The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for Spain’s Basque Country

At least for a three-day journey, the Basque Country in Spain is a must-visit for everyone who adores Nordic landscapes and longs to experience another aspect of Spain.

In the Basque Country, leisure and slowness are paramount. Imagine siestas, beaches, and tapas. We will thus take our time with this three-day Basque Country excursion.

The ideal approach to spend your time in the Basque Country would be to spend part of it exploring the area’s hidden gems and the rest of it combining some of the tourist attractions with some local culture.

If you don’t have your own automobile, you’ll also need to rent one. The Basque Country spans 7,234 km2, and although we won’t be able to visit it all

Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in the Spanish Basque Country:

Day 1: San Sebastián (Donostia)

Morning:

• Arrival: Arrive in San Sebastián, also known as Donostia.
• Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Basque breakfast at a local café. Try pintxos (Basque tapas) and a café con leche to energize for the day.

Mid-morning:

• Explore Old Town (Parte Vieja): Wander through the historic streets of the Old Town, admiring the architecture and browsing shops. Visit the 19th-century Mercado de la Bretxa for a taste of local life.

Lunch:

• Pintxos Tour: Embark on a pintxos tour of the Old Town, sampling a variety of these delicious Basque small plates at different bars. Don’t miss specialties like Gilda (skewered olives, peppers, and anchovies) and Txistorra (Basque sausage).

Afternoon:

• La Concha Beach: Spend the afternoon relaxing on La Concha Beach, one of Europe’s most beautiful urban beaches. Swim in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on the golden sand, or take a leisurely walk along the promenade.

Evening:

• Mount Igueldo Sunset: Take the funicular up Mount Igueldo for panoramic views of San Sebastián and the Bay of Biscay. Enjoy the sunset over the city before descending back to the town.

Dinner:

• Seafood Feast: Indulge in a seafood dinner at one of San Sebastián’s renowned seafood restaurants. Feast on freshly caught fish, grilled squid, and other delicacies from the sea.

Day 2: Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum

Morning:

• Travel to Bilbao: Take a morning train or bus to Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country.
• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at a local café in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo (Old Town), sampling pastries like bollos de mantequilla (butter buns) and croissants.

Mid-morning:

• Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Spend the morning exploring the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by architect Frank Gehry. Admire the stunning architecture and world-class contemporary art collection.

Lunch:

• Bilbao Riverfront (Ría de Bilbao): Enjoy a leisurely lunch along the riverfront, sampling Basque cuisine at a restaurant with views of the Ría de Bilbao. Try dishes like Bacalao al Pil Pil (cod in garlic sauce) or Txuletón (grilled steak).

Afternoon:

• Casco Viejo Exploration: Explore Bilbao’s charming Casco Viejo, known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere. Visit the Santiago Cathedral, Plaza Nueva, and the Mercado de la Ribera.

Evening:

• Bilbao Nightlife: Experience Bilbao’s vibrant nightlife with drinks at a local bar or terrace. Sample Basque wines, craft beers, or traditional Basque cider.

Dinner:

• Txakoli Tasting Dinner: Enjoy a tasting dinner at a txakoli winery or restaurant, sampling this crisp, slightly sparkling Basque white wine paired with local cheeses, seafood, and pintxos.

Day 3: Hondarribia and Txingudi Bay

Morning:

• Travel to Hondarribia: Take a day trip to Hondarribia, a picturesque coastal town near the French border.
• Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at a café in Hondarribia’s historic Old Town, savoring croissants, jamón ibérico, and café solo.

Mid-morning:

• Hondarribia Old Town: Explore the charming streets of Hondarribia’s Old Town, known for its colorful Basque houses, cobblestone streets, and medieval fortifications.

Lunch:

• Seafood Lunch: Enjoy a seafood lunch at a waterfront restaurant in Hondarribia, indulging in freshly caught fish, squid, and shellfish. Don’t forget to try the local specialty, Txangurro (stuffed crab).

Afternoon:

• Boat Tour of Txingudi Bay: Take a boat tour of Txingudi Bay, a scenic coastal area shared by Spain, France, and the Basque Autonomous Community. Explore the bay’s rich biodiversity and learn about its cultural significance.

Evening:

• Return to San Sebastián: Travel back to San Sebastián in the late afternoon.
• Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Basque restaurant in San Sebastián, savoring regional dishes like Basque-style codfish (Bacalao a la Vizcaína) or Basque cider-braised chorizo.

Practical Tips:

• Transportation: Use public transportation or rent a car for easy travel between cities and attractions.
• Accommodation: Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Reservations: Make reservations for dining and activities, particularly for guided tours and museum visits.
• Language: While Spanish is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, knowing a few basic phrases in Basque (Euskara) can enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.

This 3-day itinerary offers a perfect balance of cultural exploration, culinary delights, and coastal beauty, allowing you to experience the best of the Spanish Basque Country in a short amount of time. Enjoy your journey through this captivating region!