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The Best of the Basque Country

 * Basque Country Guide
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   The Best of the Basque Country

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BASQUE COUNTRY

INTRO THINGS TO DO GASTRONOMY HOTELS HISTORY LANGUAGE CLIMATE TRANSPORT MORE


BASQUE COUNTRY TRAVEL GUIDE

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE OF THE BEST HOTELS IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY!


 

Introduction
The Basque Country has long been an unexplored region in northern Spain and
southern France. But that’s all changing these days since it’s starting to show
up on travel itineraries – and rightfully so. As one of Europe’s oldest and most
culturally rich regions, it has a lot to offer visitors. From modern cities,
quaint villages and green landscapes to world class cuisine and Spain’s best
wine region – the Basque Country has something for everyone.

The name Euskal Herria is how the natives of the Basque Country refer to their
land. It simply means, “land of the Basque speakers.” And Basque has been spoken
by the feisty inhabitants well before the Romans ever arrived. Their full
history as well as the origins of their language have long been shrouded in
mystery.

However, their identity is very evident. This can be seen in the plethora of
Basque music, dance, sports, festivals and food – all of which are celebrated
with great fervor by the Basques.

Even with this strong identity, a new image of the Basque Country is emerging.
Bilbao, which is now a mecca for design and architecture was, until some decades
ago, a city full of decaying industrial complexes.

The city underwent a transformation and some of the finest architects in the
world were invited to leave their mark. The Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank
Gehry is the most well known example and it’s now the number one tourist
destination in the entire Basque region.



San Sebastian is also redefining the Basque image around the world with its
extraordinary cuisine. The city has 14 Michelin stars spread across 6
restaurants. It is also one of the best places to eat pintxos – culinary
creations in miniature form, similar to Spanish tapas but better.

San Sebastian isn’t the only place to eat amazing food. Located just 20 minutes
up the coast, the beautiful town of Hondarribia is quickly becoming a hotspot
for foodies. And once you’ve eaten all that tasty food then a trip to Spain’s
best wine region – la Rioja – is not far off.

There’s still so much more to be discovered in the Basque Country. The region is
packed with quaint villages like those found in the French Basque Country and
numerous fishing communities found along the coast. There are beautiful beach
resorts such as Biarritz and some of the best surf spots in the world. Have a
look through our travel guide and website – because there is just far too much
to mention here.



WHERE IS
The Basque Country

BASQUE COUNTRY
Map


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BASQUE COUNTRY'S TOP THINGS TO DO & SEE

Top Things to Do & See
The Basque Country is a diverse land with lots to do and experience. We have put
together a list of top picks to give you an introduction to the region’s “must
sees” and to help guide you in the planning of your travel itinerary.

1  


BILBAO

Basque mecca of art & design

Bilbao's Old Town
Guggenheim Museum – #1 tourist attraction of Bilbao
Bilbao's beautiful metro
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Bilbao is the beating heart of the Basque Country as well as the region’s
largest and most cosmopolitan city. Bilbao’s main draw for visitors is, without
a doubt, the Guggenheim Museum.

This impressive building designed by the architect Frank Gehry, is considered to
be one of the most important structures of contemporary architecture. The
construction of the Guggenheim marked an important turning point in the history
of Bilbao.

Over the past several decades, the city has undergone a huge transformation. The
old decaying industrial complexes along the river have been ripped up and a new
modern Bilbao has emerged. Countless world class architects have since left
their mark on the city.

Today, in addition to the Guggenheim Museum, there is a timeless Metro system
designed by Sir Norman Foster, an airport and a bridge from Spanish architect
Santiago Calatrava and a community center (Alhondiga) designed by Philippe
Starck. The list goes on and on.

Much like the rest of the Basque Country, Bilbao is constantly evolving. While
the city is embracing the future, it is also conserving its past and there is
plenty of old Bilbao to be discovered. Whatever you are looking for, whether
it’s savory Basque cuisine, Basque culture, shopping, nightlife, etc., you will
find it in Bilbao.

MORE INFO
Bilbao Travel Guide




2  


SAN SEBASTIÁN

Majestic city on the Cantabrian Sea

Views from the Igueldo Mount
San Sebastian's Old Town
Railing at la Concha Beach
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San Sebastián, or Donostia as it is called in Basque, is a majestic city with
beautiful beaches and an impressive culinary scene. The city was first made
famous during the Belle Époque era and is where Queen Maria Cristina established
her royal summerhouse.

