The Basque Country is a destination that can be experienced with all five senses, but to avoid any mishaps, it is worth knowing its unwritten rules. From how to interpret the sky to understanding that eating is a social ritual here, this guide brings together the best tips to travel to the Basque Country.
Forget general recommendations; here is some useful information that you will actually use on a daily basis.
1. Mobility and Transport: ¿how to get around the Basque Country?
The Basque transport network is efficient, but the choice of transport depends entirely on your plans:
Airports and air connections
Depending on your place of departure and main destination, there are three options:
- Bilbao Airport (BIO): is the main international gateway. It offers numerous connections operated by various airlines. For your arrival, consult our guide on how to get from Bilbao airport to the city centre.
- San Sebastian Airport (EAS): although smaller, it is very convenient for domestic flights and has some international connections in high season.
- Vitoria-Gasteiz Airport (VIT): focuses mainly on domestic flights and, although it is less popular, it may be a strategic alternative depending on your route.
Getting around the Basque Country
To hop between the three capitals, the bus is usually faster and more frequent than the train. However, if you want to explore Zumaia’s Flysch, the Urdaibai Reserve or the coastal villages with absolute freedom, our recommendation is to rent a car.
2. Weather and Luggage: ¿what to pack?
One of the most important tips for travelling to the Basque Country is not to underestimate the Atlantic sky.
- The phenomenon of xirimiri: that fine rain or drizzle that inadvertently leaves you soaking wet. A light rain jacket is always more practical than an umbrella, especially if it’s windy on the coast.
- What to bring: include comfortable shoes (you will be walking a lot in the Old Town or along La Concha Beach), an external battery for your mobile phone and, of course, a swimming costume if you come in summer to enjoy the beaches in Sopelana or Bakio.
- Documentation: don’t forget to always carry a valid ID card or passport and, if you are travelling from abroad, you will need travel insurance to cover any unforeseen medical or transport issues.
3. Basque Gastronomy: eat like a local
Eating here is sacred and goes far beyond the famous pintxos. There are recipes that define our identity and you should order them at local restaurants. If you want to go straight to the best of our cuisine, don’t miss our selection of 5 traditional Basque dishes in Bilbao that every traveller should try.
From Bacalao al Pil-Pil (cod in garlic and olive oil) to a delicious tuna marmitako (tuna and potato stew), the key lies in the ingredients. Always accompany your meal with a Txakoli (young white wine) or a natural cider if visiting the region during the cider house season (from January to April).
4. Accommodation: where to stay in the Basque Country
The Basque Country offers options for all pockets: from luxury boutique hotels next to the Guggenheim Museum to family flats or hostels for tighter budgets.
- The importance of booking in advance: in high season (July and August) or during major events, such as the Big Week or the San Sebastian Film Festival, availability plummets and prices soar up. We advise you to book several months in advance to secure a place.
- Local identity: if you want to experience the most authentic atmosphere, look for accommodation close to the historic centres of the three capitals. In the capital of Bizkaia, for example, San Mamés is one of the best areas to stay in Bilbao.
- Advantages of San Mamés: staying in this area means that you are close to the main transport interchange (metro, bus and tram), just a stone’s throw away from the river estuary and surrounded by a vibrant, authentic and very safe atmosphere.
5. The soul of the Basque Country: history and traditions
The Basque Country is its history and traditions; a land that embraces its roots while looking towards the future. To really immerse yourself in our culture, bear in mind these points:
- Cultural routes: don’t just scratch the surface. Explore from the Medieval Quarter of Vitoria-Gasteiz to the avant-garde architecture of Bilbao. If you have enough time to allow yourself be captivated by the region, we recommend a 7 day trip around the Basque Country.
- The soul of the city: to really understand what makes the people of Bilbao tick and to feel their passion, the San Mamés Tour is a must. You will discover a legacy dating back more than 125 years that defines an entire population.
- A Grand Finale: if you are looking to take your trip from great to unforgettable, visit Athletic de Bilbao with a VIP Experience on a match day. Feeling the roar of “The Cathedral” from the most exclusive area is undoubtedly the perfect finishing touch. To organise your visit in detail, don’t forget to consult our full guide to visit San Mamés.
