The Spanish basque country is located between the French border, and the autonomous communities of Navarre, Leon, and Cantabria easily stand out from the rest of Spain. If you decide to explore this Basque country Itinerary, you should be ready to explore this land like never before.
You will be amazed by the diversity of landscapes ranging from wild rocky or sandy coasts, green and hostile mountains, fairytale lakes, and unique countryside. Gastronomy looks eye in the eye at the best destinations in Spain, and its people preserve their traditions with a pride rarely matched.
When travelling slowly in Spain, this is a mandatory stop every traveller eager to dive into local cultures and traditions should visit. Ready to unveil what makes this place special?
The Spanish basque country is located between the French border, and the autonomous communities of Navarre, Leon, and Cantabria easily stand out from the rest of Spain. If you decide to explore this Basque country Itinerary, you should be ready to explore this land like never before.
You will be amazed by the diversity of landscapes ranging from wild rocky or sandy coasts, green and hostile mountains, fairytale lakes, and unique countryside. Gastronomy looks eye in the eye at the best destinations in Spain, and its people preserve their traditions with a pride rarely matched.
When travelling slowly in Spain, this is a mandatory stop every traveller eager to dive into local cultures and traditions should visit. Ready to unveil what makes this place special?
The ultimate Spanish Basque Country Itinerary
This Itinerary in the Spanish-basque country can be done in both senses. It aims to give you an overview of some hidden gems and treasures of this remarkable basque region. I highly encourage you not to follow blindly but rather get inspired by it to create your own.
Every Slow Traveller has its proper perception but I believe it will help you to travel slowly and better understand your surroundings once there while doing it respectably. Enjoy!
This Itinerary in the Spanish-basque country can be done in both senses. It aims to give you an overview of some hidden gems and treasures of this remarkable basque region. I highly encourage you not to follow blindly but rather get inspired by it to create your own.
Every Slow Traveller has its proper perception but I believe it will help you to travel slowly and better understand your surroundings once there while doing it respectably. Enjoy!
When should I do this basque country itinerary?
Northern Spain is more humid and has less sunny days than southern spain. Therefore, it is important to choose wisely when you should undertake this basque country itinerary to not end up soaking and disappointed.
The best months to ensure ideal weather is between May and the end of September. During this time, nature is blooming, and green landscapes pop up everywhere while not being too hot compared to the rest of Spain.
The rainy days are limited and during this time of the year, many local celebrations and festivities happen, especially between June and August. These months are the best time to go and enjoy the Spanish Basque Country.
Northern Spain is more humid and has less sunny days than southern spain. Therefore, it is important to choose wisely when you should undertake this basque country itinerary to not end up soaking and disappointed.
The best months to ensure ideal weather is between May and the end of September. During this time, nature is blooming, and green landscapes pop up everywhere while not being too hot compared to the rest of Spain.
The rainy days are limited and during this time of the year, many local celebrations and festivities happen, especially between June and August. These months are the best time to go and enjoy the Spanish Basque Country.
How many days for this Spanish basque country itinerary?
Overall and following the Slow Travel mindset, I advise a minimum of three weeks to complete this basque country itinerary. However, it applies if you are considering visiting each step. If not, then consider at least 2 days per place to give you an estimation and not rush through the different steps.
Once again, you should get inspired by the places below to create your Spanish basque country itinerary. Get curious about what’s around you, and remember that every place is an opportunity to discover something new about the local Basque culture and its people.
So, let’s start with the first spot of this Basque country road trip itinerary.
Overall and following the Slow Travel mindset, I advise a minimum of three weeks to complete this basque country itinerary.
However, it applies if you are considering visiting each step. If not, then consider at least 2 days per place to give you an estimation and not rush through the different steps.
Once again, you should get inspired by the places below to create your Spanish basque country itinerary. Get curious about what’s around you, and remember that every place is an opportunity to discover something new about the local Basque culture and its people.
So, let’s start with the first spot of this Basque country road trip itinerary.
