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Tiago Ferreira |

Places and Attractions you must See in Basque Country

 

To explore the Basque Country is to embark on a journey full of discovery and enchantment. Situated on the northern coast of Spain, this unique region is known for its rich culture, strong identity, delicious cuisine and stunning landscapes that captivate visitors. From enchanting medieval towns to picturesque beaches, from majestic mountains to internationally renowned museums, the Basque Country offers a variety of places and attractions that promise to surprise and delight all kinds of travellers. Get ready to fall in love with this unique region that combines tradition, modernity and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-see destination for travel lovers.

Discover with us the best places and attractions to see in the Basque Country and immerse yourself in an unforgettable journey full of beauty and culture.

 

 

Cities: Vitoria-Gasteiz, Bilbao and San Sebastian

 

 

Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Spanish Basque Country, is a charming city that harmoniously combines its historical heritage with a modern and vibrant atmosphere. With its picturesque squares and fascinating architecture, Vitoria-Gasteiz offers an authentic experience of culture and history.

Enjoy a full-day tour of the capital of the Basque Country.

Santa Maria Cathedral in Vitoria-Gasteiz is an architectural treasure that captivates visitors with its grandeur and historic beauty. With its impressive Gothic façade, this attraction is an emblematic landmark of the city, constituting a place of contemplation, spirituality and aesthetic appreciation.

 

 

Bilbao, the vibrant city in the heart of the Basque Country, enchants visitors with its combination of modern architecture, rich culture and renowned cuisine. It thus offers a captivating blend of tradition, innovation and attractions, inviting you to enjoy its bustling nightlife and indulge in the region's unique cuisine. In addition, the city has a rich industrial heritage and a charming historic centre, known as Casco Viejo, where you can find traditional shops and a lively atmosphere.

Be dazzled by a private bike tour of Bilbao's urban art and historic districts.

The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao's attraction and designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, is an architectural masterpiece and an icon of contemporary art. The museum attracts visitors from all over the world, offering a unique experience by combining innovative art and a fascinating environment. Get swept away by the creativity and inspiring atmosphere of this must-see cultural destination with a private tour of the Guggenheim Museum.

 

Located on the coast of the Basque Country, San Sebastian is an elegant and sophisticated city famous for its exceptional cuisine, with a wide range of pinchos (Basque tapas) bars and haute cuisine restaurants.

Do you know the difference between tapas and pinchos?

Atop San Sebastian's Mount Igueldo, visitors are rewarded with stunning views of the city, the ocean and La Concha beach as they explore the charming amusement park while soaking up the enchanting atmosphere of one of the city's most iconic places.

Explore the historic charm of the old part of the city and marvel at the harmonious combination of culture, crystal-clear beach and taste in San Sebastian, a truly captivating city.

Enjoy a walking tour of San Sebastian. And take the Camino de Santiago from San Sebastian.

 

Coast of the Basque Country

 

 

The iconic chapel of Gaztelugatxe, known as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, offers stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea and makes for a unique experience thanks to its privileged location. To reach the chapel, visitors must walk across a stone bridge and climb a series of steps, creating a mystical atmosphere and a sense of achievement.

Apart from the chapel, Gaztelugatxe is also appreciated for its impressive natural scenery, with towering cliffs and beautiful beaches nearby, which you can see and enjoy from a unique perspective.

Explore and be dazzled by a guided tour of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

 

Biscay, or Vizcaya in Spanish, is a province located in the Basque Country region of northern Spain that combines urban energy with stunning mountain and coastal scenery.

Enjoy and make an excursion to the Biscayan coast.

The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, an attraction located on the coast of Biscay, is a protected natural area recognised by UNESCO and boasts a great diversity of ecosystems, including beaches, marshes and green hills. It is therefore a paradise for nature lovers: an unmissable place to see and visit.

 

 

Hondarribia, this picturesque Basque coastal town, located on the border with France, is famous for its well-preserved medieval town with narrow streets, colourful houses and historic fortifications.

The imposing Castle of Carlos V in Hondarribia bears witness to the city's rich history: with its fortified walls and impressive architecture, it transports visitors back in time, while enjoying panoramic views of the picturesque port and sea.

 

Although technically located in France, Biarritz is a coastal city close to the border with the Spanish Basque Country and is known for its stunning beaches, world-class surfing and elegant architecture.

Enjoy an excursion to Biarritz.

The Biarritz Lighthouse, majestically raised on the cliffs, guides visitors through the blue waters of the Bay of Biscay, offering stunning views and a magical atmosphere to the coastal city of Biarritz.

 

Interior of the Basque Country

 

 

The Gorbeia Nature Park, also located in Vitoria-Gasteiz, is a stunning natural haven, with majestic mountains, verdant landscapes and a rich diversity of fauna and flora to see and enjoy. This paradise for nature lovers offers a multitude of hiking trails and is one of the biggest attractions in the Basque Country.

In addition to the cities mentioned, the Basque Country is full of charming towns and picturesque villages that are worth visiting for their attractions, such as, for example, the Sanctuary of Loyola. This place offers a peaceful atmosphere, charming architecture and a chance to immerse yourself in authentic Basque culture, enjoying an atmosphere of devotion and serenity.

Also, explore the most amazing religious sites in the Basque Country with a tour of the three temples.

For nature lovers, the Basque Country also has beautiful natural parks, such as the Urkiola Natural Park, a true natural paradise, with its imposing mountains, lush forests and breathtaking landscapes, being a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. Also, the Natural Park of Aizkorri-Aratz, with its majestic mountains, its verdant valleys and its challenging trails, is a real treat for mountaineering lovers, offering panoramic views that are simply breathtaking.

 

Surroundings of the Basque Country

 

 

The Pyrenees are a paradise for nature and outdoor sports enthusiasts. With its verdant valleys and spectacular gorges, the Pyrenees offer a multitude of opportunities for hiking, climbing, skiing and wildlife watching.

The Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, located in the Pyrenees, is a true natural paradise, where the grandeur of the mountains meets the wild beauty of nature. With an impressive variety of fauna and flora, this place offers a unique experience for adventure and nature lovers.

Enjoy and take a full-day tour of the Pyrenees.

 

La Rioja is a region in northern Spain known for its high-quality wine production and stunning landscapes. In addition, La Rioja boasts a wealth of historical and cultural heritage and is, therefore, a captivating destination and attraction for wine lovers, nature lovers and history buffs.

Allow yourself a special moment with a visit to the wineries in La Rioja with wine tasting.

The medieval monasteries of Suso and Yuso, located in La Rioja - and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - are an important cultural and religious centre, housing a valuable library and historic paintings. To visit these places is to immerse yourself in history and spirituality, appreciating the remarkable architecture and sacred art that still delight visitors today.

 

 

 

The Basque Country is a real treasure trove, full of hidden pearls that go far beyond words. From its vibrant, history-filled cities to its breathtaking natural landscapes, each destination offers a unique and memorable experience. So embark on this adventure and see for yourself the charms and attractions of the Basque Country.

 

If you want to see other attractions or have other experiences when you visit the Basque Country, explore the tours and activities selected for you.

 

Visit Living Tours for more travel experiences in Portugal and Spain. And explore more travel ideas on the Living Magazine Blog.

 

| Spain | Basque Country




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