Cities and Towns in Basque Country
Major cities and towns in Basque Country, in order of 'importance' to the tourist. However, the Basque Country isn't really so much about the cities - after having visited San Sebastian, Bilbao and Guernica, you'd be better off spending the rest of your time visiting the beautiful Basque countryside and missing out the rest of the cities.Read more about Day Trips from Bilbao.
All of these places are in the Spanish Basque Country, apart from St Jean de Luz, which is in France. Read more about French Basque Country.
Basque Country in a Week
The Basque Country is small, so you can get around it pretty easily. If you have a car, you can drive between each city pretty quickly, but public transport is less strong (particularly the train).
Start off with a day or two in St Jean de Luz. To get by train into Spain, you'll need to go to nearby Hendaye. Take the train to San Sebastian (stay for two days) followed by a bus (no train) to Bilbao (another two days here). Take a day trip to Guernika and then pass the rest of your week exploring the countryside.
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Highlights
- The Guggenheim symbolises Bilbao's transformation from an industrial backwater to a modern cosmopolitan city. It is one of Spain's greatest modern art museums (rivaled only by the Reina Sofia in Madrid. Even if you aren't a fan of modern art, the Frank Gehry-designed building is worth a look. See Pictures of the Guggenheim
- For some, the holy grail of beaches is one that has all the amenities of a big city. San Sebastian's beach is just that. Fine sand, clear water and all the restaurants and cafes you could desire.
- The rest of Spain call them tapas , the Basques (just to be different) call them pintxos. They are a little different. While tapas are normally ordered or served to you, in the basque country you typically take them off the bar and pay at the end.
- Visit Guernica (also spelled Gernika), the city Hitler bombed during the Spanish Civil War, at the request of Franco. Picasso's most famous work is based on this bombardment.
- Explore the fantastic countryside that dominates the Basque Country. The high mountains are a part of the reason the Basques' culture has evolved so differently from the rest of Europe.
- Sample some of the famous Basque cuisine. It isn't just about the pintxos. The Basques are famous for having the classiest cuisine in the country. For a cheap(ish) but good quality meal, try the restaurant at the Guggenheim in Bilbao (though they say to really appreciate Basque food, you have to eat in San Sebastian.
- Explore the narrow streets of the Bilbao old town. See these Pictures of Bilbao.
- Chat to a local about what makes the Basques so different from the rest of Spain. Nod and agree - dare to challenge their opinion and you face insulting them!
- Visit one of the many Nudist Beaches in the Basque Country
- Learn some of the Basque language. It sounds and looks unlike any other in the world. Start with a few Useful Basque Phrases
Events in the Basque Country
Find out about which events take place in the Basque Country: Basque Country FestivalsBasque Country Arrival and Departure
Bilbao has its own international airport, though many people fly in to Zaragoza instead. There are good train and bus connections to Madrid - less good to Barcelona.Compare Prices on Flights to Spain
