A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Balmaseda: Discover the beauty of this charming town

Balmaseda is a picturesque town located in the province of Bizkaia, in the Basque Country, in northern Spain. With a rich history and stunning natural surroundings, this place is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Basque culture and enjoy beautiful landscapes.

The Old Town: A stroll through history

The heart of Balmaseda is its Old Town, a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and colorful houses that will transport you to bygone times. Here you'll find the Church of San Severino, a jewel of Basque Gothic architecture, as well as the Old Bridge, a medieval bridge that crosses the Cadagua River and offers breathtaking views.

The La Encartada Beret Museum: A journey into the textile industry

If you're interested in the industrial history of the region, you can't miss the La Encartada Beret Museum. This former beret mill has been converted into a museum showcasing the manufacturing process of this iconic Basque accessory. You'll see antique machinery, learn about the lives of the workers, and admire the 19th-century industrial architecture.

The Natural Park of the Ordunte Mountains: Nature in its purest state

Nature lovers will find paradise in Balmaseda at the Natural Park of the Ordunte Mountains. This protected area offers a variety of trails and hiking routes that will allow you to explore lush forests, waterfalls, and stunning mountains. Don't forget to bring your camera, as you'll encounter panoramic views that will take your breath away.

Basque cuisine: Delight in local flavors

In Balmaseda, you can enjoy delicious Basque cuisine in its numerous bars and restaurants. Try typical dishes such as bacalao al pil-pil (cod with garlic and olive oil sauce), chuletón de ternera (beef steak), or pintxos, small culinary delights served in local bars. Don't leave without trying txakoli, a young and refreshing white wine produced in the region.

Events and festivals: Immerse yourself in local culture

Balmaseda is known for its festivals and cultural events. One of the most notable is Holy Week, declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest, where you can witness impressive processions and religious performances. Popular festivals like the Day of San Severino, the town's patron saint, are also celebrated with concerts, dances, and activities for the whole family.

Gastronomic Products from Balmaseda

Balmaseda Cheese

Balmaseda cheese is one of the most outstanding products of the local gastronomy. It is a cheese made with sheep's milk and matured for several months. It has an intense flavor and a creamy texture that makes it perfect to enjoy alone or accompanied by bread or fruits.
Balmaseda Chorizo

Balmaseda chorizo is another very popular gastronomic product in the area. It is made with minced pork and seasoned with spices such as paprika, garlic, and oregano. It has a smoky and spicy flavor that makes it perfect to enjoy in sandwiches or as an ingredient in traditional cooking dishes.
Balmaseda Tart

The Balmaseda tart is a typical dessert of the area that you cannot miss. It is a tart made with a shortcrust pastry base and filled with custard. It is usually decorated with fresh fruits and is perfect to sweeten any meal or snack.

Outstanding Gastronomic Places in Balmaseda

If you're looking for places to enjoy the delicious cuisine of Balmaseda, here are some of the best restaurants and taverns in the area:

El Puente Restaurant

Located next to the Cadagua River, El Puente Restaurant is known for its excellent traditional Basque cuisine. Here you can taste typical dishes such as pil-pil cod, beef steak and assorted pintxos. In addition, its cozy atmosphere and its terrace overlooking the river make this place a perfect option to enjoy a quiet and pleasant meal.

La Encina Tavern

If you're looking for a charming place with good prices, La Encina Tavern is an excellent option. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of pintxos and homemade dishes, such as ham croquettes, patatas bravas and squid rings. In addition, its family atmosphere and friendly service make you feel at home.

El Caserío Restaurant

Located in an old Basque farmhouse, El Caserío Restaurant stands out for its signature cuisine with Basque touches. Here you can enjoy creative and tasty dishes, such as beef sirloin with foie, mushroom risotto and cheese dessert with quince. In addition, its careful presentation and personalized attention make this place a unique gastronomic experience.

Sporting Activities in Balmaseda, Spain

Hiking

With a privileged location in the heart of the Basque Country, Balmaseda offers impressive hiking routes. You can explore the Sierra Salvada and enjoy panoramic views of the region.

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Mountain Biking

The hills and mountains surrounding Balmaseda are perfect for mountain biking. There are several routes available, for both beginners and more experienced cyclists.

Bicicleta de montaña Mountain Bike Infantil

Schwinn Remix - Bicicleta de montaña infantil
Impulsa la pasión por la aventura en los más jóvenes con la Schwinn Remix, una bicicleta de montaña infantil diseñada específicamente para niños entre 5 y 8 años. Con ruedas de 20 pulgadas y un marco SmartStart en acero ligero, esta bicicleta combina durabilidad con un manejo óptimo adaptado a los pequeños ciclistas. La suspensión frontal y las 6 velocidades ofrecen una experiencia de conducción suave y adaptable a diversos terrenos. Perfecta para exploradores en ciernes, la Schwinn Remix en su vibrante color azul, es la compañera ideal para aventuras inolvidables. Fomenta el amor por el ciclismo desde temprana edad; elige la Schwinn Remix para el próximo gran viaje de tu pequeño.

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Fishing

The Kadagua River that runs through Balmaseda is a popular spot for fishing. Here you can find trout and other freshwater fish.

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Climbing

For adrenaline junkies, rock climbing is an option in Balmaseda. The Sierra Salvada offers several climbing routes, for both beginners and more advanced climbers.

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Golf

Although Balmaseda does not have its own golf course, there are several high-quality courses nearby. The closest is the Artxanda Golf Club, about a 30-minute drive away.

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Places near Balmaseda (Spain)

If you are in Balmaseda and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Mungia

Mungia, a charming village in the Basque Country, will captivate you with its rich history and delicious cuisine. Enjoy its picturesque streets, visit its impressive church, and savor traditional dishes such as cod à la Biscay. An unforgettable tourist and culinary experience.

Güeñes

Güeñes, a charming village in the heart of Biscay, will surprise you with its rich history and exquisite cuisine. Enjoy its beautiful landscapes, visit its historical monuments and taste its delicious traditional dishes in the cozy local restaurants.

Zalla

Zalla, a charming village in the heart of Biscay, will surprise you with its rich history and exquisite Basque cuisine. Enjoy its beautiful landscapes, visit its old town and taste traditional dishes such as pil-pil cod or pintxos in its cozy bars.