Exploring the Basque Country

The Basque Country, called Euskadi or País Vasco by locals, lies across the border of northern Spain and southwestern France, stretching about 100 miles from Bilbao to Bayonne. This area stands out for its rare language, strong cultural traditions, and striking geography. Set between the Pyrenees mountains and the Cantabrian Sea, it has kept a very independent spirit and rich heritage over thousands of years. Visitors find a mix of ancient customs and modern life, quiet villages and lively cities. With famous food, dramatic scenery, and energetic urban centers, the Basque Country offers a trip you’re unlikely to forget.

What makes the Basque Country unique?

The Basque Country is a clear example of a place that has held onto its identity over a very long time. Old customs sit side by side with new ideas, creating a strong contrast that gives the region its special feel. This is visible in daily life: in the language, the land, and the many ways people express their culture.

Languages and regional identity

A key part of Basque identity is Euskara, the Basque language. This language is one of the oldest still spoken in Europe, older than Latin, and unrelated to any other known European language. You can see its letters and unique style on train timetables, road signs, and café menus everywhere. Spanish is also widely spoken, especially on the Spanish side, but the constant presence of Euskara highlights a strong sense of regional pride that has resisted outside pressure for centuries. This linguistic independence reflects the Basque people’s attachment to their roots and their close-knit communities.

Basque identity is also supported by a long tradition of self-rule. Today it is one of Spain’s 17 autonomous regions, but its earlier independence-during both Roman and Arab periods-helped protect its language and customs. This ongoing desire for autonomy remains a major source of pride and links Basques across both Spain and France, beyond modern borders.

Geographical boundaries in Spain and France

The Basque Country’s setting has strongly shaped its character. The Cantabrian Sea to the north and the Pyrenees to the east and south used to make it hard to reach, leaving this “green corner” of Spain quite separate from surrounding areas. This natural barrier helped its culture and language grow with less outside influence. Even now, with highways and trains, the mountains, rivers, and valleys still define how the region looks and feels.

The traditional Basque homeland, called Euskal Herria, is larger than the current Spanish autonomous community. It includes parts of northern Navarre (around Pamplona) and the southwest of France. People in these areas still share Basque traditions, language, and a sense of belonging. This cross-border cultural unity shows how Basque identity reaches beyond political lines and forms one wider, lively region.

Cultural traditions and festivals

Basque culture is full of living traditions and celebrations. Local sports and festivals are central to community life. One popular sport is pelotamano, a form of handball played with bare hands and very hard balls, which fills sports halls with spectators every weekend from autumn to spring. In summer, coastal towns host trawler regattas, where teams race traditional wooden fishing boats; the Regata de la Concha in San Sebastián is especially famous.

Basque folklore features characters such as Olentzero and Mari Domingi, who appear around Christmas. Markets like the Santo Tomás fair in December offer traditional food like talo (a corn flatbread) and give a feel for rural customs. Larger cultural events, including the San Sebastián International Film Festival (SSIFF) and the Jazzaldia music festival, attract visitors from all over the globe. Together with countless village fiestas and rural sports shows, these events reveal how strongly Basques value their history, language, and way of life.

Best time to visit the Basque Country

The best time to visit depends on the kind of trip you want. Each season has its own appeal, but many people prefer the period from late spring to mid-autumn, about May to October, when the weather is at its most pleasant.

Typical weather and climate

The Basque Country has a special Atlantic climate, different from much of Spain. It stays green year-round because it receives plenty of rain. From May to October, the weather is usually mild and enjoyable. Summer (June-August) brings long days, sunshine, and warm temperatures without the extreme heat found in southern Spain, making it good for walking, sightseeing, and days at the beach. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and rain is less common, even if locals still joke that they’d like more of it.

