1. San Sebastián
I may be biased because my husband is from here and it's where we met, but it is SO beautiful. And that is why it is my number 1 pick on where travel to in Spain's Basque Country. As my husband so poetically said (sarcasm), all there is to do here is eat, drink, sleep, walk, and have sex (he didn't put it so nicely, but I will ;) ). So, while I can't help you with the last part, I hope to share advice on where to eat, drink, and walk.
The first place is the promenade around La Concha. It is a long walk and under direct sunlight, it can get hot. On your walk, you can stop at La Perla for a beer or an iced coffee and enjoy the beautiful view of La Concha.
At the end of the promenade, you will find three sculptures by Eduardo Chillida entitled Peine del Viento (the Comb of the Wind). It was erected in 1977 and arranged by the Basque architect, Luis Peña Ganchegui.
Walk around the Old Town and stop in La Cepa for a bocadillo mixto de jamón Ibérico. This is not a pintxo but a full sized sandwich, but it is the best ! Also have a croqueta, they are so good here.
After you've eaten, go next door to La Viña for their famous Basque cheesecake. My husband and I met here while waiting for cheesecake. Maybe you'll get lucky too. ;)
Climb Mount Urgull and enjoy the views during the day.
And stay on Mount Urgull to watch the sunset. At the top of Mount Urgull is a castle that has existed since the Middle Ages. The fortification for the castle was used by the French during the Napoleonic Wars, the English and Portuguese troops occupied the town (which they pillaged and burned) while the French occupied the fort on Mount Urgull.
Take the funicular up to the top of Mount Igueldo. There is a small theme park up here which is perfect if you're travelling with kids. No matter what age you are, you should ride the roller coaster, called a Swiss mountain in San Sebastián, it is the oldest wooden roller coaster in Europe !
Visit the Palace of Miramar that dates to the late 19th century and overlooks La Concha and was built for the kings of Spain. You'll notice lots of people hang out on the grass here, so bring a blanket, some food, and a good book and enjoy the view while picnicking and reading (I sometimes meditate here, but bring headphones to cancel out any distracting noises).
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Get away from all the big crowds in the Old Town and go to Gros. You can enjoy pintxos here and Zurriola beach. Surfers go to this beach because there are bigger waves than at La Concha, which has little to no waves. There is a designated space for surfers and swimmers, so if you're swimming, you don't have to worry about the surfers.
2. Bilbao
I stayed in Bilbao for a couple of nights and it is a great town. While I was here, I did a Game of Thrones tour that I found on GetYourGuide.
https://gyg.me/iIsKWBZn
If you want the beach, stay in San Sebastián, the bus is about an hour to the closest beach to Bilbao.
I originally went to Bilbao just for the Guggenheim Museum. It's worth it. But, if you're not into museums, at least go and see it. The architecture is amazing and there's a huge dog statue covered in flowers.
And of course, you're still in the Basque Country, so pick a restaurant and enjoy some pintxos !
3. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Don't be intimidated by the name ! This place is definitely worth a visit. It is an island that is home to a hermitage that dates to the 9th or 10th century. It is connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge. After walking to this church, legend says to ring the bell three times and make a wish, and you'll usually find a line of people waiting to do so.
And, if you're a Game of Thrones fan, this is also the filming location of Dragonstone.
Don't forget your water and sunscreen !
4. Getaria
This is a small peninsula in the Basque Country but worth a visit ! The small mountain looks like a mouse.
Getaria is now known for its Txakolina or Txakoli, a sparkling Basque white wine. Watch them pour this drink, they pour the wine from up high creating the bubbles that make it a sparkling wine. It's like drinking champagne in the champagne region of France.
So while you should explore the town, maybe even go to the beach, the main thing to do here is drink txakoli and eat fresh fish from the harbor.
5. Zumaia
Another Game of Thrones filming location but if you love geology like I do, you'll love the rocks in Zumaia !
Known as the Flysch formation, this rock formation of almost vertical rocks formed about 100 million years ago. You can see rocks like these all over the coast of the Spanish Basque Country. This rare geologic phenomena happens from the movement of two continental tectonic plates.
If I were you, I would stay in San Sebastián or Bilbao and do day-trips to the other places.
To sum things up, there are many worthy places to visit in the Spanish Basque country, but if you have never been here, start with these five places, you won't regret it !
Also, learn some basic words in Basque before you go :
Zorionak ! - This is the Basque word for many things. You can say it when it is someone's birthday, you can say it when you're congratulating someone, giving them best wishes, or sending happiness to someone.
Kaixo - hello in Basque
Agur - goodbye in Basque
Eskerrikasko - thank you in Basque
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