Since then, San Sebastián has attracted wealthy beach-goers in search of sun and
sophistication. And it’s no wonder why.

The city’s main beach, called La Concha, is for sure the most beautiful urban
beach in Europe. Luxurious beachside mansions run along La Concha, as well as
the famous spa called La Perla (The Pearl) and its boardwalk is lined by an
ornate white railing that has become a symbol of the city.

If that already weren’t enough, there are two additional beaches in San
Sebastian, one of which is also very popular with surfers.

In more recent years, San Sebastián has gained significant press for its
cuisine. The city alone has 14 Michelin stars spread across 6 restaurants and
famously boasts more stars per capita than anywhere else in the world other than
Tokyo. Restaurant Mugaritz has been ranked number 31 in the world (2023 World’s
50 Best Restaurants). It is in many ways like a mini Paris, except in Basque
style.

San Sebastián is also famous for its pintxos (similar to tapas). And the best
place to go to try some of them is the Parte Vieja (Old Part). This charming old
city center is famous for having the highest concentration of bars in the world.
This is where the pintxo is king and the food is taken very seriously.

MORE INFO
San Sebastian Travel Guide



3  


GERNIKA

Historic political center of the Basque Country

Pablo Picasso's "Guernica" – reproduction
Guernica Tree
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Gernika is known throughout the world due to the painting by Pablo Picasso that
bears the same name (although spelled the Spanish way, “Guernica”). It was this
town that was bombed in 1937, the events of which inspired Picasso’s most famous
piece of art.

The bombing by German and Italian air forces took many lives and left the town
utterly destroyed. The destruction of Gernika was ordered by Francisco Franco in
an attempt to overthrow the Republican government during the Spanish Civil War.

One of the reasons Gernika was chosen for the bombing is due to its importance
both politically and historically. The Gernika Tree can be found here and it’s
where, underneath its branches, Basques were granted autonomy in the Middle
Ages.

Next to the tree is the Biscayan Assembly, a place where the political leaders
have meet to decide the fate of their people over the ages. Both the assembly
and the tree offer insights into the history of the Basque people and can give a
deeper understanding of more recent historical events such as the Basque
independence movement.

In addition, Gernika also has its own Basque museum, the Euskal Herria Museum as
well as the Peace Museum. For those who are interested in Basque culture and
politics, Gernika is a must.

On a lighter note, the city is also host to the Monday Market, one of the most
important markets of the Basque Country.

MORE INFO
Gernika Travel Guide



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4  


FRENCH BASQUE VILLAGES & TOWNS

Rustic Basque beauty

St Jean de Luz – Entry to the port
Espelette – Xerri Karrika Street
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The French Basque Country has numerous well manicured villages and towns with
rustic charm. A majority of them are scattered throughout the interior among the
green hills of the countryside and often only occupy a street or two.

Saint Jean de Luz is one of the exceptions that is actually located on the coast
and it is also rather unique since it combines traditional old Basque
architecture found in the interior with stately mansions that have a French
influence.

This is due to the fact that in the 17th century the town transitioned from
being one of France’s most important fishing ports to a center for Basque
corsairs. These corsairs looted and plundered and brought back incredible wealth
to Saint Jean de Luz, the evidence of which can still be seen.

Today, Saint Jean de Luz is a sleepy beach town that is the perfect place for
families or couples who are seeking to relax in the sun while experiencing the
charm of a gone-by era.

In the French Basque interior, the most beautiful village is Espelette. Its
picture-perfect streets are lined with traditional Basque houses, many of which
feature Espelette’s number one export, the Piment d’Espelette (“Espelette
pepper”).

These drying peppers proudly dangle from lines that are attached to the facades
of the houses, creating the symbol of the entire village. It is a pleasure to
stroll down its streets and take in the unique scenery while stopping once in a
while at the stores and boutiques that sell not only the famous peppers but also
many more local products such as chocolate and cheese.

Deep in the French Basque Country’s hinterland lies another beautiful village,
St. Jean Pied-de-Port. It’s unspoiled and surrounded by a green landscape making
it a great place for those interested in hiking and those in search of solitude
& relaxation. It is a walled village and has numerous gates.