1/ Col des Veaux
It was my first impression of the Spanish basque country and I absolutely loved it. This place gathered absolutely what I love: kind people, wild nature, and freedom.
This mountain pass is an invisible high border between France and Spain. Part of the wider GR10, one of the best European Hikes, it is heaven for every nature lover.
You can wild camp there but be careful if you do a firecamp and leave nothing except footprint. A magical place where wild horses roam freely, and where the sun sets behind a fern tree landscape.
It was my first impression of the Spanish basque country and I absolutely loved it. This place gathered absolutely what I love: kind people, wild nature, and freedom.
This mountain pass is an invisible high border between France and Spain. Part of the wider GR10, one of the best European Hikes, it is heaven for every nature lover.
You can wild camp there but be careful if you do a firecamp and leave nothing except footprint. A magical place where wild horses roam freely, and where the sun sets behind a fern tree landscape.
2/ Sán Sebastián
The second step of this Spanish basque country itinerary, San Sebastian is a city packed with history and culture. Its origins are a bit….mysterious since only a few documents talking about its construction have survived until today. However, if you like stoned buildings and houses, you will love the old town. Its beaches are well-kept and clean, and some are ideal for surfing!
But this isn’t the city’s attraction, far from there! Wandering around is a true pleasure as every step brings you to an even more beautiful corner. When dusk comes, San Sebastian wakes up for the second time, revealing a lively atmosphere to eat tapas at a local bar, enjoy music, or dance until dawn. Check out what to do in Sán Sebastián!
The second step of this Spanish basque country itinerary, San Sebastian is a city packed with history and culture. Its origins are a bit….mysterious since only a few documents talking about its construction have survived until today.
However, if you like stoned buildings and houses, you will love the old town. Its beaches are well-kept and clean, and some are ideal for surfing!
But this isn’t the city’s attraction, far from there! Wandering around is a true pleasure as every step brings you to an even more beautiful corner.
When dusk comes, San Sebastian wakes up for the second time, revealing a lively atmosphere to eat tapas at a local bar, enjoy music, or dance until dawn. Check out what to do in Sán Sebastián!
3/ Zarautz
Zarautz is more of a developing seaside resort but might be worth it to include this city into your basque country itinerary plan. There, you can enjoy many outdoors activities ranging from surfing to hiking.
Several places exist for trying the local basque gastronomy. Are you drawn by grilled freshly fished seafood, a nice steak, or local wine? Then, you are at the right place! Furthermore, this is the largest beach in the Spanish basque country, ideal for those looking to toast or learn how to surf.
Zarautz is more of a developing seaside resort but might be worth it to include this city into your basque country itinerary plan. There, you can enjoy many outdoors activities ranging from surfing to hiking.
Several places exist for trying the local basque gastronomy. Are you drawn by grilled freshly fished seafood, a nice steak, or local wine?
Then, you are at the right place! Furthermore, this is the largest beach in the Spanish basque country, ideal for those looking to toast or learn how to surf.
4/ Zumaia
Zumaia was a famous fishing harbour where local and international artists would come to re-energise. But, it had then fought the best it could against the 50s’ modernism laws and still suffers nowadays because of it.
This small village is worth the detour if you want to eat fresh fish or seafood, observe the tiny church facing the sea, hike to Deba along the majestic flysch cliffs, or more activities you can find in this What to do in Zumaia article.
We had the chance to arrive there during a local celebration, and I couldn’t ask for a better cultural dive: traditional clothes, plenty of food to try, and a local parade!
Zumaia was a famous fishing harbour where local and international artists would come to re-energise. But, it had then fought the best it could against the 50s’ modernism laws and still suffers nowadays because of it.
This small village is worth the detour if you want to eat fresh fish or seafood, observe the tiny church facing the sea, hike to Deba along the majestic flysch cliffs, or more activities you can find in this What to do in Zumaia article.
We had the chance to arrive there during a local celebration, and I couldn’t ask for a better cultural dive: traditional clothes, plenty of food to try, and a local parade!