Late spring (May) and early-to-mid autumn (September-October) make great “shoulder season” months. Temperatures are comfortable, and while showers can still occur, they are less frequent than in winter. This is a good time for hiking, cycling, and city visits without heavy crowds. Spring brings flowers and bright green hills, while autumn colors light up beech forests in places like Selva de Irati. Winter (November-April) is colder, wetter, and darker, with a high chance of rain. It’s less ideal for outdoor tourism but can work for quieter city trips focused on museums and culture, often with cheaper hotel rates.

Seasonal events and festivals

Many Basque festivals line up with the warmer months. Summer is especially busy. In July, Pamplona hosts the famous San Fermín festival, a week of parties known worldwide for the running of the bulls. San Sebastián is also lively, with the Jazzaldia music festival in July and the San Sebastián International Film Festival in September.

Throughout the year, smaller events and markets bring local traditions to life. The Santo Tomás fair on December 21-22, 2025, will turn town squares into open-air markets full of regional products and snacks. Christmas is also a special period, with creative light displays and visits from Olentzero and Mari Domingi. Wine lovers can plan around the Ardoaraba 2025 wine fair (December 6-8, 2025), which features tastings of local wines. These events help visitors see how Basque customs continue today.

Getting to and around the Basque Country

Moving around the Basque Country is part of the fun, and you can choose between fast transport and slower, scenic options. The region is easy to reach and explore by plane, train, bus, or car.

Arrival by plane, train, and car

Most long-distance visitors arrive first in Madrid or Barcelona. From there, getting to the Basque Country is straightforward. Bilbao has the main airport, with direct flights to more than 30 cities in Europe and Morocco, plus many Spanish destinations. Smaller airports in San Sebastián, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Pamplona add extra options, especially if you are already in Europe.

For travel inside Spain, high-speed trains are often the most comfortable choice. Bilbao, San Sebastián, Vitoria, and Pamplona all have regular services run by Renfe. A direct high-speed train from Madrid to Bilbao takes just under 5 hours; from Barcelona to Bilbao takes about 7 hours. Add around an hour to reach San Sebastián. From France, TGV trains run from Paris to Hendaye in about 4 hours; Hendaye is only 25 km from San Sebastián, with easy onward links.

Driving offers the most freedom. The journey by car from Madrid to Bilbao or San Sebastián is about 5 hours, with Burgos as a handy stop. From Barcelona, it takes 6-6.5 hours, with possible breaks in Zaragoza or the medieval town of Huesca. Hiring a car lets you reach mountain villages, quiet beaches, and wine areas like Rioja Alavesa that are harder to visit by public transport.

Public transportation options

If you prefer not to drive, public transport works very well, especially between cities. ALSA is the main long-distance bus company, linking major towns all across northern Spain, including those in the Basque Country. Tickets are easy to buy online or at bus stations. Within cities, local buses run frequently, and most urban areas are compact enough to explore on foot.

The Euskotren rail system connects larger cities such as San Sebastián and Bilbao with nearby villages. These trains often pass through attractive countryside and offer a relaxed way to travel. While some very remote areas may still require a car or taxi, using buses and trains together will let you see a large part of the region.

Driving routes and scenic road trips

If you enjoy road trips, the Basque Country is full of scenic drives. A coastal route between Bilbao and San Sebastián is especially rewarding, with views of cliffs, coves, and fishing towns such as Elantxobe, Lekeitio, and Getaria. These are great places to walk narrow old streets and stop for pintxos.

Another beautiful route crosses the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve in Bizkaia, an area of mountains, wetlands, and beaches that includes Gernika and the surf town of Mundaka. This road also leads to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the hilltop chapel made famous by Game of Thrones. Inland, a drive through Rioja Alavesa takes you past vineyards and stone villages like Laguardia. Further east, mountain roads around Selva de Irati and the Urbasa plateau in Navarre give wonderful autumn colors and wide views. With a car, it’s easy to reach these hidden corners and shape your own journey.

How to create your Basque Country itinerary

Planning a trip to the Basque Country is enjoyable because there is so much variety in a small area. With a few days or a longer stay, you can build a plan that covers food, nature, beaches, and culture.

