Basque Country
The Basque Country sits in Spain’s north with its coastline on the Bay of Biscay. It borders France in the east, Cantabria in the west, Navarra to the south-east and Rioja in the south. It has a population of just over two million people.
Its most famous city is probably San Sebastian or Donostia-San Sebastián. It is a must-see destination for foodies from around the world.
The Basque Country has a population of just over two million people. It has its own unique language whose origins remain obscure. It also has many unique traditions that set it apart.
Its capital is Vitoria-Gasteiz, which has a population of about 250,000. Its largest city by population is Bilbao, which has around 350,000 people living there. Bilbao was once an ugly industrial city but has grown into a vibrant, exciting place to be. Bilbao is home to the Guggenheim Museum.
The Basque Country has a beautiful coastline with many amazing beaches and seaside towns. The Pyrenees to the east provide picturesque mountain landscapes that are incredibly beautiful.
If you want more help planning your visit, read our 7 Day Itinerary for Basque Country for useful tips and information.
Towns of the region
Read information and tips on these Basque Cities and Towns:
Astigarraga – is small, friendly, and absolutely obsessed with cider. In fact, it produces more cider than anywhere else in the Basque Country
Bermeo – is a charming Basque fishing town with a colourful harbour, historic streets, coastal views, seafood restaurants and easy access to beautiful Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
Bilbao – dazzles with the iconic Guggenheim Museum, vibrant Basque culture, riverside charm, and delicious pintxos throughout
Costa Vasca – offers lush green landscapes, cooler temperatures and a unique cultural identity
Deba – is a scenic Basque coastal town with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, historic streets, fascinating geology and a peaceful setting along the Bay of Biscay
Donostia-San Sebastian – dazzles with golden beaches, elegant architecture, and world-class pintxos. This Basque coastal gem blends stunning natural beauty with vibrant culture, gourmet cuisine, and rich maritime history
Getaria – is a charming Basque fishing village. It’s famous for grilled turbot, crisp txakoli wine, and being the birthplace of explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano
Hernani – is small, historic, and full of surprises. Its old town still keeps its medieval layout, and it has one of the Basque Country’s most striking art museums
Hondarribia – is a walled Basque border town beside the Bidasoa River. It blends a medieval old quarter, colourful fishermen’s houses, sandy beaches, and excellent pintxos, with views across to France
Laguardia – offers a perfect blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty
Lekeitio – is a charming destination that combines beautiful beaches and a rich maritime heritage
Mutriku – is a historic fishing town that combines maritime heritage, stunning scenery and authentic Basque culture
Ordizia – historic quarter holds Renaissance palaces, medieval churches, and cobbled lanes with green mountains framing the town beautifully
Portugalete – combines industrial heritage, elegant architecture and stunning waterfront views
Tolosa – is a friendly town that feels welcoming rather than touristy, with famous black beans, a wild carnival and a buzzing Saturday market
Usurbil – is calm, green, and refreshingly low-key with apple orchards, cider houses and an old town with striking Baroque architecture
Vitoria-Gasteiz – charms with its medieval old town, green spaces, and vibrant culture. This Basque capital blends history, sustainability, and gastronomy beautifully
Zarautz – combines golden beaches, vibrant surf scene, excellent food and rich cultural traditions
Zumaia – is a beautiful Basque coastal town known for dramatic cliffs, flysch rock formations, sandy beaches, historic streets and spectacular views across the Bay of Biscay
Getting to the Basque Country
The Basque capital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, is about 3 hours 30 minutes driving from Madrid. Hire a car with Discovercars.
By rail, it is just under 4 hours from Madrid to Vitoria-Gasteiz. Check Train Schedules & Buy Tickets on Omio.
You can fly to San Sebastian from Madrid or Barcelona with Vueling Airlines. Flights are available from many European cities. Driving time from Madrid is about 4 hours 30 minutes. A train from Madrid will take about 5 hours 30 minutes.
Bilbao has flights from across Spain with Vueling and also with other airlines from across Europe.
Check flights & Buy Tickets with Booking.com
Driving time from Madrid to Bilbao is about 4 hours. The train trip will take about 4 hours 30 minutes.