The most well known is the Porte St-Jacques which was made a Unesco World
Heritage Site in 1998. St. Jean Pied-de-Port is also a popular starting point
for many pilgrims traveling along the Camino de Santiago. The camino is also
listed as a World Heritage by Unesco.





5  


BEACHES

Beaches for all tastes

Beach in Zumaia
Laga Beach, Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
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The Basque coast is full of beaches and there are far too many to even mention
here. However, whichever kind of beach you are looking for, whether it is a city
beach, a wild isolated beach, or anything else in between, you will find it in
the Basque Country.

Laga & Laida Beaches - Located within the Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai, these
two beaches are two of the Basque Country’s most beautiful. Laida is quite
special because it is located in the middle of an estuary and changes depending
on the tide to reveal more or less of the sandbanks.

Lekeitio - A small town with a few special beaches and crystal clear turquoise
water. In the bay lies an island that can be reached via a sandbank during low
tide.

Hendaye - A 3km long sandy beach located on the French-Spanish border.

Biarritz - Posh beach resort that is popular among surfers. It’s the French
Basque Country’s answer to San Sebastian.

San Sebastian - The city’s main beach, La Concha Beach, is considered to be one
of the most beautiful city beaches in the world.

Saint Jean De Luz - Small beach resort that has a gentle bay and a beautiful old
town. Good for families with small children.

Zarautz - Home to the longest beach in the Spanish Basque Country, known as "the
queen of the beaches," and also to famous waves that attract surfers from all
over the world.




6  


LAGUARDIA & THE RIOJA WINE REGION

Top quality wine

Wall surrounding Laguardia
Detail of the Ysios Winery
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La Rioja is synonymous with Spanish wine and for good reason. Although Spain in
general has very good wines, the bulk of the best wines are without a doubt
coming from La Rioja. The region is divided into 3 areas: Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja
and Rioja Alavesa.

Only Rioja Alavesa is located in the Basque Country and most points of interest
are located within this region. However, if you are really into wine, it might
be worth it to explore the entire region as the wine from the three different
parts have their own particular characteristics.

La Rioja wines are of the highest quality, which is reflected in continuous
ratings of 90+ points from Robert Parker, the world’s leading wine critic.

Not only is the wine amazing, but there are also many points of interest to be
explored. Laguardia is a small, walled town set atop a hill in the heart of La
Rioja Alavesa. The town once held a strategic military position and, because of
this, tunnels and cellars were built under the houses.

After it was no longer of any military value, the villagers began to take
advantage of the cellars perfect conditions for creating wine. And the rest is
history.

Today, there are several wineries that still use the cellars and it is possible
to tour them. It’s like stepping back in time before state-of-the-art facilities
existed and the products were still very artisanal in nature. Laguardia is a
definite “must see.”

There are literally hundreds and hundreds of bodegas in the region. Some are
very traditional and some very modern. Modern examples can be seen at the Ysios
Bodega from Santiago Calatrava and the Marques de Riscal Bodega from Frank
Gehry.




7  


HONDARRIBIA

Relaxing maritime atmosphere & fantastic food

Santa Maria Gate & medieval wall
Marina Neighborhood
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The village of Hondarribia is located on the Basque coast and is situated on the
border with France. It is full of perfectly manicured houses with colorful
wooden balconies. The architectural features reflect a kind of mixture between
Spanish and the French Basque Country characteristics and make it of particular
interest.

In addition to being a pleasure to explore, it is also home to some of the
Basque Country’s best restaurants and is quickly becoming a foodies paradise.

Hondarribia is packed with a huge number of amazing restaurants and bars – some
of the very best in the region in fact. If you are into Basque gastronomy, your
trip won’t be complete if you don’t visit Hondarribia.

The well-preserved Old Town, a relaxing maritime atmosphere and fantastic food
are only some of the reasons why Hondarribia is one of our favorite places in
the region.

MORE INFO
Hondarribia Travel Guide



8  


SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE

Island of awe-inspiring beauty

View of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, whose name means “castle rock” in Basque (“gaztelu” =
castle + “aitz” = rock), is a definite “must” if you are visiting the Basque
Country. It is an awe-inspiring island located just off the shore along the Bay
of Biscay. The views to, from, and around the island are simply beautiful.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is accessed by a man-made stone bridge. The bridge
transitions into a narrow path that contains 241 steps and zigzags its way back
and forth to the top. At the highest point of the island there is a tiny church
dedicated to John the Baptist.