How many days to spend

The Basque Country is compact, so even a short visit can be very satisfying. It is easy to reach from Madrid and Barcelona, which makes quick side trips simple. Still, for a proper first look at the region, about one week is a good starting point. That amount of time lets you combine main cities with some countryside and coast.

With only 3 days, you could still visit San Sebastián and Bilbao and fit in a short trip to a nearby village or coastal area. With 5 days, you can stay in one or two bases and add more day trips. Many of these can be done by organised tour if you don’t want to rent a car. If you have 7-10 days, you can slow down and explore more deeply, adding mountains, wine country, and smaller towns.

Sample itineraries: Short breaks and week-long journeys

On a 3-5 day trip, you might split your time between San Sebastián and Bilbao. Spend two days in San Sebastián enjoying beaches, pintxos, and the Old Town, then two in Bilbao visiting the Guggenheim, the Old Town, and the riverside. If you have an extra day, use it for a short coastal trip to Hondarribia or Bermeo, or a quick tour of Rioja Alavesa.

For a 7-day trip, you could start with two days in San Sebastián, then head east to the Pyrenees. Spend a day visiting Zugarramurdi caves and the Baztán Valley, plus another day walking in Selva de Irati. Next, go south to Laguardia in Álava for one or two days in Rioja Alavesa, visiting wineries and tasting wine. Finish with two days in Bilbao, including a drive along the Bizkaia coast through the Urdaibai Reserve and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This plan gives you a mix of city life, mountain scenery, wine country, and coastline.

Where to base yourself for exploration

Picking one or two main bases will keep your trip easy and efficient. The most popular choices are Bilbao and San Sebastián. Bilbao works well for exploring Vizcaya and Álava, visiting the Guggenheim, and reaching nearby western coastal towns. San Sebastián is handy for the eastern coast, the Pyrenees, and some of the best food in the region.

If you want something different, Pamplona and Vitoria-Gasteiz are strong alternatives. Pamplona is ideal if you’re visiting during San Fermín or want a young, lively city with a local feel. Vitoria-Gasteiz has a lovely old center and great pintxo bars, especially in the early evening. For a quieter sea-based stay, fishing towns like Hondarribia (near San Sebastián) or Bermeo (near Bilbao) offer calm surroundings and easy access to bigger cities.

Top destinations in the Basque Country

The Basque Country includes stylish cities, old towns, and wild natural spots. Each has its own character and draws different types of visitors.

San Sebastián: Cuisine and beaches

San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is often called the “Pearl of the Sea” and is widely known as one of the best food cities anywhere. Though small, it offers an impressive mix of fine food, elegant Belle Époque buildings, and lovely beaches. It has one of the highest densities of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, and its pintxos are famous. Walking through the Old Town (Lo Viejo), you’ll find each bar serving small, carefully prepared dishes.

The city has three excellent in-town beaches. La Concha, a perfect crescent of sand, is often listed among the most beautiful city beaches in the world. La Zurriola is the main surf beach and draws surfers year-round. Major events such as the San Sebastián International Film Festival and Jazzaldia give the city an added cultural buzz. Food, sea views, and a relaxed but lively feel make San Sebastián a must-see stop.

Bilbao: Art and architecture

Bilbao was once a heavily industrial port but has changed into a modern creative city, helped greatly by the Guggenheim Museum. Designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 1997, the museum’s shining curves of titanium have become a symbol of Bilbao’s new era and nod to its shipbuilding past. Inside is an important collection of modern and contemporary art, but many people come just to see the building itself.

Beyond the Guggenheim, Bilbao has a charming Casco Viejo (Old Town) of narrow alleys, traditional bars, and historic plazas. Striking works like Santiago Calatrava’s Zubizuri bridge and Norman Foster’s metro entrances add to the city’s modern image. The opera house, multiple theatres, and the San Mamés football stadium, known as the “Cathedral of Spanish Football,” show how strongly the city supports arts and sport. Bilbao is an exciting mix of old industry and new culture.

