Welcome to Basque Country!
Each page opens with an inspirational video. If you have the time, sit back and enjoy. These filmmakers have an incredible passion for travel and we want to share their talent. After watching, we hope to give you a reason to read on….
*Video Plays Once~Click 1X to Pause
About Basque Country
The Basque Country is an area of northern Spain located just west of the Pyrenees Mountains near France. One of the oldest documented civilizations comes from this area. The language is not similar to Spanish or even French. Their traditions are very regional. Also, the climate is unlike the mainland of Spain and the south. It sees more rainfall, much like the UK. The Bay of Biscay provides a variety of seafood which is part of their main cuisine. It is known for its fine dining, worldwide, with over 40 Michelin star restaurants, more per area than anywhere else. Other dishes local to the area include Pintxos (the Basque version of tapas), Sheep’s cheese, Sparkling wine, and Basque cider.
In recent years San Juan Gaztelugatxe has gained more recognition with the filming of Game of Thrones. It is the iconic home built in the 10th century that sits on an islet, 250 steps away. Overhead, it looks like the Wall of China.
You may recognize some of these cities by their name; San Sebastian, Pamplona, and Bilbao. Even these few that are mentioned, are so different from each other. You must check out this site organized by the board of tourism, click HERE. This guide is extremely organized and can help you with your planning. San Sebastian offers so much to see and do. Click HERE for more on this breathtaking city. Of course, Pamplona receives some of its fame from its adopted son, Ernest Hemingway, who spent time during the Spanish Civil War, when he penned the book, “The Sun Also Rises”. But most people in recent days, recognize Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls which occurs each July 6 as part of the tradition. We usually get clips of folks trying to dodge these 2000 lb animals. It draws about a million visitors and is one of the largest festivals in Spain. Bilbao, on the other hand, is a metropolitan city that is growing with successful additions to its infrastructure. The Guggenheim Museum, even from the outside, is a site to behold. The airport and metro systems have been redesigned and offer efficiency in and out of the city.
*A special thank you to Sawy who showcases this amazing part of Spain. Be sure to click on the link below the video to see it again or see his other videos on his YouTube Channel . also click Visit Basque Countriy for their Official Travel page.
Planning Guide
Maps & Other Resources
Basque is a larger area than just one city so the best way to determine where to travel is by checking out their official site, Euskoguide, which gives you more information on what to see and do. Click HERE.
The website: GPS My City offers self-guided walks and articles on some of the towns in northern Spain, like San Sebastian.
Eat Play & Stay
For some of our top recommendations and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, check out the slider below. We have vetted these based on past stays or future bucket list goals. There are many other choices that fit each style and taste, so be sure to click the additional links below to narrow down options on things to do, and where to eat & stay.
Feel free to click on the slider or the icon at the top right to stop the slide and the arrow to continue.
Karrika Taberna offers a traditional Pinxtos experience at affordable prices. Like other taverns the bar is filled with these bite size delicacies. Click the title to learn more. There are so many Pintxos bars in San Sebastian. Some say there are more per square km than anywhere else in Europe. Spend some time reviewing the taverns on Tripadvisor (click Explore More) and Google maps. Also check out the videos by The Vaga Brothers and James Bick below.
The beaches are beautiful and the cobblestone streets, charming, but one of the best experiences, is to partake in a Pintxos Tour. Devour Tours . Click on the title to get more information on these amazing and unforgettable food tours.
AirBNB has a wonderful selection of apartments near the beach and the old town. Neighborhood is quaint and this apartment has a lovely outdoor space for probably less than $100 per night depending on time of year. Click Explore More to find other options on AirBNB.
For the most comprehensive travel guides out there, click Trip Savvy and Culture Trip below! These travel sites hire local writers and expert travelers to share the most relevant articles and best tips in the industry! Branding belongs to each respecitve company.
Get Your Guide Options
Local Spotlight
What is Basque?
If you want to learn about the Basque people and its culture, you must check out this blog. It is dedicated to sharing the history of this unique group of individuals and how they offer a unique experience in Spain.
Vaga Brothers
Travel Vlog
Alex and Marko are very accomplished bloggers who have shown us many places in Europe that are off the beaten path. They share what is different and special about the Basque country. They worked in northern Spain for a year and have a wealth of information and incredible videos on their Youtube channel.
Vaga Brothers
Explore Pinxtos
Vaga Brothers take you to some fabulous pintxos bars in San Sebastian. they enlist the help of two local food bloggers, Eli and Marti for advice on the best spots around. This is an impressive group. Be sure to check out Marti’s blog: Travel Cook Eat Click HERE and Eli’s blog, click HERE. Also be sure to check out their Spain page- click Explore More
When in Spain
The Basque Country
with David Bumstead
Paul Burge chats with long time resident of the amazing Basque Country of Spain, David Bumsted. Learn about this unique and distinguised group of people and their culture. You will want to add this to your bucket list. Also Check out the show notes below and find other great podcasts on Spain.
Off the Beaten Path
San Juan de
Gaztelugatxe
Located just off the shore along the Bay of Biscay and 35 km (22 miles) east from Bilbao, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a definite “must” if you are visiting the Basque Country. Many will recognize San Juan de Gaztelugatxe as the island fortress of “Dragonstone” from season 7 of Game of Thrones, however, its real name can be translated as “castle rock” The island is connected to the mainland by a man-made stone bridge (241 steps) and zigzags its way to the top.
San Sebastian
We always look for free walking tours when wanting to get the historical perspective from a local. This site offers free and low cost small walking tours that take you to the beach and down the streets of San Sebastian, ending in a local bar to eat some pintxos. This tour is called the Window of San Sebastian and is 35 euro pp. Click the title for this tour and Explore More to find other options.
James Blick ~Pintxos
You can already tell if you have seen our other pages, that we follow James & Yolanda because they give you a local perspective that you may not get many other places. Just as other parts of Spain, tapas are a way of life. Pintxos are the tapas of Northern Spain and they offer outstanding variety and flavors. If you make it to Basque Country, try a Pintxos Crawl!
Virtual Walking Tour ~ San Sebastian
by B&A Been There
Recent Blog Posts
use arrows to navigate
Additional Blog Posts
Greece Travel Guide
Why Travel to Greece? Greece likely comes to mind when you think of whitewashed buildings and epic blue domes shimmering against crystal-clear waters. This enchanting
How to Plan the Ultimate European Trip!
1. The Most Important Part of Creating the Ultimate European Trip, Is To Choose Destinations That Inspire You~ Maybe a book, movie, or series has