Basque Country Travelers Recommend

You could be forgiven for forgetting you’re in Spain when you visit the Basque Country (País Vasco). Its green, mountainous interior and rugged coastline seem to have served as a buffer from the outside world over the centuries, allowing a rich and distinctive culture to evolve that is sure to captivate you. Art appreciation takes on a whole new meaning in Bilbao. The iconic and breathtaking Museo Guggenheim is merely one example of this city’s exciting cultural renaissance. Follow the river road to the coast, where dramatic cliffs, long sandy beaches and glorious views abound. Like your food rich, bursting with seafood and artfully presented? Wait til you try San Sebastián’s pintxos! Unanimously considered Spain’s finest tapas, pintxos would be reason enough to visit this elegant coastal resort, but you’ll also be enchanted by its stunning beach and atmospheric old town.

From modern art to foodie excursions and a medieval quarter worth getting lost in, here’s how to get the most out of a three-day trip to Basque Country’s Bilbao. It’s clear: If you came for one thing, it was to at least see the Guggenheim Museum. Get your visit off to a good start by spending your first day admiring Frank Gehry’s architectural marvel both inside and out. Wandering its exterior, you can ponder pieces like the giant plant-covered Flower Puppy, or the eight-legged gangly Maman spider. Inside, browse the museum’s permanent collection, as well as its many rotating exhibits. Take advantage of your visit to the area by crossing the river to the opposite side of town. Get there via the pedestrian-only White Bridge – or Zubizuri Bridge – which will drop you off just blocks away from the Artxanda Funicular boarding station.

As the Basque region’s number-one seaside resort, San Sebastian is the proud owner of three pristine sandy beaches stretching around the Bay de la Concha. They fill up quickly with families clustered around the distinctive toldos de sol, blue-and-white striped beach tents that can be hired along the beach. Take time out from the beach to explore the charismatic city of San Sebastian; start off by getting your bearings on a hop-on, hop-off tour of all the sights. Cherry-pick a couple of places to see in the late afternoon and escape the fierce midday heat among the bars and coffee shops of the historic Parte Vieja. Bring a picnic, wander around the enticing backstreets, take a swim on the little slab of beach or visit the austere castle built by King Charles V on Plaza de Armas. It’s now a parador (government-owned hotel) so it’s just the place to stop for coffee in late afternoon.

Where better to start than the unique medieval village of Laguardia? With a wine-making tradition dating back centuries, Laguardia has a real old-world atmosphere, and boasts plenty of historic bodegas (wine cellars) along its narrow cobbled streets. Many of these offer tasting sessions and guided tours. Step back in time as you wander the village, its imposing old churches, ancient walls and house shields evoking centuries past. At the heart of La Rioja Alta is picturesque Haro, surrounded by vineyards and worth a visit for its vibrant old quarter. Haro’s bodegas, taverns and wine museum will keep you busy at any time of year but if you’re there in late June, don’t miss its annual Wine Battle. Dress in white and join the throngs squirting each other with red wine from leather drinking bottles!