Vitoria-Gasteiz: Historic charm

Vitoria-Gasteiz, capital of the Basque Country, offers a quieter, more local experience than Bilbao or San Sebastián. Its beautifully preserved medieval center, one of the best in the region, is full of cobbled streets, walls, and old houses. At the top of the hill stands the 13th-century Gothic Cathedral of Santa María.

The city is also known for its “poteo” culture: early-evening or weekend bar-hopping with drinks and pintxos, especially around the Old Town. Green parks, bike paths, and walkable streets reflect the city’s focus on quality of life. For visitors who enjoy history and a more relaxed pace, Vitoria-Gasteiz is a rewarding stop.

Pamplona: Running of the Bulls and history

Pamplona, capital of Navarre, is best known for the San Fermín festival, held every July. During this week, the “encierro” (running of the bulls) sees runners and bulls charging together through the old streets, an event made famous by Ernest Hemingway. After the morning run, the city continues celebrating with music, food, and parades.

Outside San Fermín, Pamplona is a pleasant, medium-sized city with wide squares and historical buildings. It is an important stage on the Camino de Santiago, which you can feel in its quiet side streets and churches, including the Gothic Santa María Cathedral. The bullring, Castle Square, and old fortifications all tell parts of the city’s long story. For most of the year, it feels more like a relaxed university town than a festival ground.

French Basque towns: Biarritz, Bayonne, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Across the border in France, the Basque region continues with its own mix of French and Basque culture. Biarritz, a stylish seaside resort, rose to fame in the 19th century thanks to Empress Eugénie. Today it combines luxury hotels, grand villas, and an active surf scene. Its beaches and viewpoints, such as the Rocher de la Vierge, offer lovely panoramas.

Nearby Bayonne, officially recognized as a “Town of Art and History,” serves as the cultural center of the French Basque area. Two rivers meet here, framing the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayonne, a UNESCO site. The town is well known for chocolate and for a museum devoted to Basque rural life, whaling, and customs. Along the coast, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a graceful town where King Louis XIV married Maria Theresa in 1660. It has a small fishing port, pedestrian streets, and typical Basque houses.

Espelette, inland, is famous for red peppers (piment d’Espelette) which hang from whitewashed house walls to dry. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, in the foothills, is a key starting point for Camino de Santiago pilgrims and is often listed among France’s most beautiful villages. Together, these French Basque towns show how Basque culture crosses borders.

Natural wonders: Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and Selva de Irati

The Basque Country also stands out for its natural landscapes. The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve in Bizkaia, recognized by UNESCO, stretches along the Urdaibai estuary for about 12 km. It combines low mountains, valleys, wetlands, and beaches and is a major stopover for migratory birds. Birdwatchers and hikers will find many trails and viewpoints. Gernika lies within the reserve, as does Mundaka, known all over Europe for its powerful left-hand wave.

Further east, at the base of the Pyrenees, lies Selva de Irati, one of Europe’s largest and best-kept beech and fir forests. Autumn is a fantastic time to visit, when leaves turn yellow, red, and orange, and the air turns crisp. Well-marked paths lead deep into the forest, and on clear days you may see the first snows on the nearby peaks. The source of the Urederra River, in the Urbasa plateau, is another beautiful nature area, where bright turquoise pools and streams run through old beechwoods.

Unmissable experiences and things to do

Beyond simply ticking off places, the Basque Country invites you to share in its daily life. Food, outdoor activities, and local customs all offer ways to connect more closely with the region.

Sampling pintxos and Basque gastronomy

No visit is complete without a tour of pintxos bars. Pintxos are small, carefully prepared bites, often on bread, that turn a night out into a food walk. San Sebastián’s Old Town is famous for them. You might try gildas (olives, peppers, and anchovies), squid ink croquettes, foie gras, or the much-loved cheesecake at La Viña. The usual habit is to have one drink and one pintxo in each place, then move on.