The island also has an intriguing history. Throughout the years it has housed a
convent, served as a prison for Basque witches during the Spanish Inquisition,
been used as a defensive outpost for the lords of Biscay, and was even ransacked
by Sir Francis Drake.

MORE INFO
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Travel Guide



9  


GETARIA & TXAKOLI WINE

Vineyards with ocean views

Nagusia Kalea - main street in Getaria
Views of Getaria & the surroundings vineyards
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Getaria is a charming fishing village that’s wedged between two beautiful
beaches and a tiny island and sits adjacent to the green rolling hills of the
getariako txakoli wine region.

Txakoli is a slightly sparkling, young and fruity white wine that is produced in
these unique vineyards overlooking the ocean. Although txakoli has been around
for centuries (the first mention of it dates back to 1520), it has just started
to become popular in recent years, and not only in the Basque Country but also
all over the world.

Some of the txakoli bodegas offer tours, while others offer tastings and almost
all of them offer direct sale. However, to fully experience txakoli, you must
visit one of the many restaurants at the harbor where you can enjoy a bottle
with some freshly caught fish that is grilled outside over charcoals. The lovely
setting along with great food and wine is one of the reasons we love Getaria so
much.

But Getaria has more to offer, especially if you are into fashion design. This
little town is actually the birthplace of the famous fashion designer Cristóbal
Balenciaga.

Balenciaga, who was born in 1895, was a true fashion innovator and was respected
throughout the fashion world for both his techniques as well as his
perfectionism. In 2011, the Balenciaga Museum was opened in the Aldamar Palace
and today, proudly displays many of his haute couture creations.

MORE INFO
Getaria Travel Guide




10  


SAN FERMIN – RUNNING OF THE BULLS

Furious energy

Photo: Oscar Alonso Algote
Running of the bulls during San Fermin
Giants in front of Pamplona's city hall
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The San Fermín festival and the legendary running of the bulls, attracts over a
million visitors every year to Pamplona. The festival starts the 6th of July at
12:00 PM with the “txupinazo,” a small firework that is fired from the balcony
of the City Hall.

During the week of San Fermín, Pamplona is flooded with party-goers from all
over the world each donning a white t-shirt and a red handkerchief. The
activities and events of the festival consist of concerts, rural sport
competitions, Basque dance and music, nightly fireworks shows and much more.

However, the most famous event of San Fermín is, without a doubt, the running of
the bulls (“encierro” in Spanish). This event, which was immortalized in Ernest
Hemingway’s book, “The Sun Also Rises,” takes place every morning at 8:00 AM
between the 7th and the 14th of July.

Runners are chased by six bulls for approximately 800 meters until they reach
the bullring (“plaza de toros” in Spanish). This is a very dangerous activity
and while some people train all year preparing for it, others decide to join at
the last moment, convinced by the amount of alcohol drank during the night
before. This makes the running even more dangerous and unfortunately 15 people
have died doing it since 1924.

Nevertheless, the running of the bulls is an extremely popular activity and
something unique that is worth seeing at least once.

MORE INFO
San Fermin Guide



11  


BIARRITZ & BAYONNE

French Basque charm

Grand Bayonne Neighborhood - Bayonne
La Grande Beach - Biarritz
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Biarritz and Bayonne are separated by a mere 8 km, however, they are two very
distinct places of interest. We have grouped them together here because if you
visit one, you should definitely take the time and check out the other – you
won’t be disappointed.

Biarritz
Biarritz is famous for its beaches, therapeutic water and a thriving surf scene.
It’s a place where posh restaurants and spas live harmoniously side-by-side with
laid-back pizza joints and surf shops.

When Empress Eugenia, wife of Napoleon III, built her palatial summer residence
next to the sea, Biarritz was forever changed. The small whaling town
transformed into a trendy spa and holiday destination for France’s elite.

Today the town is full of grand summer houses and has an up-scale feel to it.
However, the atmosphere in Biarritz has been balanced off by a laid back surf
culture that has deep roots in the area. This interesting contrast forms part of
Biarritz’s identity and adds to its charm.

MORE INFO
Biarritz Travel Guide


Bayonne
Every year, more than one million people descend on Bayonne for what is France’s
largest festival, the Fetes de Bayonne. It is reminiscent of the San Fermin
festival of Pamplona, where the bull plays an important role in many of the
events throughout the week.

