Things to Do in the Basque Country

The Basque Country packs a lot into a small corner of northern Spain. You can nibble pintxos in the morning, hike to a hermitage by lunch, and watch surfers at sunset. Better still, the region feels proudly different from the rest of Spain, with its own language, food and traditions. To help you plan, here are fourteen highlights that deserve a place on your list. If you want to link them together, our 7 day itinerary for the Basque Country shows you how.

Pintxos in San Sebastián’s Old Town

Next, head to San Sebastián and eat your way through the Old Town. Pintxos are Basque bar snacks, usually served on bread with a cocktail stick. Bars on Calle 31 de Agosto and Calle Fermín Calbetón pile their counters high. Try a gilda, a skewer of olive, anchovy and pickled pepper. Then ask what is hot from the kitchen, because the best bites often skip the counter. Wash it all down with txakoli, the region’s crisp, slightly fizzy white wine. For bar ideas, read our guide on where to eat in San Sebastián. Bilbao and San Sebastián sit about 100 kilometres apart, and the bus takes around an hour and a half. Check Bus Schedules and secure your seat on Omio. Get directions.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

Few views in Spain match San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This rocky islet sits off the Biscay coast, joined to the mainland by a stone bridge. A winding stairway of about 240 steps leads up to a tiny hermitage. Tradition says you should ring the bell three times and make a wish. Game of Thrones fans may also spot Dragonstone. Visits need a free advance booking, so reserve before you travel. Reserve your free slot. Parking is limited, so many visitors hire a car and arrive early. Hire a car with Discovercars. Nearby, the harbour town of Bermeo makes a handy base, and our Basque Coast guide has more ideas. Get directions.

Getaria

Next up, Getaria is a fishing village with big personality. Narrow lanes tumble down to a busy harbour, where grills smoke outside the seafood restaurants. Order the turbot, or rodaballo, which cooks whole over charcoal. It is the town’s signature dish. Between bites, visit the Balenciaga Museum, which celebrates the famous fashion designer born here. Then wander through the nearby txakoli vineyards and taste the local wine. It makes a lovely half-day outing from San Sebastián. Visit on a weekday if you can, since the village fills up with day-trippers at weekends. Even so, the sea air and grilled fish make every minute worthwhile. Get directions.

Zarautz Beach

Surf fans should paddle out at Zarautz. Its golden beach stretches for about two and a half kilometres, which makes it one of the longest in the region. The waves suit beginners and experts alike. Several surf schools along the sand rent boards and wetsuits, so you can try it even if you have never stood on a board. Prefer dry land? Stroll the long seafront promenade, then settle onto a terrace with a coffee. Afterwards, wander into the old town for a few pintxos. Get directions.

The Flysch Coast

Now, lace up your boots for the Flysch Coast near Zumaia. Here, the sea has carved cliffs into dramatic layers of rock, each one millions of years old. Geologists adore the place, but you do not need a science degree to enjoy it. Start at Itzurun beach, then follow the coastal path to Deba. The walk takes roughly three hours, and the views stay jaw-dropping all the way. Alternatively, a boat trip shows the cliffs from below. If you still have energy, finish in the pretty fishing town of Mutriku. Get directions.

Lekeitio

Few harbour towns on the Biscay coast look as pretty as Lekeitio. Its main beach faces San Nicolás island, which you can walk to at low tide. Check the tide times first, though, and leave plenty of time to return. Behind the sand, the old town centres on the Gothic basilica and a busy fishing port. Seafood restaurants line the harbour, so lunch is easy to sort. Sit outside, order the catch of the day, and watch the boats come in. It makes a relaxed break from the bigger cities. Get directions.

Hondarribia

Close to the French border, Hondarribia feels like a storybook. Its walled old town climbs a hill, crowned by a castle that now houses the Parador de Hondarribia. Below, the fishing district of La Marina bursts with wooden balconies painted in bright blues, reds and greens. In the evening, Calle San Pedro fills with hungry locals chasing pintxos. Grab a spot at the bar and join them. Our full guide explains how to get the most from a visit. Get directions.

A Traditional Cider House

Now for something truly Basque, a meal at a traditional cider house. At Petritegi in Astigarraga, just outside San Sebastián, you taste cider straight from huge wooden barrels. The ritual is called txotx. When the cry goes up, you hold your glass under the stream and drink it fast. The classic menu follows, with salt cod omelette, grilled cod, thick txuleta steak and cheese with walnuts. The main cider season runs from January to April, but some houses open all year. Book ahead, because tables fill fast. Looking for more outings nearby? See our best day trips from San Sebastián. Get directions.

Vizcaya Bridge

Do you like quirky engineering? Then cross the Vizcaya Bridge between Portugalete and Getxo. Built in 1893, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the world’s oldest transporter bridge. A small gondola hangs from the frame and glides across the river in about a minute. Braver visitors can climb up and walk the high-level walkway for sweeping views. Getting there is easy, because the Bilbao metro stops in Portugalete. It makes a great quick trip on a free afternoon. Get directions.

Marqués de Riscal Winery

Wine lovers should not miss Marqués de Riscal in Elciego, in the Rioja Alavesa region. Gehry designed the hotel here too, and its ribbons of pink, gold and silver titanium look stunning against the vineyards. Guided tours lead you through historic cellars, where bottles date back to the 1860s. Tastings of Rioja follow, of course. Tours often sell out, so book ahead. Buy tickets. Public transport here is limited, so many visitors hire a car for the day. Hire a car with Discovercars. Nearby, the walled town of Laguardia hides wine cellars under its streets. Just across the border, Haro adds even more bodegas to explore. Get directions.

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

Art lovers will also enjoy the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. It sits in a leafy park and holds a rich mix of works, from medieval pieces to modern masters. You will spot Spanish greats such as Goya and El Greco, along with strong Basque artists. Best of all, the collection feels calm and manageable. Therefore, it pairs nicely with a morning at the Guggenheim. Allow around two hours for a relaxed visit. Afterwards, stroll through the nearby Doña Casilda park to rest your feet. Get directions.

Casco Viejo and the Ribera Market

Finish your trip in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo, where the Siete Calles, or Seven Streets, hold the oldest bars and shops. Nearby, the Mercado de la Ribera is one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Stalls sell fresh fish, cured ham and local cheese. Meanwhile, the food counters let you taste before you commit. Spend an hour browsing, then grab a pintxo at a nearby bar. For more ideas, read our guide on where to eat in Bilbao. Get directions.

The Basque Country rewards curious travellers. Whether you chase art, food, coastline or wine, you will find something to love. Plan at least a week if you can, and mix big cities with small villages. Fast trains link San Sebastián with Madrid and Barcelona, which makes arriving simple. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Before you go, dip into our article on unusual Basque traditions for a taste of local culture. Whatever you pick, take your time. The Basques love long lunches, and you should too. Pack comfy shoes, bring a big appetite, and enjoy every minute.