Not sure what to see in the Basque Country? Not to worry! After reading this article, you’ll be itching to get there. We’ll fill you in on all the must-see sights in the Basque Country, the areas you can’t miss, the best food in this autonomous region, and loads more. The hardest part will be choosing what to do and planning your trip. Keep reading to find out what to see in the Basque Country and why you can’t miss out on this incredible region.
Places to Visit in the Basque Country
The Basque Country, at the eastern end of the Cantabrian Sea (and therefore in a prime location), is divided into three provinces: Álava, Guipúzcoa and Vizcaya. Each province has its own unique charm and plenty of reasons to be worth a visit. However, seeing as time is often limited, we want to give you a selection of the most visited places and the best things to see in the Basque Country in 4 days:
Bilbao
This city is an unmissable stop in the Basque Country, for its architectural, artistic, cultural and gastronomic heritage. To begin with, here we find the Guggenheim Museum, one of the best in the world, both inside and out. Its market is full of fresh products and a lively atmosphere, day and night. To appreciate the city as a whole, the Artxanda Funicular is a highly recommended option.
San Sebastián
We can safely say that San Sebastian is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, with the world-famous bay of La Concha and Mount Igeldo. Add to that a spectacular ‘pintxo’ (tapas from the Basque Country) route and the incredible views from the Castillo de la Mota, and you’re guaranteed a truly unmissable visit on your next trip to the Basque Country.
Mundaca
This coastal town, famous for its surfing, has the typical charm of the coastal towns of the north, in an envy-inducing setting that allows you to enjoy the most authentic and true-to-life Basque Country.
Zumaia
Another coastal town worthy of including in any list of things to see in the Basque Country, is Zumaia. This town was the setting for some scenes from Game of Thrones, giving you a clue as to what you’ll be able to find here. Its bay and mountain views offer a landscape that radiates positive energy.
Urdaibai
This natural area is a Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important natural attractions in the Basque Country. It’s a wetland with great biological importance, especially for migratory birds, and offers impressive views of the estuary and the unspoiled surroundings.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
This place is on every list of places to visit in the Basque Country, and rightly so, as it is a unique and magical place. The hermitage of the same name sits high above, overlooking the sea and offering the chance to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Laguardia
Few medieval villages have as much charm per square metre as Laguardia, a small town in Álava. If you come to the Basque Country, we recommend at least a quick stop here.
Basque Cuisine: typical dishes not be missed
The Basque Country is one of the most important gastronomic regions in the country, and possibly one of the most influential in the world. As such, you can’t miss some of its typical dishes on your next visit. We’ve listed a few of them for you here:
Bacalao al pil pil
Chances are you’ve heard of this dish, and perhaps even had the pleasure of trying it. This is the birthplace of this world-renowned dish, and undoubtedly where you’ll find its most authentic rendition.
Gildas
This little pintxo is another must-try of Basque gastronomy: a cocktail stick with olives, anchovies and chilli. Simple and delicious, gildas are the perfect aperitif.
Kokotxas en salsa verde
Another essential dish in Basque gastronomy is kokotxas (tender meat surrounding the jawbone of cod or hake) in green sauce. It is said to be the best part of the fish, and therefore also one of the most expensive.
Marmitako
This traditional dish, of humble origins, is a traditional stew perfect for replenishing energy. In a large pot, potatoes and tuna are mixed with fried onions and peppers. Another simple dish, but delicious if made with fresh ingredients and correctly prepared.
Txangurro
Seafood couldn’t be left out. In this case, the cooked spider crab meat is returned to the shell, mixed with fried onion and leek, tomato sauce and cognac, and into the oven to gratin with butter. Absolutely divine.
Bacalao a la Vizcaína
Yes, another cod dish. And in the Basque Country, cod is certainly one of the stars of the show. In this case, the cod is confit in oil and garlic on one side, and on the other, the onion is sauteed and the spicy chorizo pepper is added. This second mixture is then pureed and the cod is added. The final result is fantastic.
As you can see, the Basque Country is not only known for its famous Pintxos. There’s an enormous variety of dishes you can eat in the Basque Country, so why not try as many as you can? You won’t regret it.
Outdoor activities in the Basque Country
The natural beauty of the Basque Country deserves to be enjoyed to the full, and to that end, there is nothing better than doing one (or several) outdoor activities. Here are our suggestions:
Tours from Bilbao, San Sebastián or Vitoria
If you’re staying in one of the main cities, you’ll be pleased to know that you can visit many of the smaller must-see towns in the Basque Country, any of which are perfect for a day trip.
Boat trip along the coast
The coast of the Basque Country is beautiful, and even more so when seen from a boat. You can charter one of these trips, which often includes food and drink on board, for a fun plan with family or friends.
Stroll among the vineyards and do some wine tasting
There are around 500 wineries in the Basque Country that belong to the Rioja Designation of Origin. This means you can visit one of the most famous wine regions in the world, discover the vineyards and sample the wines.
Basque Traditions and Festivities
The Basque Country has long-standing traditions so make the most of your trip to discover more. There are many things to do in the Basque Country in terms of traditions: Basque pelota is something that will appeal to sports lovers; carnivals, such as the Zalduondo carnival, and Basque dances, such as the aurresku or fandango, are attractive to folklore and party lovers; and the Guggenheim Museum is ideal for art and culture lovers.
Tips for Travelling to the Basque Country
We’ve shared recommendations on how to make the most of your visit, with places to see in the Basque Country and what to eat, and now we’ll offer some tips on how to make your trip as easy as possible. First of all, choose carefully where you’re going to stay, as the region is large and you may not have time to visit everything you want to. Remember that you can choose a place with both sea and mountains, so make the most of it.
As for the best time to visit the Basque Country, we’d have to say summer, as this is the season with the most stable temperatures and the least chance of rain. Finally, take the opportunity to try as much food as you can, since it’s sure to be delicious – that’s one of the best things to do in the Basque Country!
Come and Visit the Basque Country!
The Basque Country is an unmissable region of our country and boasts the perfect setting for quality tourism, with a variety of landscapes, options for beach lovers and mountain lovers alike, gastronomy on par with the best in the world, and charming villages. If you’re short on time, this article will give you ideas of things to see in the Basque Country in 4 days. Here you can also find some of the best accommodation options in the Basque Country that we offer at Fidalsa Holidays, making your trip a holiday in every sense of the word.
