Holiday in Basque Country
Region in Spain — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇪🇸
Country
Spain
Type
Region
Best time to travel
June–September
Budget/day
90–150 €
Getting there from Germany
Direct flights to Bilbao take about 2 hours. Alternatively, fly to San Sebastián or Biarritz (France) with a short transfer.
Deals for Basque Country:
What makes Basque Country special as a destination?
The Basque Country on the northern coast of Spain is a world of its own — with its own language, one of the best cuisines in the world, and a dramatic coastal landscape. Basque culture, one of the oldest in Europe with the mysterious language Euskara (which is not related to any other language), influences every aspect of life — from pintxos bars to pelota games to festivals. San Sebastián, the culinary capital, combines three Michelin three-star restaurants with a pintxos culture that is unparalleled. Bilbao has transformed into a cultural metropolis thanks to the Guggenheim Museum. Vitoria-Gasteiz, the green capital, surprises with a medieval almond-shaped old town and was awarded the title of European Green Capital in 2012. Smaller towns like Hondarribia and Getaria (the birthplace of fashion designer Balenciaga and circumnavigator Elkano) offer authentic Basque life. The Basque coastline is dramatic: the rocky island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (filming location for Game of Thrones), the surf beach of Mundaka with one of the longest left-hand waves in Europe, and the steep cliffs of the Flysch route between Zumaia and Deba, which reveal 60 million years of geological history, are natural highlights. Basque cuisine (Nüva Cocina Vasca) combines tradition and innovation: Bacalao al Pil-Pil, Marmitako (tuna stew), Txuletón (T-bone steak), and the sparkling Txakolí white wine are culinary musts.
What are the top highlights in Basque Country?
The top highlights in Basque Country include Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, San Sebastián Old Town, Gaztelugatxe, Flysch of Zumaia, Rioja Alavesa Wine Region.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Frank Gehry's titanium-clad masterpiece revolutionized the museum world and transformed Bilbao from an industrial city into a cultural mecca.
San Sebastián Old Town
The pintxo bars in the Parte Vieja offer haute cuisine in miniature — the city has more Michelin stars per square meter than almost any other city in the world.
Gaztelugatxe
The rocky island accessible via a stone bridge with its hermitage served as the backdrop for Dragonstone in Game of Thrones.
Flysch of Zumaia
The spectacular flysch cliffs along the coast showcase 60 million years of geological history in dramatically layered rock formations.
Rioja Alavesa Wine Region
The Basque part of Rioja is home to avant-garde wineries like the Marqués de Riscal winery designed by Frank Gehry.
Hotels in Basque Country
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
* You will be redirected to Expedia.de. Their terms of use apply.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Basque Country?
The best time to visit Basque Country is June–September. Pleasant, 20–28 °C, changeable with sun and showers In winter: Mild, 6–12 °C, often rainy
Recommended travel time
June–September
Summer
Pleasant, 20–28 °C, changeable with sun and showers
Winter
Mild, 6–12 °C, often rainy
How much does a holiday in Basque Country cost?
Budget travellers: 45–65 €/day, mid-range: 90–150 €/day, luxury: 250–500 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
45–65 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
90–150 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
250–500 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Basque Country?
Direct flights to Bilbao take about 2 hours. Alternatively, fly to San Sebastián or Biarritz (France) with a short transfer.
Book a package holiday to Basque Country
Compare thousands of package holidays to Basque Country and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Basque Country?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
In San Sebastián, people go from bar to bar in the evening and order 1–2 pintxos everywhere — this is the Basque way of dining.
Txakoli, the lightly sparkling Basque white wine, is poured from a great height into the glass — a ritual.
Gaztelugatxe has 241 steps — go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
The Basque coast is perfect for surfing — Mundaka has one of the best left-hand waves in Europe.
Learn a few words of Euskara (Basque) — the locals appreciate every attempt.
What should you eat in Basque Country?
Typical specialities in Basque Country: Pintxos, Bacalao al Pil-Pil, Txuleta (beef chop), Marmitako (tuna stew), Gâteau Basque, Idiazabal cheese.
These specialties you must try!
Ready for Basque Country?
Plan your Basque Country holiday now with our free tools.