However, during the rest of the year, Bayonne is a relatively quiet and stress
free city. It is a picturesque place with a nice mixture of Basque and French
architecture as well as a massive gothic cathedral with a cloister from the 13th
century.

And if you are into food, then you might also want to check the local
chocolatiers and the infamous Bayonne ham.

MORE INFO
Bayonne Travel Guide



12  


NATURE PARKS

Mountains, green hills & a desert

Top of the Anboto Mountain in Urkiola
Nacedero del Urederra – Birthplace of the Urederra river
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In general, the Basque Country is pretty sparsely populated. Outside of the
cities and towns, life still revolves around the Basque farmhouse, known as a
baserri. Whether they are tending to a flock of sheep, raising livestock or
making cheese, the Basques of the baserris still have a strong connection with
the land.

It is a land full of natural wonders and thankfully many are protected natural
parks. Not only can you experience the beauty of the parks but there is also a
good chance you will come across a Basque shepherd with his flock or see some
Basque ponies (pottokas).

Although there are far too many parks to mention here, we are listing a few of
our favorites.

Urkiola - This nature park is situated in a mountain rage with the highest point
being the Anboto at 1331 m. It is possible to hike to the top of the Anboto and
to a few lower peaks. The views are impressive.

Urbasa-Andia - The highlight of this park is the Nacedero del Urederra – the
birthplace of the Urederra river. A path runs along the river into the forest
where pool after pool of clear blue water lead to a waterfall. The water color
is simply amazing and even in person, looks surreal.

Bardenas Reales - This is one of only a few deserts in Europe and it’s
definitely the most impressive of them all. There are several unique geological
formations and some lovely landscapes. Explore the park by car or get in a
little deeper by hiking or riding a bike on one of the many paths.

Le Petit Train de la Rhune in Sare - This quaint train has been operating for
more than 90 years and takes visitors 905 meters up the Rhune Mountain to get a
360° view of the Basque Country and the Atlantic Ocean. Great for those who want
the views without having to hike.

Ruta del Flysch - If you are into long all-day hikes, then you shouldn’t miss
the Ruta del Flysch. This path goes along the coast between the towns of Deba
and Zumaia and offers amazing vistas of the coastal flysch rock formations. This
is the most beautiful hike of the entire Basque Country in our opinion.





BASQUE GASTRONOMY

Basque Gastronomy
Food and wine are at the center of life in the Basque Country. Whether it is the
wealthy or the working-class, it can be said that cooking is in their blood.

Pintxos in Vitoria
Ham store in Bilbao's Old Town
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It’s possible to find good food all over the Basque Country. However, San
Sebastian and Hondarribia are probably the two places with the highest
concentration of quality establishments.

If you are interested in visiting a Michelin starred restaurant, be sure to
check out our Michelin page that contains all of the Michelin restaurants
located within the Basque Country.

Pintxos
The Basque Country has its own unique food culture that revolves around the bar.
Pintxos (bite-sized appetizers, similar to tapas) can be found in nearly every
bar. Often the bar counter will be filled with plates of all different
varieties.

They range from being rather traditional to very experimental in nature. It is
typical to find the locals out enjoying a drink while sampling different pintxos
and then going on to the next bar to do the same thing all over. This is
sometimes done before a meal as a kind of aperitif or it can take the place of a
normal meal.

In addition, every city and town has yearly competitions for the best pintxos
and the winning trophies are proudly displayed within the bars.

MORE INFO
What are Pintxos?

BLOG ARTICLE
Top 5 pintxo bars in Bilbao



Sagardotegi
The Sagardotegi (sidrería in Spanish), is another special Basque tradition. It
is a type of cider house that is found within the Basque countryside. These
restaurants serve a traditional set menu with their highlight being the enormous
txuleton steak.

This mouth-watering slab of un-adulterated beefy goodness weighs in at around
one kilo and like the other plates are shared by those at the table. The other
highlight of the sidrería is the endless supply of cider from giant wooden
barrels (kupelas in Basque).

The sidrería is a great chance to experience something uniquely Basque and eat
like a king.

MORE INFO
Sagardotegi Guide



HOTELS

Hotels
We have hand selected a few of our favorite hotels in the Basque Country.
However, be sure to use the hotel search engine below to get the complete
listing.

