Complete Guide to the Basque Country

🔴 Barik (Bizkaia)

Essential for using Metro Bilbao, Bizkaibus, Bilbobus, Euskotren, Artxanda Funicular, and the Hanging Bridge.

• Barik NFC App: Allows you to top up your card from your Android/iOS mobile by holding it against the back of your phone. Download
• Where to buy? Metro Bilbao and Euskotren stations.

🟢 Mugi (Gipuzkoa)

Valid for Dbus (San Sebastian urban buses), Lurraldebus, and Euskotren. Offers large discounts based on usage.

• Mugi App: For top-ups, schedules, and balance checks. Download
• Cross-use: Can also be used on Metro Bilbao Lines 1 and 2, as well as Vitoria trams.

🔵 Bat (Araba)

Ideal for the Vitoria-Gasteiz Tram, Tuvisa (urban buses), and Alavabus.

• Tram: Remember to validate your card on the platform before boarding.
• Bat NFC App: To check and top up your balance instantly.

Key Means of Transport

• Metro Bilbao: Connects the whole Greater Bilbao area and the coast. Runs from 6:00 to 23:00 (Fridays until 2:00, and 24h on Saturdays).
  🗺️ View official Metro map
• Euskotren: Commuter trains connecting Bilbao and San Sebastian (Line E1), passing through towns like Zarautz or Zumaia.
• Tram (Tranbia): Euskotren Tranbia in Bilbao (connecting San Mamés and Abando) and Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Basque Country Airports & Real-Time Flights

Euskadi has three airports. Since flight schedules change daily, you can check the official real-time AENA panels for each of them here:

🔴 Bilbao

Check real-time availability, prices and book in advance at car parks in downtown Bilbao.

🟢 San Sebastián

Covered car parks near La Concha, Gros and the Old Town, with up-to-date availability and rates.

🔵 Vitoria-Gasteiz

Car parks in and around the medieval quarter of Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Iconic & Luxury Hotels

Top-tier accommodation in the city centers:

• Hotel María Cristina (San Sebastian): A Belle Époque legend, hosting movie stars during the San Sebastian Film Festival.
• Hotel Carlton (Bilbao): A historic building on Moyúa Square. It was the headquarters of the first Basque Government.
• Gran Hotel Lakua (Vitoria-Gasteiz): The only five-star hotel in Álava, featuring unique architecture.
• Hotel Marqués de Riscal: Designed by Gehry in the heart of Rioja Alavesa (Elciego).

Agrotourism & Rural Houses

The best way to immerse yourself in rural culture and Basque nature (traditional farmhouses or "baserris"):

• Nekatur: The official association of agrotourisms in the Basque Country. Their website is the main reference to find authentic accommodation, with family hospitality and homemade breakfasts.
• Web: nekatur.net

Strategic Areas & Guesthouses

To get the most out of the cities without needing much transport:

• Bilbao: The Ensanche (Abando / Indautxu) is perfect. The Old Town (Casco Viejo) is great for bohemian travelers.
• San Sebastian: The Old Town (Parte Vieja) for pintxos (though noisy at night), the Romantic Area, or the Gros neighborhood (surf-friendly and alternative).
• Surf Zones: Zarautz, Sopela, or Mundaka are full of surf hostels right by the beach.

🍢 Key Pintxos Zones

Tradition dictates having a zurito (small beer) or txikito (small wine) accompanied by a pintxo in each bar. These are the best streets:

• Bilbao: Plaza Nueva (Old Town), Ledesma and Diputación Streets (Ensanche), García Rivero, Pozas (before San Mamés matches).
• San Sebastian: The Old Town (Parte Vieja) is the global epicenter (31 de Agosto and Fermín Calbetón Streets). Also the Gros neighborhood (Zabaleta Street).
• Vitoria-Gasteiz: Cuchillería Street ("La Kutxi") in the medieval heart, and Dato area for a calmer vibe.

⭐ Michelin Temples (Fine Dining)

The Basque Country boasts one of the highest densities of Michelin stars per capita in the world.

• Arzak (San Sebastian): Living history of New Basque Cuisine.
• Akelarre (San Sebastian): Pedro Subijana, masterful cuisine with dizzying sea views.
• Azurmendi (Larrabetzu, Bizkaia): Eneko Atxa. Sustainability and pure vanguard 15 minutes from Bilbao.
• Martín Berasategui (Lasarte-Oria): Absolute excellence, the chef with the most Michelin stars in Spain.

🥩 Cider Houses (Sagardotegiak)

An essential tradition between January and April (though some open year-round). Typical areas: Astigarraga and Hernani (Gipuzkoa).

• The Txotx ritual: Getting up to fill your glass directly from the "kupelas" (huge wooden barrels).
• Set Menu: Cod omelet, fried cod with peppers, a spectacular T-bone steak (chuletón), and Idiazabal cheese with quince jelly and walnuts for dessert.

🐟 Grills & Charcoal-Grilled Fish

Mastering fire is an art in the Basque Country, both for meat and fish.

• Getaria (Gipuzkoa): Famous for its outdoor street grills where spectacular turbot and sea bream are prepared.
• Tolosa (Gipuzkoa): The birthplace of authentic charcoal-grilled T-bone steak ("Txuleton").
• Traditional Cooking: Don't leave without trying Marmitako (tuna stew), Bacalao al pil-pil (cod in garlic and olive oil sauce), or baby squid in their own ink (chipirones en su tinta) on any daily menu ("Menú Eguneko").