5/ Deba
The national road from Zarautz to Deba is splendid! Don’t miss it by taking the highway. There is not much to see in the little town of Deba, but it is still a nice day stop to soak up local Basque culture.
For locals, it represents an escape from overcrowded cities and summer destinations. This little beach town is quiet and serene, with a wide variety of outdoor activities in the surroundings.
But, despite its size, it is an ideal stop for my fellow surfers as waves tend to be good but not gigantic as in other locations. Along the beachfront, you will find local cafés where I encourage you to sit, enjoy the view and order some pintxos with a café con leche. It is Slow Travel at its peak.
The national road from Zarautz to Deba is splendid! Don’t miss it by taking the highway. There is not much to see in the little town of Deba, but it is still a nice day stop to soak up local Basque culture.
For locals, it represents an escape from overcrowded cities and summer destinations. This little beach town is quiet and serene, with a wide variety of outdoor activities in the surroundings.
But, despite its size, it is an ideal stop for my fellow surfers as waves tend to be good but not gigantic as in other locations.
Along the beachfront, you will find local cafés where I encourage you to sit, enjoy the view and order some pintxos with a café con leche. It is Slow Travel at its peak.
6/ Mutriku
Mutriku is often overlooked by travellers when creating their Spanish basque country itinerary, a giant mistake! This Slow Travel destination was built during the thirteenth century and has even been linked to the sea as one of the old harbours in the Basque country.
The old town, or Casco Viejo, is one of the most remarkable I have seen in Spain and stands out for several houses and buildings, which being 6 century old and still very well conserved. It’s a medieval village with a unique charm with the main part spreading from the old harbour up to the facing hill (the view from the top is memorable). The flysch cliffs are beautiful and give an even wilder look to the surroundings.
Want a delicious lunch or dinner? Don’t hesitate and head to Piperren Txokoa, you will thank me later. Their bonito is still the best one I ate in Spain. Then if you want to have a drink, walk towards the flixbain where local bands play traditional basque music and let you enjoy your beer with a breath-taking view of the ocean.
Local celebrations: Las Madalenas and Kalbaixo celebrations.
Mutriku is often overlooked by travellers when creating their Spanish basque country itinerary, a giant mistake! This Slow Travel destination was built during the thirteenth century and has even been linked to the sea as one of the old harbours in the Basque country.
The old town, or Casco Viejo, is one of the most remarkable I have seen in Spain and stands out for several houses and buildings, which being 6 century old and still very well conserved.
It’s a medieval village with a unique charm with the main part spreading from the old harbour up to the facing hill (the view from the top is memorable). The flysch cliffs are beautiful and give an even wilder look to the surroundings.
Want a delicious lunch or dinner? Don’t hesitate and head to Piperren Txokoa, you will thank me later. Their bonito is still the best one I ate in Spain.
Then if you want to have a drink, walk towards the flixbain where local bands play traditional basque music and let you enjoy your beer with a breath-taking view of the ocean.
Local celebrations: Las Madalenas and Kalbaixo celebrations.
7/ Ondarroa
You can enter the small fishermen city of Ondarroa via one of its five bridges. Then, dive into its historical center located astride between an overhanging hill and the river. I highly advise you to order a fish freshly out of the sea for lunch or dinner and savour the local flavour.
The city itself is enjoyable to wander, and I could feel the pride of its people through the different graffiti along my way, reflecting the passionate and bloody history of the Basque people.
There, I had the chance to experience the Cucaña, a traditional sport where participants must reach the end of a greasy mast placed above water. I had a lot of fun playing with the local child, who showed me how it should be done but I wasn’t bad at all, evolving in the picturesque landscape.
You can enter the small fishermen city of Ondarroa via one of its five bridges. Then, dive into its historical center located astride between an overhanging hill and the river. I highly advise you to order a fish freshly out of the sea for lunch or dinner and savour the local flavour.
The city itself is enjoyable to wander, and I could feel the pride of its people through the different graffiti along my way, reflecting the passionate and bloody history of the Basque people.