Basque cooking goes far beyond these snacks. The region is one of Spain’s main centers of fine dining, with many top restaurants and Michelin stars. Dishes to look for include txuleta (thick grilled T-bone steak), fresh grilled fish in coastal towns like Getaria, and Tolosa’s black beans in hearty stews. Local cheeses from sheep and goats, cured meats, lamb, and roasted peppers also appear often on menus. A meal in a traditional cider house, with large communal tables and cider poured directly from big barrels, is a classic Basque food experience.

Exploring coastal villages and beaches

The Basque coastline offers a long line of coves, bays, and old ports. San Sebastián’s La Concha and La Zurriola beaches are lively and easy to reach, but quieter fishing towns provide a more traditional feel. Hondarribia has a walled medieval quarter and a colorful fishermen’s area, perfect for walks and seafood meals. Bermeo, once a base for whaling, remains a busy fishing port with narrow streets and seafront bars.

Getaria is known for grilled fish and as the home of fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga (you can visit a museum in his honor). A two-mile coastal path links Getaria with Zarautz, Spain’s main surf town, where surf schools and long sandy beaches attract beginners and experts alike. These villages combine seaside relaxation with strong fishing traditions and simple but excellent food.

Wine tasting in Rioja Alavesa

If you enjoy wine, head to Rioja Alavesa at the southern edge of the Basque Country. The area’s drier climate and sunny slopes are perfect for vines, and it is one of Spain’s leading red-wine regions. Medieval Laguardia, perched on a hill, makes an ideal base, with many wineries hidden beneath its streets in old cellars.

Among the best-known wineries is Marqués de Riscal in Elciego, which offers tours and tastings. Its building, designed by Frank Gehry, is as eye-catching as the Guggenheim in Bilbao. Nearby, Bodegas Ysios, by Santiago Calatrava, is another building that stands out against the vineyards. Visits often include a walk through the production area, explanations of grape-growing and ageing, and tastings of various wines.

Surfing and outdoor sports

The Basque Country’s mix of ocean and mountains creates many options for active travelers. Mundaka’s wave is famous worldwide among surfers and has hosted championship events. Zarautz also draws surfers with its long beach and consistent swell, and there are schools for those who want to learn.

Beyond surfing, hiking trails crisscross the region’s hills and ranges. Long-distance treks in the Sierra de Aralar offer wild, peaceful landscapes, while easier walks in places like Selva de Irati and the Urdaibai Reserve suit families or casual walkers. Cycling is a big part of local sports culture, with many road and mountain routes marked. Water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are widely available along estuaries and sheltered bays. Traditional rural sports-like stone lifting, wood chopping, and tug-of-war-also make for engaging events to watch.

Visiting historical sites and museums

History is present almost everywhere in the Basque Country. Along with modern icons like the Guggenheim in Bilbao, you’ll find many places that tell the story of older times. Gernika is especially important in Basque memory because of the bombing it suffered in 1937, later made famous by Picasso’s painting. The Museo de la Paz de Gernika (Peace Museum) explains these events and their impact.

In Vitoria-Gasteiz, the medieval center and the Cathedral of Santa María give a strong sense of what life was like centuries ago. Pamplona’s old streets, cathedral, and bullring recall both the Camino de Santiago and the San Fermín festival. In Hondarribia, a hilltop Parador in a former fortress looks over the border with France. The Santimamiñe caves contain prehistoric paintings and evidence of very early human life. Museums in Bayonne and other French Basque towns also help explain local traditions and history.

Hiking in the Basque mountains

The Basque mountains appeal to both serious hikers and casual walkers. The Pyrenees form a rugged backdrop, while ranges like the Sierra de Aralar offer green pastures, cliffs, and panoramic routes. These highlands are good places to escape the crowds and enjoy quiet paths.

