Rugged of landscape and independent of nature, the Basque Country is a place of mystery. That begins with its language: Basque is a “language isolate” with uncertain origins and a prehistoric past, unlike French or Spanish. Equally distinct is the Basque Country's cuisine, which extends from its sparkling txakoli wine to its pintxos—one of the reasons why the region's culinary capital of San Sebastián is ranked among the world’s great food cities. Sure, the best things to do in the Basque Country include obvious showstoppers, like Bilbao and the city’s iconic Guggenheim Museum. But this beguiling destination demands deeper exploration.
Summer is definitely the high season in the Basque Country, when visitors flock to its beach resort towns (including Biarritz on the French Basque coast and San Sebastián on the Spanish Basque coast). It’s also the best time to attend its many festivals, including the Fêtes de Bayonne in France and the Aste Nagusia (Great Week) celebrations in Bilbao. Alternatively, aim for the June or September shoulder seasons, when the weather is good, but there are fewer crowds and lower prices.
Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country and a common entry point for travelers; its international airport is the best connected in the region (Biarritz and San Sebastián operate smaller airports). Bilbao also has robust public transit networks, as do some other Basque cities, including the regional capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz. Local trains do serve some coastal destinations, but the region’s extensive bus network is a popular choice for intercity transit.
In addition to its wine, the Basque Country boasts a thriving (if lesser-known) cider scene, with a festive tasting season that peaks in the winter. From late January through April, drinkers head to the many sagardotegiak (cider houses) in the cider capital of Astigarraga to drink funky, lightly alcoholic cider poured straight out of large wooden barrels. And it’s not a Basque cider outing without traditional dishes—from cod omelets to txuleta steak—to go with.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +34 | Language(s) Catalan | Attractions 52 | Tours 671 |
With its verdant hills, sparkling seas, and Pyrenees peaks, there's no shortage of stunning landscapes in the Basque Country. Whether you find yourself on the beaches of San Sebastián, hiking the lush Kakuetta Gorge or UNESCO-protected Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, or exploring the charming coastal towns of Hondarribia and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you'll find beauty in droves.
...MoreIt’s worth staying for at least a week to do the Basque Country justice. That gives you time to explore both the French and Spanish sides of the region, as well as visit urban hubs like Bilbao and San Sebastián, hike the region’s rugged coasts, and unwind in beach resorts.
...MoreThe Basque Country is known for its fiercely independent history, culture, and language. Travelers come to the area to explore its gastronomy and wealth of Michelin-starred restaurants in between wandering around cities like Bilbao and cultural destinations like the Guggenheim Museum. And it’s also celebrated for its extraordinary scenery, from rugged mountains to dramatic coastlines.
...MoreIf you’re visiting the Spanish side of the Basque Country, Bilbao is the most popular base. Not only does the international Bilbao Airport make accessing the region easy, Bilbao has a thriving cultural scene and is within easy day-trip distance of San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz. On the French side, Biarritz and Bayonne are good starting points.
...MoreTo take advantage of the Basque Country’s beaches, pintxo crawls, hiking trails, and cultural festivals—and for your best chance at catching the sun in this verdant and rainy region—summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit. However, for a unique experience, don’t miss the winter cider season.
...MoreNo, you don’t need a car in the Basque Country. Though the region has sometimes limited train transit, its thriving bus network offers an easy and efficient way to get around. However, if you plan to get out in nature—or just desire maximum flexibility—a rental car can be useful.
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