There, I had the chance to experience the Cucaña, a traditional sport where participants must reach the end of a greasy mast placed above water.
I had a lot of fun playing with the local child, who showed me how it should be done but I wasn’t bad at all, evolving in the picturesque landscape.
8/ Lekeitio
Back then, Lekeitio was one of the most popular destinations for wealthy local people. Today it is a fabulous stop within this Spanish Basque country itinerary you don’t want to miss. This humble city is an enjoyable place with its beaches and the amazing Isla de Garraitz facing it.
There, you can hike the different paths and ruins to better understand its history and heritage. However, be careful! The island is only accessible when the tide is low and the path is highly slippery.
The center is worth the detour with its colourful alleys and houses, the imposing Basílica de la Asunción, or the central square where local festivities are organised during summer time (concerts, animations).
For sunset, head to the Faro de Santa Catalina, where many tracks cross the hill, offering a moment every nature lover and slow traveller will enjoy. The city is also famous because of an incident that happened a few years ago, showcasing the Basque resilience and determination, leading to the closing of one nearby central nuclear plant.
Back then, Lekeitio was one of the most popular destinations for wealthy local people. Today it is a fabulous stop within this Spanish Basque country itinerary you don’t want to miss. This humble city is an enjoyable place with its beaches and the amazing Isla de Garraitz facing it.
There, you can hike the different paths and ruins to better understand its history and heritage. However, be careful! The island is only accessible when the tide is low and the path is highly slippery.
The center is worth the detour with its colourful alleys and houses, the imposing Basílica de la Asunción, or the central square where local festivities are organised during summer time (concerts, animations).
For sunset, head to the Faro de Santa Catalina, where many tracks cross the hill, offering a moment every nature lover and slow traveller will enjoy.
The city is also famous because of an incident that happened a few years ago, showcasing the Basque resilience and determination, leading to the closing of one nearby central nuclear plant.
9/ Guernica
Guernica is a mandatory step I wanted to include in this Basque country itinerary, and for a particular reason: I was pleasantly surprised by what I discovered. The visit to the city, famous for Picassos’ painting, deserves a day of exploration to understand a crucial element of the Basque country’s history.
First of all, if you want to dive into local history, there is a circuit that has been created with informative signs to learn and understand what happened on the 26th of April, 1937, the day when Nazis bombed Guernica, leading to the creation of the painting as a political statement.
But, guernica is more than a bloody event, it is a crucial point into the basque country tradition. For years, even centuries, representatives from all over the Spanish autonomous community had come to create their own laws under the guernica tree and Casa de Juntas. There, the autonomy of the Basque has been declared.
Plus, I had the chance to arrive during a local celebration where two old ladies took me under their wings and before deciding they will show me around. I was led into town, exchanged with locals, took part in a traditional parade and witnessed how the ancient tradition of a local lemonade was resurrected thanks to locals’ efforts.
Guernica is a mandatory step I wanted to include in this Basque country itinerary, and for a particular reason: I was pleasantly surprised by what I discovered.
The visit to the city, famous for Picassos’ painting, deserves a day of exploration to understand a crucial element of the Basque country’s history.
First of all, if you want to dive into local history, there is a circuit that has been created with informative signs to learn and understand what happened on the 26th of April, 1937, the day when Nazis bombed Guernica, leading to the creation of the painting as a political statement.
But, guernica is more than a bloody event, it is a crucial point into the basque country tradition. For years, even centuries, representatives from all over the Spanish autonomous community had come to create their own laws under the guernica tree and Casa de Juntas. There, the autonomy of the Basque has been declared.
Plus, I had the chance to arrive during a local celebration where two old ladies took me under their wings and before deciding they will show me around.
I was led into town, exchanged with locals, took part in a traditional parade and witnessed how the ancient tradition of a local lemonade was resurrected thanks to locals’ efforts.
10/ Mundaka
One of the best surf spots I have been to in this Spanish basque country itinerary, by far. Known for its wonderful left wave, attracting worldwide surfers, it is also a nice spot for beginners and the walk to reach the beach is amazing when the tide is low.
What makes Mundaka stand out from other places is its balanced mix of the authentic fishing atmosphere and its natural beauty. The traditional harbour and the houses of the neighbourhood are perfectly kept, creating the perfect place to Slow Travel.
Wander around, enjoy pintxos in a local bar or a grilled fish (the grouper is a local speciality), explore the fishermen’s alleys, rest at the Urdaibai biosphere reserve (worth the detour), walk along the seaside until the beautiful Santa Catalina church, surf, or hikes the surroundings mountains to plenty enjoy what Mundaka has to offer. For more details, check out the things to do in Mundaka.
One of the best surf spots I have been to in this Spanish basque country itinerary, by far. Known for its wonderful left wave, attracting worldwide surfers, it is also a nice spot for beginners and the walk to reach the beach is amazing when the tide is low.
What makes Mundaka stand out from other places is its balanced mix of the authentic fishing atmosphere and its natural beauty. The traditional harbour and the houses of the neighbourhood are perfectly kept, creating the perfect place to Slow Travel.
Wander around, enjoy pintxos in a local bar or a grilled fish (the grouper is a local speciality), explore the fishermen’s alleys, rest at the Urdaibai biosphere reserve (worth the detour), walk along the seaside until the beautiful Santa Catalina church, surf, or hikes the surroundings mountains to plenty enjoy what Mundaka has to offer. For more details, check out the things to do in Mundaka.
11/ Sopela
Also known as Sopelana, Sopela is famous for its cliffs and beaches. The most tourist spots are the three main beaches, which despite their popularity, still offer a wild impression. All of them are excellent to surf if this is your dope.
However, there is other information to know about Sopela. This is one of the only coastal towns without a harbour, a rare particularity in the region. Therefore, people were mostly farmers and their former barns are well-kept, giving us a glimpse of what houses looked like back in the past. Other monuments worth the detour are the San Andres ermitage or San Pedro church.
You can easily hike around going east and the landscapes are breath-taking, alternating between wild nature, sharp cliffs, and infinite ocean. Here are more details about What to do in Sopela.
Also known as Sopelana, Sopela is famous for its cliffs and beaches. The most tourist spots are the three main beaches, which despite their popularity, still offer a wild impression. All of them are excellent to surf if this is your dope.
However, there is other information to know about Sopela. This is one of the only coastal towns without a harbour, a rare particularity in the region.
Therefore, people were mostly farmers and their former barns are well-kept, giving us a glimpse of what houses looked like back in the past. Other monuments worth the detour are the San Andres ermitage or San Pedro church.
You can easily hike around going east and the landscapes are breath-taking, alternating between wild nature, sharp cliffs, and infinite ocean. Here are more details about What to do in Sopela.
12/ Bilbao
Back in the past, Bilbao was a heavily industrial city, but since the Spanish economic crisis, the local government decided to undertake a drastic change and renovate the whole city. Nowadays, it’s a destination far more enjoyable with still some relics from its ancient times, where each neighbourhood has its proper atmosphere and soul.
The inhabitants of the Spanish Basque Country capital are the perfect representation of the Basque. They are proud, profoundly rooted to their traditions and history, and have a certain tendency to manifest their dissatisfaction against politics. I had the chance to spend 5 days there and it made me understand why Bilbao is a unique destination off-beat.
Whether you are an art lover, a curious historian, or a Slow traveller eager to dive into local traditions, gastronomy, and stories, you shouldn’t miss Bilbao and add it to your itinerary in the Spanish Basque country. If I convinced you enough, dive into this 2-day guide in Bilbao and thank me later.
Back in the past, Bilbao was a heavily industrial city, but since the Spanish economic crisis, the local government decided to undertake a drastic change and renovate the whole city.
Nowadays, it’s a destination far more enjoyable with still some relics from its ancient times, where each neighbourhood has its proper atmosphere and soul.
