Basque Country Route: explore the coast and be amazed
Imagine a land where mountains meet the sea, creating a dreamy landscape that seems lifted from a painting. Where each sunrise unveils golden beaches and towering cliffs, and every sunset bathes the horizon in warm colors while you savor some of the finest dishes the culinary world has to offer. Welcome to the coast of the Basque Country,a region where culture intertwines with nature to offer an unforgettable experience.
In this 9-day route, we invite you to immerse yourself in the essence of the Basque Country, exploring its coastal towns, enjoying its world-famous beaches, and, of course, delighting in a cuisine that is a pilgrimage reason for food lovers from around the world. From the vibrant Bilbao to the historic Hondarribia, passing through the elegant San Sebastián and picturesque towns like Getaria, Lekeitio, Ondarroa, Mutriku, etc.. each day holds a new discovery for you.
Get ready to surf the waves at Zarautz, stroll along the impressive Flysch cliffs at Zumaia, and taste the best txakoli accompanied by exquisite pintxos. This journey is an invitation to experience the Basque Country with all your senses: feel the sea breeze, smell the salt air mixed with the aromas of seafood stews, see landscapes that take your breath away, like the famous San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, listen to the breaking of the waves, and above all, savor every moment.
So pack your bags, bring your appetite and sense of adventure, and get ready for a journey along the Basque coast that promises to be as rich in flavors as it is in memories. Ready to embark on this culinary and sensory adventure? The coast of the Basque Country awaits you with open arms.
Journey Along the Basque Coast: Flavors, Waves, and Tradition in 9 Days
For a route purely focused on the coastal areas of the Basque Country, our team of JourneyGourmet suggests an itinerary that spans from picturesque fishing villages to some of the best beaches for surfing and enjoying local cuisine. This route will allow you to experience the diversity and beauty of the Basque coast in all its fullness.
Day 1-2: Bilbao and Surroundings
Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao
Bilbao, the vibrant capital of Biscay in the Basque Country, offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, ideal for exploring over two days. Here's a route to make the most of your visit:
In the Morning: Art and Culture
Midday: Gastronomy and Strolls
- Old Town: Head to the historic heart of Bilbao and enjoy a tour through the "Seven Streets", filled with shops, pintxos bars, and the Santiago Cathedral. Don't miss the opportunity to try the pintxos, small bites full of flavor, in one of the many bars in the area.
- Ribera Market: Located on the banks of the Bilbao estuary, it is the largest covered market in Europe. It's the perfect place to sample local products and enjoy the architecture of the building.
Afternoon: Walks and Views
- Stroll along the Estuary: Bilbao has transformed its former industrial areas into attractive walks along the estuary. Walk from the Old Town towards the modern Zubizuri Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava.
- Doña Casilda Park: If you're looking for a break from the city, this park offers green spaces, a pond with ducks, and the Maritime Museum of the Bilbao Estuary, all in a relaxing environment.
At Sunset: Culture and Panoramic Views
- Artxanda Funicular: To end your day, take the funicular up to the Artxanda viewpoint. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Bilbao and its surroundings, a perfect setting for memorable photos.
- AlhóndigaBilbao (Azkuna Zentroa): Before nightfall, visit this leisure and cultural center, an impressive example of how historical buildings can be transformed for modern uses.
Each of these places highlights different aspects of Bilbao, from its rich history and traditions to its vibrant cultural scene and current gastronomy. Make the most of every moment in this city that is constantly reinventing itself without losing its essence.
Day 2: Getxo and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- Head to Getxo, which is part of the metropolitan area of Bilbao and offers beautiful beaches like Ereaga, as well as stunning views of the Puente de Vizcaya.
- Now continue towards San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, with its ancient hermitage atop a rocky islet connected to the mainland by a winding stone bridge, is a visual spectacle that seems straight out of a legend. This magical place, shrouded in tales of knights and ancient rituals, offers one of the most breathtaking views of the Basque coast, inviting visitors on a journey through time and nature.
- Following the route and heading to Lekeitio, you'll come across the beautiful Laga Beach with cliffs and wild views.
