Best Day Trips from Vitoria-Gasteiz
Vitoria-Gasteiz is a lovely base for exploring northern Spain. The city sits in the middle of the Basque Country, so great places lie in every direction. Within an hour or two, you can taste world-class wine, float in a salt valley or admire famous art. Better still, you can return to Vitoria-Gasteiz for dinner. Here are our favourite day trips. For longer plans, see our 7 day itinerary for the Basque Country.
Laguardia: Walled Wine Town
Laguardia is a hilltop town in Rioja Alavesa, about 45 minutes from Vitoria. Stone walls surround its old quarter, and wine cellars lie underneath the streets. It is easily the best choice for wine lovers. Public transport is limited, so a car works best. You can hire a car with Discovercars. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Start in the old town and stroll its narrow lanes. Visit the church of Santa MarÃa de los Reyes, which has a famous painted stone doorway. Its colours are surprisingly bright after centuries. Next, join a cellar tour. Several family bodegas open their underground cellars to visitors, and many offer tastings. Book ahead, as spaces are small.
Architecture fans should also look out for Bodegas Ysios, a striking winery with a wavy roof designed by Santiago Calatrava. It sits just outside town, so it makes an easy detour. Read more about the region in our guide to Spain’s wine regions.
Haro: The Capital of Rioja Wine
Haro lies a short drive from Laguardia, across the Ebro river in La Rioja. The journey from Vitoria takes about 45 minutes by car. Our guide to Haro explains why it earns its fame. Some of Spain’s best-known wineries sit here, many in the Barrio de la Estación near the old train station. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
For a classic tour, visit Bodegas López de Heredia. This historic winery dates from 1877, and its old cellars are full of atmosphere. Guided visits need booking, so reserve your tour in advance. Afterwards, wander to the Plaza de la Paz. Local bars serve small plates that pair beautifully with a glass of Rioja.
Salinas de Añana: A Valley Made of Salt
Salinas de Añana is one of the most unusual places in the Basque Country. The valley lies about 35 minutes from Vitoria, and people have harvested salt here for thousands of years. Hundreds of small wooden terraces step down the hillside. As a result, it looks like nowhere else in Spain. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Visit the Valle Salado de Añana on a guided tour. Your guide will explain how the salt pans work and why the water is so salty. The tours often sell out, so buy tickets in advance. You can also relax in the spa, where you soak in warm brine. That makes it a great reward after a walk.
Public transport is limited, so a car is easiest. Then you can stop at nearby villages on the way back. The scenery is gentle and green, so the drive is a pleasure in itself.
Bilbao: Art, Architecture and Pintxos
Bilbao is a big-city escape, just over an hour from Vitoria by bus or car. It suits anyone who wants culture, shopping and food. Our guide to day trips from Bilbao shows how much the region offers. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Begin at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Frank Gehry’s shiny titanium building is a sight in itself. Inside, you’ll find modern art, plus the giant puppy covered in flowers outside. Queues can be long, so buy your tickets in advance.
Next, cross the river to the Casco Viejo, the old town. Its seven original streets, known as the Siete Calles, are full of bars and shops. Try a pintxo in one of the tiny taverns. Then browse the Mercado de la Ribera, one of the largest covered markets in Europe. For more ideas on eating, see our guide on where to eat in Bilbao. You could also plan a longer stay with our 3 day itinerary for Bilbao.
San Sebastián: Beaches and Pintxos by the Sea
San Sebastián (Donostia) sits on the Bay of Biscay, about 1 hour 15 minutes from Vitoria by road. The coast and the food draw visitors from everywhere. It is a longer day trip, but a rewarding one. You can also take the train, which takes around two hours. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Start with a walk along La Concha, the city’s famous crescent-shaped beach. It is lovely even on a cloudy day. Then head into the Parte Vieja, the old quarter, for a pintxos crawl. Each bar has its own speciality, so share a few small plates. For help choosing, read our guide on where to eat in San Sebastián.
In addition, climb Monte Urgull for sweeping views over the bay. Alternatively, ride the old funicular up Monte Igueldo. See our full San Sebastián travel guide for more ideas. If you can stay longer, try our 3 day itinerary for San Sebastián.
Tips for Planning Your Day Trips
Public transport reaches the big cities easily, but small villages are harder to visit without a car. For this reason, hiring a car gives you the most freedom. Hire a car with Discovercars. Roads in the Basque Country are good, and parking in small towns is usually simple.
Start early to make the most of each day. Book winery tours and museum tickets in advance, especially in summer and during harvest season. Pack a light jacket too, as the weather can change quickly. Finally, enjoy a slow dinner back in Vitoria. After a busy day, a few pintxos taste even better.