Spanish Basque Country
The Spanish side of the Basque Country is a celebration of emotion, zest for life, and architectural diversity, where history and modernity go hand in hand.
The journey begins in San Sebastián — an elegant coastal gem, recognized as the gastronomic capital of Spain. The city is not only refined and beautiful, but also steeped in the spirit of the Belle Époque. It was once frequented by figures such as King Alfonso XIII, Queen Maria Christina, the Franco-Spanish aristocracy, and Luis Mariano. You’ll stroll through the Romantic Quarter, along La Concha Bay, the French Promenade, and the Old Town, with its charming balconies and facades — and of course, stop for a must-do tasting tour of the iconic pintxos bars. San Sebastián boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world, turning any dinner into a true culinary revelation.
Next, the route leads to Getaria — a cozy medieval village with cobbled streets and sweeping views of the Atlantic. This town is renowned for serving the best grilled fish on the entire coast. A visit to the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum, dedicated to the fashion maestro born here, opens the door to the world of high style and timeless elegance.
Then comes Zumaia, with its dramatic and wild coastline. The Flysch Geopark, with its ancient geological layers, is a living archive of the Earth’s history. These striking landscapes served as backdrops for Game of Thrones and Woody Allen’s Rifkin’s Festival.
Optionally, end your day with a sunset sailing experience along the coast from San Sebastián to the charming fishing port of Pasaia, with a stop in Hondarribia — a fortified coastal town full of medieval charm.
The next day, the journey continues to Bilbao — a symbol of transformation and creativity in the Basque Country. The Old Town’s markets, stone bridges, and industrial roots coexist with bold modernism: the iconic Guggenheim Museum, Calatrava’s footbridge, and avant-garde districts. Don’t miss the Vintage Car Museum, home to one of Europe’s largest Rolls-Royce collections, and the world’s first underwater winery, where wine matures in perfect stillness beneath the sea.
For those seeking more, a day trip to La Rioja wine region is a must. En route, stop in Pamplona, the city of fiestas and running bulls, and in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the green capital of the Basque Country, known for its majestic cathedral and calm ambiance. In Laguardia, surrounded by vineyards, discover underground cellars and legendary crianzas. In Logroño, lose yourself in colorful streets lined with tapas bars. In Haro, the wine capital, visit the famous “wine elevators” — historic underground tasting halls where the first glass of the day feels like magic. One of the family-run wineries will host you for an exclusive tasting, where each drop tells a story of land, time, and tradition.
Gastronomy is an essential part of the journey: anchovies from Bermeo, Basque cake (Gâteau Basque), cider poured traditionally, grilled fish, jamón and chorizo, foie gras, Oriotarra tomatoes, beef with Gochu peppers, seafood and squid, Idiazábal cheeses, and of course, Basque white wines and Rioja reds.
