Iglesia de Santa María la Real
The Central Basque Coast
Part of the Museo de Arte e Historia de Zarautz, this impressive Gothic church dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. Note the magnificent Baroque…
Must-see attractions in Basque Country
Bilbao
The Concordia train station, with its art nouveau facade of wrought iron and tiles, was built in 1902 and for many years provided colour and interest in a…
Biscay Province
Every Monday, trade folk from across the region descend on Gernika to sell their wares in a sprawling market. You'll find over 350 stalls of fruits,…
Hondarribia
Magnificent square Plaza de Armas transports you back to the Middle Ages, particularly with the Castillo de Carlos V lording over the cobblestones.
Basque Country
Bodegas Palacio, just 800m south of Laguardia, arranges tours and tastings by appointment. Check the website for details of its wine courses (from €35 for…
Eastern Basque Country
It's a 2.5km walk north from Pasai San Pedro, but the views from around the lighthouse (closed to the public) are worth the effort. It takes about 45…
Basque Country
This classic city park, with its bandstand and leafy trees, is a lovely place for a walk, jog or picnic. Kids will want to hit up the ice cream stand in…
Hondarribia
One of the most scenic squares in the old town, the Plaza de Gipuzkoa is ringed by atmospheric stone and timber houses from centuries past.
Basque Country
Built between 1787 and 1802, this neoclassical covered arcade connects the old and new towns.
Bilbao
The morphing ground between the Casco Viejo and the newer parts of Bilbao, the Plaza del Arenal is a large open space that frequently plays host to…
The Central Basque Coast
Small but absorbing, the Arrantzaleen Museoa has model ships, shipbuilding tools and implements such as harpoons that provide an overview of the history…
Bilbao
Although Bilbao isn’t a bullfighting city in the manner of the towns of Andalucía, the audiences here are considered by matadors to be among the most…
Universidad de Sancti Spiritus
Basque Country
Oñati’s most prominent building is the Renaissance treasure of the Universidad de Sancti Spiritus. Built in the 16th century, it was the first university…
Bilbao
On the banks of the Ría del Nervión, and accessible via the Pedro Arrupe footbridge, the Universidad de Deusto dominates the waterfront. This landmark…
Biscay Province
A natural park that's popular for hiking, picnicking and rock climbing. There are numerous hiking trails, including one to the summit of Mt Anboto (1331m)…
San Sebastián
San Sebastián's town hall is an impressive configuration of belle époque towers and domed ceilings that stands proudly at the meeting point between Playa…
Basque Country
Atop the town hall on the main plaza, Laguardia's intriguing clockface draws onlookers at various times of the day. At noon, 1pm, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm and 10pm,…
San Sebastián
When a royal family comes to the seaside, they need a suitable summer beach pad. For Maria Cristina and family, that was the Palacio Miramar. It was built…
Basque Country
As befits the Basque capital, Vitoria boasts some important buildings: essential administrative centres, but of great symbolic significance. They include…
Basque Country
This is the city’s oldest church and has a fabulous Gothic frontispiece on its eastern facade. Unfortunately, it's rarely open. Your best bet to seeing…
Biscay Province
A local landmark, this castle-like mansion was originally built in 1902 but was subsequently revamped by Manuel María Smith in 1921. Its central tower is…
Centro Temático del Vino Villa Lucía
Basque Country
Just outside Laguardia, 700m to the southeast, is this impressive wine museum and shop selling high-quality bottles from small local producers. Museum…
Museo de Historia de Balmaseda
Biscay Province
This small museum inside the San Juan church showcases the town's past, and during the renowned Semana Santa festivities a Passion of Christ theatre…
Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Álava
Basque Country
Inside this natural-history museum is a dazzling collection of minerals. You can also marvel at a mantis caught in amber, get an eyeful of some beautiful…
Basque Country
Founded in 1510, this monastery contains a beautiful baroque altarpiece. As a still-functioning cloistered convent for the Poor Clares, it's rarely open…
Basque Country
The eccentric Museo Fournier de Naipes is in the 16th-century Palacio de Bendaña, with an impressive collection of historic presses and playing cards,…
Real Club Náutico de San Sebastián
San Sebastián
Up by the harbour at the northeastern end of the beach, the Real Club Náutico de San Sebastián was built in 1928 in a rationalist style. Appropriately…
Biscay Province
This small 1911-built mansion is one of several designed and built by Bilbao architect Manuel María Smith in the early 20th century. It's not open to the…
