An Express Trip To The Basque Country

Visiting the Basque Country is one of the most beautiful experiences you can enjoy in life. However, if you do not have enough time to dedicate to this spectacular community in northern Spain, we will advise you what to do if you can only go on an express trip to the Basque Country.

What to do on an express trip to the Basque Country

The Basque Country or Euskadi, in its meaning in Basque, the mother tongue of the place, is a small Spanish community in the north of the country made up of three provinces: Gipuzkoa, Vizcaya and Álava.

In principle, if you don’t have much time to travel around the Basque Country, you can always enjoy yourself in the three capitals, San Sebastián, Bilbao and Vitoria. They are cosmopolitan cities, full of life, industry and history that will welcome you with open arms.

If, on the other hand, you prefer to visit small towns, coast and nature, you also have excellent options:  Ondarroa, Ea, Eibar, Sopelana, Irún, Zarautz, Lekeitio, Berriatua, Muskiz … there are endless beautiful locations in which to enjoy the Cantabrian Sea, the mountains and the natural parks of the Basque Country.

Now, whatever your decision, there are a series of common elements that you should never ignore on your express trip through the Basque Country. So, in the short time you are there, we advise you to enjoy some of the great attractions of the place.

Basque gastronomy

On an express trip through the Basque Country, you cannot miss the excellent gastronomy. Whether you choose one or another province, visit one of the capitals or stroll through the towns, you cannot stop trying the cuisine of the Basque Country.

The good thing is that in all the towns and cities of the Basque Country you can eat luxuriously. From those lands, chefs as famous as Arguiñano, Arkaz or Berasategui have come out.

So, a great choice is to go for pintxos in Bilbao or the old town of San Sebastián.  In Vitoria, or any town, taste the best dishes in the country such as steak, cod al pil pil, hake, kokotxas and seasonal vegetables, all washed down with a good txacolí.

The monuments of the Basque Country

In addition, the Basque Country is full of excellent monuments in all its cities and towns. Ideally, you should have at least a three-day stay, to be able to visit at least Vitoria, Bilbao and San Sebastián, being able to dedicate one day to each one.

From Vitoria you can enjoy the New Cathedral or the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, for example. In San Sebastián, the Playa de la Concha, Monte Igeldo, Peine de los Vientos, Miramar Palace or the old town are worthwhile. In Bilbao you should know the Guggenheim Museum and its surroundings or the Arriaga Theater, among others.

The beaches of the Basque Country

If, on the other hand, you prefer the coasts of the Basque Country, your express trip can also be magnificent, especially if you are a surf lover. The Basque Country’s location makes it a paradise for lovers of wave trainers.

One of the nerve centers of surfing in the Basque Country is Laidatxu beach, in the town of Mundaka, which belongs to the province of Vizkaya. However, there are also other towns and San Sebastián itself where you can fly over the Cantabrian waves.

Festivities of the Basque Country

If your express trip to the Basque Country aims to enjoy one of the festivals in the area, you are also in luck. There you have the Semana Grande de Bilbao, the Fiestas de la Virgen Blanca in Vitoria, the San Sebastián International Film Festival and a long etcetera to enjoy.

Outdoor activities in the Basque Country

In addition, the Basque Country offers some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Spain. Among the most striking corners, the Urkiola Natural Park, in Vizcaya. An excellent place for lovers of nature, hiking, climbing and fauna and flora in total freedom.

But, in addition to hiking, surfing or climbing, there are many other activities and other sports to enjoy in the Basque Country. In addition to these, the open air of Euskadi on your express trip is perfect for horse riding, beach soccer, trekking, etc.

As you can see, an express trip to the Basque Country is full of possibilities. However, if you have the option, take advantage of more days to get to know one of the most beautiful regions of Spain and Europe. A unique and wonderful place like few others.