Iriarte Jauregia – $$
Beautiful restored palace from the 17th century located among beautiful green
hills and 30 km away from the coast. Its interior design keeps the perfect
balance between old and new – modern touches contrast with the original elements
of the building. The rooms are carefully designed and feature a plasma TV and
free WiFi.
Hôtel du Palais – $$$
Located directly on Biarritz's Miramar Beach, this luxury 5-star hotel has 2
large pools, a spa and fitness centre with hammam, hot tub and massage
treatments plus a michelin star restaurant. It is one of the finest palace
hotels of Europe.
Hotel Maria Cristina – $$$
This 5 star hotel is a symbol of San Sebastian. Located right next to the
Victoria Eugenia Theater, it has seen a lot of hollywood starts as guests, such
as Woody Allen, Elizabeth Taylor and Brad Pitt. The hotel is an elegant building
from 1912 with views to the Cantabrian Sea and the Urumea River. Its classical
interior decoration in Belle Époque style feature some original columns, lamps
and brocades.
Arteaga Castle – $$
Live like a king in this 13th century castle located in the Urdaibai Nature
Reserve, just minutes away from Guernica, Mundaka & Bermeo. The hotel’s
restaurant offers quality Basque cuisine. There is also an extensive wine
cellar, where you can enjoy tasting sessions.
Marqués de Riscal – $$$
This stylish and luxurious hotel offers exclusive rooms with views to the valley
and the surrounding vineyards. There are 2 restaurants at the hotel, one of them
has a Michelin star. The hotel also features a spa with indoor swimming pool,
hammam, gym as well as massage and wine therapy services. There are also various
terraces and a library.
Iriarte Jauregia – $$
Beautiful restored palace from the 17th century located among beautiful green
hills and 30 km away from the coast. Its interior design keeps the perfect
balance between old and new – modern touches contrast with the original elements
of the building. The rooms are carefully designed and feature a plasma TV and
free WiFi.
Hôtel du Palais – $$$
Located directly on Biarritz's Miramar Beach, this luxury 5-star hotel has 2
large pools, a spa and fitness centre with hammam, hot tub and massage
treatments plus a michelin star restaurant. It is one of the finest palace
hotels of Europe.
Hotel Maria Cristina – $$$
This 5 star hotel is a symbol of San Sebastian. Located right next to the
Victoria Eugenia Theater, it has seen a lot of hollywood starts as guests, such
as Woody Allen, Elizabeth Taylor and Brad Pitt. The hotel is an elegant building
from 1912 with views to the Cantabrian Sea and the Urumea River. Its classical
interior decoration in Belle Époque style feature some original columns, lamps
and brocades.
Arteaga Castle – $$
Live like a king in this 13th century castle located in the Urdaibai Nature
Reserve, just minutes away from Guernica, Mundaka & Bermeo. The hotel’s
restaurant offers quality Basque cuisine. There is also an extensive wine
cellar, where you can enjoy tasting sessions.
Marqués de Riscal – $$$
This stylish and luxurious hotel offers exclusive rooms with views to the valley
and the surrounding vineyards. There are 2 restaurants at the hotel, one of them
has a Michelin star. The hotel also features a spa with indoor swimming pool,
hammam, gym as well as massage and wine therapy services. There are also various
terraces and a library.
Iriarte Jauregia – $$
Beautiful restored palace from the 17th century located among beautiful green
hills and 30 km away from the coast. Its interior design keeps the perfect
balance between old and new – modern touches contrast with the original elements
of the building. The rooms are carefully designed and feature a plasma TV and
free WiFi.
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BASQUE COUNTRY HISTORY

Basque Country History
The Basques have an intriguing past shrouded in mystery. The second half of the
20th century saw much political unrest, but thankfully, this has come to an end.

Political Map of Spain from 1850

No one is exactly sure where the Basque people come from. The people along with
the language seem to have been around since long before indo-european speakers
arrived. Basque speakers lived predominately in Aquitaine which extended through
the Pyrenean Mountains and north along the French coast.

The area changed hands many times through history and eventually, in the Middle
Ages, the Kingdom of Castile gained control over what is today the Spanish
Basque Country. Navarre became its own Kingdom and the French Basque Country was
absorbed by France.