Surf in Zarautz or Mundaka

Learn to surf in Zarautz, one of the European surf meccas with kilometers of beach, or witness experts ride the mythical left-hand wave of Mundaka in the heart of Urdaibai.

Pintxo Workshop or Visit a Txoko

Dive into the best-kept Basque secret: gastronomic societies (Txokos). Learn to cook cod al pil-pil or prepare your own designer pintxos.

Boat Route along the Cliffs

Discover the Zumaia Flysch or the Urdaibai estuary from the water. Boat tours offer an epic perspective of the wild Basque Coast and its fishing villages.

Surf Paradise

• Zarautz (Gipuzkoa): The longest beach in the Basque Country (2.5 km). Packed with surf schools and a great atmosphere on its famous promenade.
• Mundaka (Bizkaia): Globally famous for having one of the best left-hand waves in the world inside the Urdaibai estuary.
• Sopela (Bizkaia): Spectacular cliffs, young vibe, and guaranteed waves all year round (Arrietara and Atxabiribil).

Family-Friendly & Calm

• La Concha (Donostia): Widely considered one of the best urban beaches in the world. Ideal for a swim without big waves and a stroll along its iconic railing.
• Plentzia & Gorliz (Bizkaia): A beautiful bay with calm waters and fine sand, perfect for families and easily accessible by Metro from Bilbao.
• Hondarribia (Gipuzkoa): A large beach next to the beautiful fishing town, right on the border with France.

Wild & Breathtaking

• Laga (Bizkaia): A pristine golden sand beach at the foot of Mount Ogoño, within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. A must-visit.
• Barrika / Muriola (Bizkaia): Beaches surrounded by impressive rock strata that served as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
• Itzurun (Zumaia, Gipuzkoa): A beach framed by vertical flysch cliffs, looking straight out of a movie.

🐶 Aste Nagusia (Bilbao)

Mid-August. The main star is Marijaia. Nine days of concerts, an international fireworks competition, and the famous festive stalls ("txosnas") in El Arenal.

🍦 Semana Grande (Donostia)

Around August 15th. La Concha Bay hosts the Fireworks Competition every night while the city fills with music, street bands, and packed ice cream shops.

☂️ Fiestas de La Blanca (Vitoria)

From August 4th to 9th. It kicks off with the emotional descent of Celedón crossing Vigen Blanca Square with his umbrella over a packed crowd.

The Euskera Language

The oldest living language in Europe. It is an "isolated language": it has no known connection to any other language in the world.

• Kaixo: Hello / Agur: Goodbye
• Eskerrik asko: Thank you very much
• Mesedez: Please / Garagardo bat: A beer

Herri Kirolak (Basque Rural Sports)

Competitions originated from traditional Basque farm and sea tasks—a spectacle of sheer strength.

• Aizkolaris: Woodcutters chopping massive beech logs.
• Harrijasotzailes: Lifters of spherical or cubic stone blocks.
• Estropadak: Traditional rowing trainera races along the coast.

Basilica of Begoña (Bilbao)

Home of the "Amatxu" (Virgin of Begoña), patron saint of Bizkaia. A Gothic temple overlooking the city, which many devotees walk up to via the Mallona steps or reach by elevator from the Old Town.

Sanctuary of Arantzazu (Oñati, Gipuzkoa)

An absolute masterpiece of Basque contemporary art hanging over the edge of a ravine. Its facade features the iconic and imposing stone-carved apostles by Jorge Oteiza and doors designed by Eduardo Chillida.

Sanctuary of Loyola (Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa)

A majestic Baroque complex built around the birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. Its massive and spectacular dome dominates the lush Urola river valley.

Santa María Cathedral (Vitoria-Gasteiz)

Its "Open for Works" tour allows you to walk through the foundations, naves, and triforium wearing a hard hat. Its imposing structure inspired Ken Follett to write "World Without End".

Buen Pastor Cathedral (Donostia)

The largest church in San Sebastian. A beautiful Neo-Gothic building in the city center, whose slender 75-meter spire aligns visually with the Basilica of Santa María in the Old Town.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Bermeo)

A small hermitage with unparalleled visual impact. Built at the top of an islet battered by the sea, reached after climbing 241 narrow stone steps. Ring the bell three times to ward off evil spirits.

Weather & "Sirimiri"

The weather in the north can be unpredictable. The famous "sirimiri" is a very fine, light rain typical of the region. The best advice? Dress in layers and always carry a light rain jacket, even in summer. Check the most accurate forecast on Euskalmet.

Parking (OTA / TAO)

Parking in the centers of Bilbao or San Sebastian is difficult. Almost all streets have regulated paid parking (OTA in Bizkaia/Araba, TAO in Gipuzkoa). The best option is to use park-and-ride lots (like the one at BEC or Illunbe) and then get around worry-free using BaiTaxi or public transport.

Car Rentals

If you want to explore the coast or mountains at your own pace, renting a car is a great idea. All three airports (Loiu, Foronda, and Hondarribia) and the main train stations (Abando and Atotxa) have counters for major rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt).