The Tailor-Made Guide to Things to do in The Basque Country
- Barry Pickard
- May 2
- 15 min read
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
Author: Barry Pickard
Contents
Have you ever wondered what the best things to do in the Basque Country are—beyond the guidebooks and tourist-packed spots?
Well, let me take you there. Imagine the scent of grilled sardines wafting through a sun-drenched plaza, the rhythmic clang of pintxo bars opening up for the evening, and the crunch of your boots on a cliffside path that spills out into the Atlantic. This is the Basque Country I discovered—raw, proud, and endlessly fascinating.
If you're an independent traveller like me, you’re probably looking for the real thing. The places that locals love. The moments that don’t feel staged. I’ve explored this stunning corner of northern Spain by car, by foot, and by instinct—following my curiosity rather than a tour bus. What I found was a place that blends deep-rooted tradition with modern flair, where every village and coastline seems to have a story carved into its stone walls.
In this post, I’m sharing the very best things to do in the Basque Country—based entirely on my own travels. These are tips that come from real experience, not from a brochure. I’ll walk you through buzzing cities, quiet fishing towns, and cinematic landscapes that feel like they’ve leapt straight from the screen (and in some cases, they have).
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these attractions of The Basque Country appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the best things to do in The Basque Country, or indeed, a general tour of Spain.
Where is the Basque Country?
Before diving into my trip around the Basque Country, it is worth setting the scene and describing exactly where it is. This region spans parts of northern Spain and southwestern France. It consists of three provinces in Spain—Álava, Biscay, and Gipuzkoa—and the Northern Basque Country in France. For this trip, however, I am only covering the Spanish part.
Best things to do in the Basque Country
Vizcaya Bridge (Bizkaiko Zubia)
The iconic Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which connects Getxo to Portugalete and is more than just a crossing—it's a piece of engineering history. This elegant transporter bridge has been in operation since 1893, making it the oldest of its kind in the world. Designed by Alberto Palacio, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, the bridge showcases an iron and steel cable construction that was groundbreaking for its time. The gondola, suspended gracefully by steel cables, transports vehicles and pedestrians across in a mere 90 seconds.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
You can take an elevator to the top, walking across its upper platform for breathtaking views of the Bilbao estuary and the surrounding landscape. Then take the suspended platform back. A truly unique experience.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum must be one of the world’s most recognisable and stunning modern buildings. Once inside this iconic titanium-clad museum, designed by Frank Gehry in 1997, the collection does not disappoint. The museum houses a mix of permanent and rotating exhibitions, focusing on modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Perhaps the most impressive installation is the massive walk-through steel sculpture series called "The Matter of Time," by Richard Serra. It is described as a piece that plays with space, perception, and balance. I’m not sure about that, but this gargantuan work of art will be hard to miss.
The museum features paintings and installations from some of the biggest names in modern and contemporary art, like Warhol, Basquiat and Rothko, but my favourite has to be Jeff Koons “Tulips”. The vibrant colours of these balloon-like flowers really put a smile on my face.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Some of the Guggenheim Museum’s most famous pieces are actually outside the building, such as Jeff Koons – “Puppy” – sits contentedly outside the main entrance and the not so cuddly looking is "Maman", by Louise Bourgeois.
Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga Bilbao)
Azkuna Zentroa is a vibrant cultural and leisure center located in the heart of Bilbao. Originally built as a wine warehouse in 1909, the building was abandoned in the 1970s, before being transformed into a multi-purpose venue by French designer Philippe Starck and reopened to the public in 2010.
The center offers a diverse range of activities and facilities, but it is the quirky and colourful interior pillars that steal the show. Designed by Italian set designer Lorenzo Baraldi, the 43 pillars in the entrance hall are each unique and represent different cultures, architectures, and historical periods. One of the more unusual places to visit in Basque Country.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Take the elevator to the building’s roof top, from where you will get an interesting perspective on the city around you.
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Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is the oldest neighbourhood in Bilbao, nestled on the right bank of the Nervión River. This historic area dates back to the early 14th century and is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, lively markets, and charming plazas. Each street tells a story, with every corner revealing a new discovery – whether it's a quaint café, a bustling market, or a beautifully preserved building that speaks of a bygone era.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Bilbao’s Santiago Cathedral is the city’s most important religious site, dedicated to Saint James and serving as a key stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Originally constructed in the 14th century, it features a mix of Gothic and neo-Gothic elements, with an imposing spire and a beautiful cloister.
Gernikako Batzarretxea
The Gernikako Batzarretxea, also known as the Gernika Assembly House, serves as the official seat of the General Assemblies of Biscay, a governing body with deep roots in Basque tradition. Built in 1826, it replaced earlier meeting sites where representatives from Biscayan towns gathered under the Gernikako Arbola (the Tree of Gernika).
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The highlight of a trip to the assembly, however, is it stained glass ceiling. Installed in 1985, this colourful roof depicts symbolic elements of Basque history, including the aforementioned Tree of Gernika.
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Museo de la Paz de Guernica
Dedicated to preserving the memory of the bombing of Guernica in 1937, the Museo de la Paz de Guernica offers an immersive experience that blends history, education, and also a hope for a better future.
I found the exhibits around the tragic events of April 26, 1937, when Gernika was levelled by the Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War, quite traumatic. However, the museum does a great job in exploring concepts of peace, reconciliation, and human rights.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Don’t miss the mural reproducing Picasso's famous painting ‘Guernica’. It’s just a few seconds walk from the museum at the junction of San Juan Kalea and Allende Salazar Kalea.
San Juan of Gaztelugatxe
San Juan of Gaztelugatxe is a magical islet connected to the mainland by a narrow stone bridge and a winding staircase of 241 steps. This dramatic location has a rich history dating back to the 10th century, with its hermitage dedicated to John the Baptist. Legend has it that you should ring the hermitage's bell three times and make a wish upon reaching the top. The rugged beauty of Gaztelugatxe has also made it a popular filming location, notably for HBO's Game of Thrones. The panoramic views of the coastline and the sense of accomplishment after climbing the steps make this a must on your Basque Country itinerary.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
A walk to San Juan of Gaztelugatxe is not advised for those who have difficulty walking. Even the walk down the observation areas looking over the outcrop is via a steep and uneven path.
There is ample carparking at the start of the trail and you should plan on taking 30-minutes to walk to the hermitage, and then slightly longer to walk back up the steep path.
Zumaia
The charming harbour town of Zumaia has two faces – the one with the peaceful waterfront, with cosy cafes and popular restaurants on the east and the one on the westside which is the breath-taking geological wonder of the Flysch cliffs. These dramatic rock formations, shaped by millions of years of erosion, are impressive and allow you to watch the mesmerizing spectacle of the Atlantic waves crashing against the jagged shoreline.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
For some peace amongst nature’s power, pay a visit to the San Telmo Ermita, a charming 16th-century chapel that is perched on top of the cliffs. The chapel is dedicated to San Telmo, the patron saint of sailors and gained fame after appearing in the Spanish film Ocho Apellidos Vascos.
Read on to discover the highlights of San Sebastian
San Sebastian’s Beaches
San Sebastian is famous for its three pristine beaches: La Concha, Ondarreta, and Zurriola. La Concha, often hailed as one of the most beautiful urban beaches in the world, is a crescent-shaped bay with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and taking leisurely strolls along the promenade. Ondarreta Beach, located at the foot of Mount Igueldo, is ideal for families and offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Zurriola Beach, on the other hand, is a surfer's paradise, attracting wave enthusiasts from around the globe.
San Sebastian Old Town
Your first contact with San Sebastian Old Town will be the streets themselves. Constructed in a grid pattern around 200 years ago, following its part destruction by the Duke of Wellington’s troops during the Napoleonic war, this settlement actually dates to the 12th century. Hemmed in by the River Urumea on one side and La Concha Bay on the other, the peninsula terminates at the imposing Mount Urgull, which ensures that the Old Town is compact and cosy. The Old Town is crammed with small, stylish bars and delicious eateries, as well as the obligatory gift shops that you would expect a popular resort to have.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Housed in a former Dominican Monastery, the San Telmo Museum is the oldest museum in the Basque Country and worth seeking out when visiting the Old Town. Nestled into the slopes of Mount Urgull, the museum has a pleasing blend of old and contemporary architecture. Inside, the museum showcases the culture, arts and history of the Basque Country.
Funicular Monte Igueldo
Take the Funicular Monte Igueldo up to the hilltop amusement park. This charming, old-fashioned ride offers spectacular views of the city and the bay. The funicular, in operation since 1912, provides a nostalgic experience as it ascends the scenic hillside, giving you a unique perspective of San Sebastián. The wooden carriages and gentle climb add to the charm of this historic attraction, making it a memorable part of your visit. The ride itself is an attraction, offering panoramic views of the city as it climbs the steep hill. At the top, you’re greeted with even more breathtaking views that are perfect for photos.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The funicular runs every 15-minutes, but note that it does not operate on Wednesdays and operating times vary depending on the day and season.
Chillida-Leku Museum
The Chillida-Leku Museum is dedicated to the works of Eduardo Chillida. The outdoor sculpture park and indoor exhibitions provide an immersive experience of Chillida's art. The museum is set on a wonderful rolling hillside, lined with mature beech, oak and magnolia trees, and is centred around the Zabalaga farmhouse, which dates back to the 16th century and was Chillida’s home for many years. The museum spans 12 hectares and features 40 large-scale sculptures outdoors and around multitude of smaller works exhibited within the farmhouse.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The museum is approximately 10 km from the centre of San Sebastian, in the satellite town of Hernani. If you don’t have access to a car, there are bus stops on either side of the road beside the museum entrance. The BU05 bus takes just over half an hour to connect with the centre of San Sebastian, with the termination bus stop being on Okendo Kalea, just behind the theatre.
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Ekainberri Museoa
Tucked away in the stunning Sastarrain Valley, Ekainberri Museoa is a hidden treasure that brings the prehistoric past to life in the most immersive way possible. From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense of stepping back in time—away from the noise of modern life and into a world where early humans left behind incredible stories in the form of cave paintings. The museum itself is a faithful replica of the Ekain Cave, which is home to some of the most breathtaking Paleolithic horse depictions ever discovered.
But the adventure doesn’t end with the prehistoric artwork—you can also get hands-on with activities like prehistoric fire-making, hunting techniques, and even try your hand at cave painting!
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Make sure to book your tickets online before visiting.
There is no parking at the museum, but there is a large carpark in the town of Zestoa, near the substation (at 43.240, -2.260). From here, either take the walking path over the old railway bridge, or walk over the small stone bridge, with both crossing the Urola river. The museum is well signposted from here and it takes about 15-minutes to walk there.
Albaola Itsas Kultur Faktoria
The Albaola Itsas Kultur Faktoria, in Pasaia, brings Basque maritime history to life transporting you to an era when shipbuilding was an art form and whaling vessels crossed the Atlantic in search of adventure. The centerpiece of the museum is the San Juan, a faithful reconstruction of a 16th-century Basque whaling ship that originally sank off the coast of Canada. Watching skilled craftsmen meticulously rebuild this historic vessel using traditional techniques is nothing short of mesmerizing—it’s like stepping into a living, breathing time capsule.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
There is no carparking at the museum, but there is plenty of parking along Pasaia harbour. The walk along the shore to the museum is excellent, so it really isn’t a hardship not being able to park at the museum.
Fuerte De San Marcos
Enjoying a commanding position atop Mount Bizarain, Fuerte de San Marcos is a fort which was built in the 19th century over the town of Errenteria. The fortress played a crucial role in military strategy, standing at 260 meters above sea level, offering a commanding view over Gipuzkoa’s coastline, including La Concha Bay, Pasaia, and even the French border on a clear day. Though it was occupied by the army until 1970, today you can walk through its stone corridors and tunnels, you can almost hear echoes of the past—stories of soldiers stationed here, guarding the land from potential invasions. Explore its military infrastructure, including replicas of cannons, artillery, and even soldier installations that recreate the fortress’s past.
But beyond its history, the real magic of San Marcos lies in its unbeatable viewpoint. The fortress provides a stunning perspective over the surrounding landscape.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Google Maps is not dependable around this area (it tried to take me up a private road going to the fort). If you approach from Zentolen along the GI-3672, you shouldn’t go far wrong.
There is another fort nearby called Fuerte de Txoritokieta, although this is not open to the public. If you wish to see the fort from the outside, approach from the north, along the San Marko Gunea Aldea.
Read on to discover the food, drink and games of The Basque Country
Pintxos
Pintxos (also known as pinchos or pinxtos) are a type of snack that originated in the Basque Country of northern Spain. They are similar to tapas but are usually ‘spiked’ with a skewer or toothpick, often to a piece of bread.
The history of pintxos dates back to the 1930s, particularly in San Sebastián, the foodie capital of Spain. Not content with ordinary tapas, some bars in the city started to create miniature portions of their dishes, and displayed them along the bar, so that customers could take them by themselves. To make it easier for their clients and to keep them together, they speared them with wooden cocktail sticks.
Pintxos have become a cornerstone of local culture and society, and should definitely be experienced when visiting Basque Country. They are used as an excuse for socializing, and it’s typical for a group of friends to go from one tavern to another. The pintxo has also become associated with Basque gourmet cuisine, and many top Michelin-starred chefs across the region are pushing boundaries with flavours and ingredients, bringing the pintxo fully into the 21st century.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The Basque Country has produced the perfect pairing for Pintxos – a glass of Txakoli (tcha-koh-lee). This dry, lightly sparkling wine has a very pale yellow to greenish colour. Typically, it has a low alcohol level of between 9% and 11%, with this wine being drunk young, as it doesn’t last for much more than a year.
Sagardoa (Cider)
Try the cider made in the Basque Country – Sagardoa. It's traditionally made from local apples and has a tart, slightly funky taste. It is usually poured from a height to aerate the liquid and enhance its flavour, while putting on a show for the customers.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Experience the Basque Country’s famous drink at one of its many cider-wineries. I was lucky enough to visit the Petritegi Sagardotegia-Bodega just outside of San Sebastian which must be one of the best places to visit in Basque Country for this tasty drink. The quality of the cider, food, and ambiance was exceptional.
Watch a Game of Jai Alai
What to do while eating some pintxos and drinking some sagardoa? How about watching a game of Jai Alai, sometimes called ‘the world’s fastest game.’ The game originated in the Basque Country, but is now played around the world, being particularly loved in Florida, USA. Jai Alai is played in a fronton, a three-walled court, where players use a curved basket (cesta) strapped to their hand to hurl a small, hard ball (pelota) against the front wall at incredible speeds—often exceeding 170 mph (273 kph). The name Jai Alai means "merry festival" in Basque, reflecting its deep cultural roots and the excitement it brings to spectators.
Conclusion
I hope this guide to the best things to do in the Basque Country has given you a solid starting point for planning your own trip. The Basque Country is one of those rare places that gets under your skin—in the best possible way. From the first clang of pintxo skewers in a Bilbao bar to the salty breeze off the cliffs at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, this region is packed with moments that stick with you. It’s got character, history, beauty, and a rebellious spirit that makes it feel a little different from anywhere else in Spain. Take your opportunity now to tour the Basque Country
Where to Stay
The two main tourist hubs of the Basque Country are Bilbao and San Sebastian, and you may wish to base yourserlf in either city. When staying in Bilbao, I’d suggest looking at accommodation near the Abando or Casco Viejo districts. Most of the city’s attractions are in these areas and you will find that you can easily experience all these highlights on foot if you are based there.
For a touch of luxury, consider staying at the Vincci Consulado de Bilbao or the Goien Boutique Hotel. Meanwhile the Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, Autograph Collection and the Hotel Ilunion San Mamés are popular mid-range options. However, if you are looking for a budget stay there are a number of hostels, such as the Latroupe La Granja and the Ganbara Hostel.
As for Gernika, I stayed at the Hotel Boliña, which is a cheap and cheerful option, with a lovely local bar on the ground floor.
San Sebastian is a very popular, if not a somewhat pricey resort. If you wish to experience the life of one of the Hollywood stars that descend on the San Sebastian International Film Festival, book your room at the Hotel Maria Cristina. Alternatively, the Nobu Hotel San Sebastián and the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra will also keep you in the lap of luxury.
Small pensions and apartments can be found throughout San Sebastian, but if you are looking for the hotel experience, then you will find the majority of these in the Centro district. As the name suggests, a stay in this area puts you with an easy walking distance of most of the city’s attractions. Consider staying at the likes of the Loaldia or the Hotel Arrizul Catedral. As for budget options, there are hostels available, like The City Hostel. I chose a budget option for my stay, having a very comfortable time at the Pension Aussie Guesthouse and found it perfectly located, right in the very heart of the Old Town.
Related Blog Posts
If you would like more information on how to tour the Basque Country and visit these locations, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Comment below and let us know what were your favourite places to visit in The Basque Country.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these attractions of The Basque Country appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the best things to do in The Basque Country, or indeed, a general tour of Spain.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
Map of the Basque Country
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