Basque Fueros (set of laws similar to a constitution) were established between
the Basque regions and their respective kings and allowed for them to function
as an autonomous community. These fueros were used as the rule of law until
after the Second Carlist War in 1876 when they were stripped away. This action
was the catalyst that started a movement towards nationalism.

After enjoying hundreds of years of autonomous rule, the Basques were now being
oppressed and starting to lose aspects of their culture and identity. In
response to this, Sabino Arana, who is considered to be the father of Basque
nationalism, created the Basque National Party (PNV) and started a cultural
renaissance.

Everything that was considered Basque was celebrated. Arana also designed the
Basque flag, called the Ikurrina, which can still be found in use throughout the
Basque Country.



The nationalist movement gained most of its momentum following the Spanish Civil
War (1936 - 1939). The dictator Francisco Franco took control of Spain and the
Basques suffered greatly under his heavy hand. In his quest to create a unified
Spain, languages and customs not considered to be Spanish were prohibited. This
also included the use of the Ikurrina.

However, the flag was often placed in public places and became a symbol of
defiance. Franco created an obvious backlash by trying to destroy the Basque
culture and that helped give roots to the nationalist movement.

In 1959, a new chapter of Basque history began with the formation of ETA
(Euskadi Ta Askatasuna – "Basque Homeland and Freedom"). The group started by
promoting Basque culture but later developed into a paramilitary group whose
goal was to have an independent Basque Country.

Some of ETA’s first attacks were generally approved of by Spanish and Basque
societies who saw them as part of the fight to put an end to Franco’s regime.
They were responsible for the assassination of the Spain’s Prime Minister and
successor to Franco, Luis Carrero Blanco. Many consider Carrero Blanco’s death
as an important step in the establishment of Spain’s democracy.

ETA subsequently continued their fight for independence for more than 50 years
in what has been referred to as “Europe’s longest war.” The conflict resulted in
the deaths of more than 1,000 people. In 2011, ETA announced a “definitive
cessation of its armed activity.” It seems now that this chapter of Basque
history has finally come to an end.

MORE INFO
If you are interested in finding out more about the region's turbulent past, we
recommend the documentary, Basque Ball. It takes neutral position and does a
good job of explaining a complicated history.
Basque Ball Documentary



BASQUE LANGUAGE

Basque Language
Euskara is an ancient language that has defied all odds to survive. It has seen
some tough times in the 20th century but is now making a comeback.


Euskara, the language of the Basques, is the last remaining descendent of the
pre-indo-european languages. Throughout time the area containing Basque speakers
continued to shrink, but as luck would have it, never completely disappeared.

Since it is the last survivor of its language family, it is considered a
language isolate, meaning that it doesn’t have any relationship with any other
language.

Euskara suffered greatly during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco (1939 -
1975) since it was prohibited. By the time Franco died, the language was in
steep decline. In an attempt to save it, the Basque Language Academy
(Euskaltzaindia) took the various Basque dialects and combined them, forming a
standardized Basque language called Batua.

Batua was introduced into the education system and it is now common for children
to take either some class or all of them in Basque. This along with newspapers,
magazines and a TV station have helped the language rebound.

Today, one of the most significant criteria for being Euskaldun (Basque) is the
ability to speak the language. There are only 715,000 native Basque speakers who
are very proud of their language. They don’t expect visitors to be able to speak
a word.

So you can image how impressed a local would be if you, a foreigner, said
anything to them in Basque. This is the easiest way to make friends in Euskal
Herria. For this reason we have compiled a list of words and expressions to aid
you in your journey.