Day 3: Lekeitio and Ondarroa
- Traveling west to Lekeitio, a charming fishing village. You can visit the San Nicolás Island when the tide is low. Once the tide starts to rise, the entire central access seen in the picture is covered by the sea.
- Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.
- You can enjoy a lovely walk from Lekeitio to the Santa Catalina Lighthouse, also visible from San Nicolás Island..
- Discover Ondarroa, a beautiful coastal town, famous for its rowing competitions, with Ondarroa being the champion in the summer of 2022, an experience that must be lived.!!!!
and of course, stroll through its beautiful streets and enjoy the hospitality of its numerous establishments, where you can taste their endless and varied pintxos.
To relax, take a stroll along the fabulous Saturrarán Beach.
And of course... try to beat its famous KUKAÑA !! You have to reach the end and try to come back....
Day 4: Mutriku and Deba
Continue your journey towards Mutriku and Deba, two charming coastal towns, tranquil beaches, and opportunities for nature walks.
- Mutriku, a beautiful coastal town where you can enjoy jumping from its walls... when the tide is high, of course!!! Additionally, you can play volleyball or stroll along its cobblestone streets while enjoying a delicious natural ice cream at one of its well-known ice cream parlors.!!
- Deba, a wonderful place to enjoy its beach and why not... practice surfing!!
- Ideal for a day of relaxation and enjoyment of Basque maritime cuisine.
Day 5: Zumaia, Getaria and Zarautz
- Zumaia, famous for its geological formations of the Flysch at the Itzurun Beach, offers spectacular coastal walks. The geological formations of the Zumaia Flysch, located on the Basque Coast, are a natural spectacle of extraordinary beauty and great scientific interest. They are characterized by their impressive rock strata that stretch along the beach and cliffs, displaying an almost continuous succession of rock layers deposited over millions of years. These layers alternate materials of different hardness, creating a unique landscape of parallel lines that resemble open books about the Earth's history. The Flysch is particularly valued by geologists worldwide, as it offers an exceptional window to the past, revealing information about climate changes, tectonic movements, and mass extinction events over more than 60 million years.
- Enjoy a lunch at one of the restaurants with sea views.
- Visit Getaria to try the txakoli, a local white wine, and its excellent pintxos, the cod pintxo will transport you to a world of pleasure!!!
- Continue towards Zarautz, known for its expansive beach and surf atmosphere. The cuisine here is also notable, especially for its grill restaurants.
You can also visit the Balenciaga Museum, located in this picturesque town, is a tribute to the visionary fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, prodigious son of this Basque land. This unique space not only houses the most extensive collection of creations by the master of haute couture but also serves as a living testament to his revolutionary contribution to the world of fashion, showing how his legacy transcends time and continues to inspire future generations.
Day 6-7: San Sebastián and its surroundings
Day 6: San Sebastián
San Sebastián, also known as Donostia, is a gem on the Basque Coast that combines natural beauty, impressive architecture, and an unparalleled culinary tradition. Here's a two-day itinerary to enjoy this city:
In the Morning: Culture and Beaches
- La Concha: Start your day with a stroll along the famous La Concha Beach, admiring its panoramic views and the elegant promenade.
- Old Town and Good Shepherd Cathedral: Afterwards, head to the Old Town to immerse yourself in the city's history. Don't miss the Basilica of Santa María del Coro, San Sebastián City Hall, and make a stop at the imposing Good Shepherd Cathedral, gem of Neo-Gothic architecture and landmark in the city.
Midday: Gastronomy
- Pintxos in the Old Town: Take the opportunity to taste the famous pintxos from San Sebastián in the bars of the Old Town, true miniature culinary masterpieces.
- Bretxa Market: Visit this traditional market to see up close the quality of the local products that are the foundation of Basque cuisine.
Afternoon: Culture and Views
- Urgull Mountain: Climb up Mount Urgull to enjoy the best views of the city and find the Castle of La Mota at its summit.
La Zurriola Beach
- Dedicate the afternoon to Zurriola Beach, popular among surfers. If you're interested, take a surfing lesson.