Popular day hikes include Txindoki in Gipuzkoa and Amboto in Bizkaia. Each is about 10 km long and requires average fitness, rewarding walkers with wide views from the top. For a shorter outing, the 7 km path from San Sebastián’s Zurriola beach up Mount Ulía and on to the Bay of Pasaia gives great sea views and passes old military remains and viewpoints. Trails in Selva de Irati wind through beech and fir woods, especially beautiful during autumn leaf season. Whether you want a tough climb or a relaxed forest walk, you will find a route that suits you.

Local food and drink highlights

Food and drink are central to life in the Basque Country. Meals are social events, recipes are passed down through families, and chefs are respected figures. Visitors can share in this culture at every price level.

Pintxos bars and restaurants

Pintxos are the symbol of Basque bar culture. These small plates are usually displayed along the counter, and you can either point to what you want or order hot dishes from a blackboard. In San Sebastián’s Old Town, you might visit one bar for gildas, another for croquettes, and a third for creative dishes cooked to order. In Bilbao, the Old Town and neighborhoods like Abando are full of pintxos spots, such as Sorginzulo for fried squid or Café Iruña for marinated meat skewers.

Outside pintxos bars, you’ll find everything from simple, family-run dining rooms to famous tasting-menu restaurants. Asadores focus on meat, especially large grilled steaks, while fish restaurants on the coast specialize in whole grilled sea bream, hake, or turbot. Many places use seasonal produce, so dishes change with the time of year.

Wines, ciders, and indigenous drinks

Local drinks match the region’s food very well. Txakoli is the classic Basque white wine: light, sharp, slightly fizzy, and low in alcohol. It is served very cold, often poured from some height to soften the bubbles. It goes perfectly with fish and pintxos. For red wine, Rioja Alavesa produces rich, fruity wines that you can try both in the region and in bars throughout the Basque Country.

Cider, or sagardoa, is another key drink. Traditional cider houses open their doors mainly in late winter and spring, offering a set menu with cod dishes, steak, and cheese, and letting guests pour cider directly from large wooden barrels. The ritual cry “txotx!” signals when it is time to line up and fill your glass. There is also a growing craft beer scene, plus non-alcoholic options like mosto (grape juice) for those who prefer something softer.

Specialty dishes to try

Beyond the well-known snacks, Basque cuisine includes many standout dishes. Txuleta, the region’s signature steak, is cooked over hot coals and typically shared. Fish dishes such as bacalao al pil-pil (salt cod with a garlic and olive oil sauce), marmitako (tuna and potato stew), and grilled sea bream are common on coastal menus.

Inland, Tolosa’s black beans form the base of a rich stew, often served with pork and peppers. Kokotxas, the tender throat pieces of hake, are considered a delicacy. For dessert, Basque cheesecake, especially the version served at La Viña in San Sebastián, is famous for its creamy center and burnt top. Trying these dishes is one of the best ways to get to know the region.

Events and festivals in the Basque Country

Festivals are woven into Basque life. From large international gatherings to village fairs, they bring people together and keep traditions alive.

Cultural and traditional festivals

San Fermín in Pamplona is the most famous festival, drawing huge crowds every July. While the running of the bulls is the highlight, the whole city joins in for music, dancing, religious events, and street parties. In San Sebastián, the International Film Festival in September and Jazzaldia in July fill cinemas and concert venues with world talent.

Local events are just as meaningful. Around December 21 each year, the Santo Tomás market turns town centers into rural-style fairs selling farm produce, crafts, and talo pancakes filled with sausage or cheese. At Christmas, lights and decorations brighten cities and villages, and children look forward to meeting Olentzero and Mari Domingi instead of or alongside Santa Claus. These festivals show how strongly Basques value community and tradition.

