Biscay Province
Portugalete's impressive basilica (1580) stands atop an earlier 14th-century church that originally marked the town's highest point. A striking structure,…
Must-see attractions in Basque Country
Parte Vieja
At the summit of Monte Urgull, this stone fortress is but the latest incarnation of many fortifications that have existed here since the 12th century. It…
The Central Basque Coast
For a pleasant panoramic view over Lekeitio, take the short trail that leads up to the top of this 115m high peak. To get there head around the backside…
Parte Vieja
At the base of Monte Urgull is Jorge Oteiza’s Construcción Vacía (Empty Space) sculpture. Oteiza (1908–2003) was a renowned painter, sculptor and writer…
Biscay Province
The walls of this cave system, 6.5km northeast of Gernika, are decorated with around 50 different Neolithic paintings depicting bison, horses, rhinos and…
San Sebastián
One of the most attractive and enjoyable little outdoor spaces in San Sebastián, the Parque de Alderdi Eder is actually more of an elongated plaza shaded…
Iglesia de Santa María de los Reyes
Basque Country
The impressive Iglesia de Santa María de los Reyes has a breathtaking late-14th-century Gothic doorway, adorned with beautiful sculptures of the disciples…
Parte Vieja
This museum turns the pages of Basque seafaring and naval history. There is no permanent collection, just long-term exhibitions, which in the past have…
San Sebastián
The striking Torreón de Monte Igueldo (Tower of Monte Igueldo) is a fortified lighthouse, a reconstruction of a 16th-century tower. It no longer works …
Basque Country
Tour an orchard, taste a tipple of cider and learn all you ever wanted to know (and much you didn't) at this surprisingly informative and high-tech cider…
Hondarribia
The main drag of Hondarribia's La Marina district, Calle San Pedro is a quaint pedestrian-only strip flanked by traditional fishers’ houses, with facades…
Bilbao
Designed by Juan Bautista de Oureta and Miguel de Maruri in 1800, this neoclassical fountain is located at a natural spring where market animals used to…
Basque Country
This late Gothic confection has a cloister built over the river and a 17th-century crypt where the Counts of Guevara are buried. The church faces onto the…
The Central Basque Coast
A short walk northeast of town takes you on a path out to this striking stone church, which dates from 1879 but looks much older. Although it's often…
The Central Basque Coast
Located just across the estuary, the lovely golden sands of Laida Beach make a fine setting for a fun day out. Where the water meets the shore, it's…
San Sebastián
It might be called a plaza, but with its duck pond, flower beds and many trees this tiny square is as much a formal garden park as a city plaza. It was…
Hondarribia
Today it’s a government-run hotel, but for over 1000 years this castle hosted knights and kings. Its position atop the old town hill gave it a commanding…
Biscay Province
If you can't make it to Madrid to see the original, pay a visit to this copy of Picasso's heart-rending response to Franco's murderous bombing raid. The…
Basque Country
Housed in an exquisite neo-Renaissance building, with lovely stained glass windows and a converted chapel that was part of the former Palacio de Augusti,…
Basque Country
Laguardia's oldest winery is 500m north of the historic centre. On a 75-minute tour through this atmospheric 16th-century building, knowledgeable guides…
The Central Basque Coast
This replica of a whaling ship (not quite full size) gives a taste of what life was like for the 60 or so sailors aboard this triple-masted vessel of the…
Hondarribia
Hondarribia's sheltered beach is lined with bars and restaurants, and offers calm swimming waters. When the swell is running, there's a long right-hand…
Biscay Province
Home to Mt Gorbeia (1481m), south of Bilbao, this natural park contains diverse and stimulating landscapes. As well as the rounded dome of Gorbeia itself,…
Basílica de Santa María del Coro
Parte Vieja
The Parte Vieja's most photogenic building is this baroque basilica, completed in 1774. Its ornate facade depicts St Sebastian and the altarpiece is…
Biscay Province
Near the mouth of the Nervión estuary, the Playa de Arrigunaga is a lovely stretch of beachfront, backed by steep hillside. This is a great spot to slow…
Biscay Province
The old port at the northern end of the Playa de Ereaga is today dominated by a large open-air car park. Go up the steps, though, and you emerge into a…
Bilbao
This landmark church by the northern entrance to the Casco Viejo was consecrated in 1756. Dedicated to St Nicholas of Bari, the patron saint of sailors,…
Biscay Province
Built between 1854 and 1863 by Lorenzo Fancisco de Móñiz and refurbished in 1925 in neoclassical style, this landmark church has a stepped belfry. It's…
San Sebastián
Monte Ulia is just moments from the city centre, but in terms of peace and tranquility it's worlds away. To get here, follow the road just behind the…
Basque Country
Contains some early Christian stone carvings and Basque crosses, detailed paintings of biblical scenes and a glittering ensemble of crucifixes and…
Basque Country
Tours of this traditional winery's medieval cellars, 7m below the Laguardia's historic heart, finish with a tasting of two of the bodega's wines. Reserve…
Parte Vieja
One of the Basque Country's most attractive city squares, the Plaza de la Constitución was built in 1813 at the heart of the old town on the site of an…
San Sebastián
Several bridges span the narrow Río Urumea, but by far the most impressive is the Puente de Maria Cristina. Opened in 1905, the belle époque structure is…
Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel
Basque Country
At the base of Vitoria's medieval Casco Viejo is the delightful Plaza de la Virgén Blanca, which is lorded over by the 14th-century Iglesia de San Miguel…
San Sebastián
Clattering up and down Monte Igueldo since 1912, the funicular train allows you to enjoy old-world transport and is the best option for getting to the…
Parque de Doña Casilda de Iturrizar
Bilbao
Planted with maples, lindens, cedars, palms and 70 other species of trees, the Parque de Doña Casilda de Iturrizar was completed in 1920. The centrepiece…
Biscay Province
Ideal for families, this long, sheltered sandy beach runs between the Galerías de Punta Begoña and Puerto Viejo. You can hire sunbeds and parasols (per…
San Sebastián
Overlooking Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, the grassy lawns of the Jardines de Miramar slope gently down to the ocean and are a popular place…
Bilbao
With its fountains and spinning traffic, Plaza de Federico Moyúa is the heart of the Ensanche. It's home to the regal Hotel Carlton, once the hotel of…
Basque Country
For a splendid view over town and the vineyards beyond, climb the 100-plus steps of the 'Abbot's Tower' – so named as it was once part of a monastery…