After a busy day, what better plan than to end the night at one of its restaurants, whether they be Michelin-starred restaurants or, why not, continue discovering the great variety of tasty pintxos!!
Day 7: Continuing in San Sebastián
Strolling along the extensive La Concha Beach, we head to the:
- Miramar Palace: Take a stroll through the gardens of this palace, which offers spectacular views over La Concha Bay.
Continue your journey towards Ondarreta Beach, where you can marvel at the famous work of Eduardo Chillida, "The Comb of the Winds", where you can relax with the sound of the sea and the breeze.
Midday: Let's Eat
In the charming area of Ondarreta, food lovers will find a true culinary paradise that captures the essence of Basque cuisine. From quaint pintxos bars to traditional cider houses and elegant restaurants, Ondarreta offers a gastronomic experience to remember.
For pintxos enthusiasts, there is no better place than Bar Txepetxa, famous for its variations of anchovies, a Donostia classic. Here, each bite is a work of art, combining traditional flavors with modern twists. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, La Cuchara de San Telmo awaits you with innovative local dishes that will delight your palate in a cozy and warm atmosphere.
For those who prefer to sit down to enjoy a more formal dinner, Restaurant Bernardo Etxea offers exquisite dishes of fresh seafood and fish in a privileged location, perfect for admiring the sunset over La Concha Bay.
And for cider lovers, a visit to a traditional Basque cider house is a must. Sidrería Rezola, located a short distance away, provides the opportunity to enjoy cider straight from the barrel, accompanied by classics such as cod omelette and grilled steak.
Every corner of Ondarreta invites you to immerse yourself in the rich culinary tradition of the Basque Country, where every meal is a celebration and every dish tells the story of this land. Get ready for a gastronomic adventure that will take you through the most authentic and memorable flavors of San Sebastián.
At Sunset: Relaxation and Views
The Igueldo Funicular, a journey to the past with the best views of San Sebastián. This historic transportation, in operation since 1912, connects the city to the top of Mount Igueldo, providing visitors with a unique experience and spectacular panoramic views of the bay. Preserving its original charm, the ascent offers a nostalgic moment before reaching a retro-style amusement park. It is undoubtedly a must-visit for those wishing to capture the essence and beauty of San Sebastián from above.
Night: Gastronomic Culture
- Pintxos Dinner: Conclude your day with another round of pintxos or a dinner at one of the many renowned restaurants in the city, some of which have Michelin stars. There are plenty of exciting options to choose from.
"Tips for Your Visit to San Sebastián"
- Transportation: San Sebastián is a very walkable city, and the best way to explore it is on foot to not miss any details.
- Weather: Bring comfortable and suitable clothing for the maritime climate, which can be variable even within the same day.
- Reservations: For dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, it is advisable to make reservations in advance.
San Sebastián will captivate you not only with its beauty but also with the warmth of its people and the richness of its gastronomic culture. Enjoy this unique experience!
Day 8: Hondarribia
- Head east to Hondarribia, a town with a rich historical heritage and a vibrant gastronomic scene.
- Explore its walled old town and enjoy the views from Castle of Charles V.
Day 9: Return to Bilbao
- Depending on your plans, you can return to Bilbao to catch a flight back home or continue your journey north, crossing to France or even venture to discover the Asturian and Cantabrian Route.!! filled with beautiful landscapes and surprising sights to behold!!
- Another option, despite not having a coastline, is Vitoria-Gasteiz, A beautiful city worth visiting is Vitoria-Gasteiz, the green capital of the Basque Country. It unfolds as a vibrant tapestry of history, nature, and culture. With its impressive medieval old town, where cobblestone streets intertwine with Renaissance palaces and a Gothic cathedral undergoing restoration, the city invites you to lose yourself in time. Moreover, surrounded by a green belt of parks and wetlands, Vitoria-Gasteiz is not only an urban oasis of tranquility and beauty but also a global example of sustainability and environmental respect.
Tips for Your Coastal Route
The JourneyGourmet team wishes you a wonderful trip along the beautiful coast of the Basque Country.