europe, walk along the New Promenade, explore the charming Parte Vieja (Old Town) filled with designer boutiques, pintxos bars and fine dining restaurants or take the funicular to Monte Igueldo for fantastic views of the city. In Monte Igueldo, you can also enjoy the experience of an old world amusement park built way back in 1912.
The Kursaal Palace, a futuristic pair of cubelike glass structure that’s hosts multiple events like the San Sebastián International Film Festival is another one of the iconic images of modern San Sebastian. It is located facing the sea, at the foot of Zurriola beach, a surfer´s paradise.
Hondarribia/ /Fuenterrabía
Located just 23km from San Sebastian, Hondarribia, located near the French border, is a charming coastal village known for its long seafaring tradition. Stroll through the walled old Town, visit Santa María Church, the Fishing Port and sailor neighborhood and the promenade at the beach.