The inhabitants of the Spanish Basque Country capital are the perfect representation of the Basque. They are proud, profoundly rooted to their traditions and history, and have a certain tendency to manifest their dissatisfaction against politics. I had the chance to spend 5 days there and it made me understand why Bilbao is a unique destination off-beat.
Whether you are an art lover, a curious historian, or a Slow traveller eager to dive into local traditions, gastronomy, and stories, you shouldn’t miss Bilbao and add it to your itinerary in the Spanish Basque country. If I convinced you enough, dive into this 2-day guide in Bilbao and thank me later.
Spanish Basque Country Itinerary - FAQ
Best surfing spots of the Spanish Basque Country
The Spanish basque country is well-known for its magnificent beaches and ideal surf conditions. The best surf spots of this basque country itinerary are Sopela, Mundaka, Deba, Zarautz, and Sán Sebastián.
The Spanish basque country is well-known for its magnificent beaches and ideal surf conditions. The best surf spots of this basque country itinerary are Sopela, Mundaka, Deba, Zarautz, and Sán Sebastián.
Best Hikes in the Spanish Basque Country
The nature in this autonomous community is splendid most of the year (from March to October) and offers memorable landscapes of wild areas, sharp cliffs, and the Ocean. The best hikes of this Spanish basque country itinerary can be found at le Col des Veaux and around the cities of Sopela, Mundaka, Zumaia, and Zarautz.
The nature in this autonomous community is splendid most of the year (from March to October) and offers memorable landscapes of wild areas, sharp cliffs, and the Ocean.
The best hikes of this Spanish basque country itinerary can be found at le Col des Veaux and around the cities of Sopela, Mundaka, Zumaia, and Zarautz.
Best things to do in this Spanish Basque Country Itinerary
When you aim to discover and travel slowly throughout the Basque country, you want to understand its history by talking to locals, catching a glimpse of their traditions and mentalities, connecting with nature via different activities (surfing, hiking), diving into the fabulous local gastronomy, and take your time to feel this place’s soul and essence.
When you aim to discover and travel slowly throughout the Basque country, you want to understand its history by talking to locals, catching a glimpse of their traditions and mentalities, connecting with nature via different activities (surfing, hiking), diving into the fabulous local gastronomy, and take your time to feel this place’s soul and essence.
The Basque languages
The local language is called Euskara and is spoken in Spain and France at the western edge of the Pyrenees. During the republic of Franco, it was prohibited to speak it on penalty of death, but fortunately, it has survived until today and is now slowly spreading again.
Strangely enough, “Euskara is a genetically isolated language; in other words, it is related to no other known language family” (source: here). Overall, speaking Spanish will help, but you could find your way by speaking English.
The local language is called Euskara and is spoken in Spain and France at the western edge of the Pyrenees. During the republic of Franco, it was prohibited to speak it on penalty of death, but fortunately, it has survived until today and is now slowly spreading again.
Strangely enough, “Euskara is a genetically isolated language; in other words, it is related to no other known language family” (source: here). Overall, speaking Spanish will help, but you could find your way by speaking English.
Enjoy your Itinerary in the Spanish Basque Country
You now have a decent amount of information to create your own basque country itinerary fellow Slow traveller! Besides the described places, there are many more hidden gems and treasures waiting to be discovered by you. So, remember to be curious, and respectful as it opens doors like never before.
The Basque country’s history is fascinating and its people welcoming, don’t miss your chance to explore one of the most wonderful Spain regions. A whole universe is about to unveil in front of your eyes, be ready and if not you can always come back to the basis and learn how to Slow Travel.
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with heart.
You now have a decent amount of information to create your own basque country itinerary fellow Slow traveller! Besides the described places, there are many more hidden gems and treasures waiting to be discovered by you. So, remember to be curious, and respectful as it opens doors like never before.
The Basque country’s history is fascinating and its people welcoming, don’t miss your chance to explore one of the most wonderful Spain regions.
A whole universe is about to unveil in front of your eyes, be ready and if not you can always come back to the basis and learn how to Slow Travel.
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with heart.