Sporting events and local celebrations

Sport is another key part of Basque culture. Pelotamano matches, played in indoor courts called frontons, attract loyal fans, and games often become social gatherings for entire neighborhoods. Rowing regattas in wooden traineras (fishing boats) light up summer weekends along the coast, with the Regata de la Concha in San Sebastián being the highlight of the season.

Football also carries deep local pride. Watching Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés, where only players with roots in the Basque region traditionally join the team, gives insight into how strongly locals feel about their club. Smaller-scale village fiestas-often including parades, dancing, and rural sports-take place throughout the year, especially in summer.

Where to stay in the Basque Country

The Basque Country offers many types of accommodation, from luxury hotels and historic buildings to farm stays and small guesthouses.

Hotels, rural caseríos, and boutique stays

In cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao, you’ll find a broad range of hotels. In San Sebastián, Hotel de Londres sits right on La Concha beach with sea views, while the grand Hotel Maria Cristina offers classic style. Catalonia Donosti is a strong mid-range option. In Bilbao, The Artist Grand near the Guggenheim provides high-end comfort, and Letoh Letoh Bilbao is a good-value choice in the old center.

Outside the main cities, staying in a caserío-a traditional farmhouse converted into a guesthouse-lets you experience rural Basque life. Many are surrounded by fields and forests and serve homemade breakfasts. Boutique hotels in smaller towns and villages often occupy old mansions or historic buildings. The Parador de Hondarribia, in a 10th-century castle overlooking the bay and the French coast, is one striking example, combining stone walls and modern comforts.

Best areas for couples and families

Certain areas work especially well depending on who you’re traveling with. Couples often enjoy San Sebastián for its romantic setting, fine food, and elegant waterfront. Evening walks along La Concha, long dinners, and a relaxed café culture make it a good choice for a special trip.

Families may prefer quieter resorts and countryside stays. Plentzia, a beach town at the end of the metro line from Bilbao, has a wide sandy bay, a gentle atmosphere, and good facilities without feeling too touristy. Rural guesthouses and agroturismos in Álava and other inland areas give children space to run around and offer easy access to hiking, cycling, and farm visits. Bilbao also suits families thanks to its museums, parks, and riverfront walks.

Travel tips for visiting the Basque Country

A bit of planning helps your time in the Basque Country go smoothly. Knowing some phrases, local habits, and where to find useful information will make your stay easier and more enjoyable.

Basic Basque and Spanish phrases

While you can get by with Spanish (and often English in tourist spots), using a few words of Basque shows respect and usually brings a smile. Helpful basics include:

• Kaixo – Hello
• Egun on – Good morning
• Arratsalde on – Good afternoon / evening
• Agur – Goodbye
• Eskerrik asko – Thank you
• Barkatu – Excuse me / Sorry

Most signs and menus appear in both Basque and Spanish, so you can rely on the Spanish version if needed.

Etiquette and local customs

Basques are generally friendly but appreciate polite behavior. Being on time for restaurant bookings is appreciated. When going for pintxos, it’s normal to stand at the bar, have a small drink and one or two bites, then move on to another place. In some older bars, you might see napkins on the floor; this is normal and shows that the bar is busy.

Tipping is relaxed: rounding up the bill or leaving a couple of euros is enough in most cases. Showing interest in the region’s language, history, and food often leads to helpful advice and stories from locals.

Common travel questions and resources

Travelers often ask how to get around and how far in advance they should book. Renting a car is useful if you want to reach villages and nature areas, and sites like DiscoverCars can help you compare prices. For trains, use Renfe for national routes and Euskotren for local Basque services. ALSA and other bus companies cover routes not served by train.

During busy times-summer and big festivals-it’s wise to book hotels and key activities well ahead. Local tourist offices provide free maps, walking routes, and updated schedules for events. You can also talk to local trip planners or guides based in the region, such as travel consultants in San Sebastián, to help fine-tune your plans. With a bit of advance thought and curiosity, a visit to the Basque Country becomes a rich and memorable experience.