NATIVE BASQUE SPEAKERS

BASQUE – ENGLISH GLOSSARY
View

ENGLISH
EUSKARA
ESPAÑOL
Hello
Kaixo
Hola
Good morning
Egunon
Buenos días
Good afternoon
Arratsaldeon
Buenas tardes
See you later
Gero arte
Hasta luego
Bye
Agur
Adiós
Yes
Bai
Si
No
Ez
No
Thank you very much
Eskerrik asko
Muchas gracias
You are welcome
Ez horregatik
De nada
Welcome
Ongi etorri
Bienvenido
Please
Mesedez
Por favor
Excuse me
Barkatu
Perdón
(Very) good
(Oso) ondo
(Muy) bien
How are you?
Zer moduz?
¿Qué tal?
Caution, beware
Kontuz
Cuidado, precaución
Tourism office
Turismo bulegoa
Oficina de turismo
Exit
Irteera
Salida
Street
Kalea
Calle
Main street
Kale nagusia
Calle principal
Neighborhood
Auzoa
Barrio
Old part of town
Alde zaharra
Casco viejo
Center
Erdia
Centro
City center
Erdialdea, hirigunea
Centro ciudad
Beach
Hondartza
Playa
House
Etxea
Casa
Restaurant
Jatetxea
Restaurante
Station
Geltokia
Estación
Parking
Aparkalekua
Aparcamiento
Port
Portua
Puerto
Airport
Aireportua
Aeropuerto
Restroom
Komuna
Baño
Basque police
Ertzaintza
Policía vasca
Hospital
Ospitalea
Hospital
×


CLIMATE

Climate
The climate in the Basque Country is mild with clearly defined seasons. For the
most part, it doesn’t get extremely cold in winter and summer is comfortable.



The weather in the Basque coast is quite moderate due to the ocean breeze. Some
areas on the coast are more susceptible to rain. The interior has temperatures
that are slightly more extreme. Usually a few degrees hotter in the summer and a
few degrees colder in the winter.

The wine region of La Rioja Alavesa has a microclimate and in the summer is
almost always sunny. Summers are warm, but not incredibly hot like the south of
Spain for example. It is not unusual though for temperatures to reach 30ºC
(86ºF).

FAST FACTS


AVERAGE HIGH IN JANUARY: 11°C / 52°F
AVERAGE HIGH IN AUGUST: 26°C / 79°F
DRIZZLE RAIN IN BASQUE: TXIRIMIRI
 
Min. Avg.
Max. Avg.
January
3°C (37°F)
11°C (52°F)
February
4°C (39°F)
12°C (54°F)
March
5°C (41°F)
15°C (59°F)
April
7°C (45°F)
16°C (61°F)
May
10°C (50°F)
20°C (68°F)
June
13°C (55°F)
23°C (73°F)
July
15°C (59°F)
25°C (77°F)
August
15°C (59°F)
26°C (79°F)
September
13°C (55°F)
24°C (75°F)
October
10°C (50°F)
19°C (66°F)
November
6°C (43°F)
14°C (57°F)
December
4°C (39°F)
12°C (54°F)



TRANSPORT

Transport
Get in by plane, car, bus, train or even boat. The Basque Country has a great
transportation infrastructure and will make your trip worry-free.


PLANE



Bilbao: Loiu airport is the largest in Basque Country. There are cheap flights
with Easyjet and Vueling to London and with Vueling to Barcelona and Malaga.
There are many connections to other European cities with other companies such as
Iberia, Lufthansa, Air Berlin, Bruxelles Airlines.

San Sebastián-Donostia: Hondarribia Airport has flights to/from Barcelona &
Madrid.

Biarritz: Flights with Ryanair from Dublin, London (Stansted), Shannon (Ireland)
and Frankfurt, and with Sterling Airlines from Oslo and Copenhagen.

Madrid: It is possible to catch a flight to Madrid and then take a bus or a
train to the Basque Country. Direct buses run approximately every hour and take
about 4 - 5 hours.

Book flights at the best price on Omio


TRAIN



Daily connections are offered to main cities from Paris, Madrid and Barcelona.
You can also travel within the Basque Country with the scenic routes of the
EuskoTren network. The main drawback to EuskoTren is that is takes about twice
as long as the same trip by car.

Get the best deals on train tickets on Omio


BUS



Both Spain and France have extensive bus infrastructure and this is one of the
easiest and most comfortable ways to travel. You can always find connections
between cities and most larger towns. However, access to more remote villages
may be limited as would be expected.

Get the best deals on bus tickets on Omio

CAR



A rental car is really great to have in the Basque Country. It makes for access
to some parts of the region such as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and to the
sagardotegis (traditional Basque cider restaurants in the countryside) much
easier.

Driving along the coast and through the Basque interior is beautiful. If you do
rent a car, we recommend not staying on the highway the whole time and driving
through the country side as it is very rewarding and you get to see a part of
Basque life that you would otherwise not be able to.

Some of the highways are also toll roads in the Basque Country. The most
expensive one is between Vitoria and San Sebastian and costs around 12 €.

If you take the alternative free route, it takes about 20 minutes longer, but is
much more scenic.


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