Hotels in Euskal Autonomia Erkidegoa

When you think of an amazing seaside metropolis near the border of France, it has to be the Basque country of Spain. With its humid oceanic climate, the regional cuisine is best enjoyed with the locals. From a bicycle rides at festivals, lavish small snacks called pintxos packed with their local produce - grilled lamb and sheep/goat cheese to name a few, you are sure to remember this place when you visit.

Enjoying the beach while looking at scenic modern architecture is one of the best things to do here. Travel via car and you’ll get to see fishing villages, go to bars and you’ll see their locals enjoying hearty meals after a day’s work. Walking in picturesque Guggenheim Bilbao, which is their own modern art museum, and surfing at Mundaka should be one of your must-do while you’re in the area.

How to Get There

The best way to reach the wonderful places in Basque Country if you’re an international traveller is to fly to Bilbao Airport. From here, you can opt to ride a bus or a taxi to your next destination. Renting a car is an alternative as well as booking transfers. If you’re coming in from Madrid or Barcelona, you’ll most likely be arriving at San Sebastian Airport.

Getting Around

Train, taxi and bus rides are generally available in Basque. Be sure to experience their Transcantabrico which is their sightseeing train with it’s classic and luxe versions. You would understand why Basque is called Green Spain once you see the view from these sightseeing trains starting their route from Galicia until the large area of Basque.

You can also rent a car to enjoy the dramatic clifftop area from Bilbao to San Sebastian. Doing so enables you to move at your own pace while being able to see traditional fishing villages along the way.

Top Things to Do

Mention Basque and surfers will immediately say “Mundaka”, which is considered a surfer’s paradise. Riding the waves is one way to enjoy Mundaka, but there’s definitely more to it even for non-surfers. Walk around their charming ports beaming with historic homes and sit on the beach while watching surfers is something you must do in Mundaka.

San Sebastian should be synonymous with beach lovers, surfer peeps, and a lively nightlife. You wouldn’t want to miss out on walking along La Concha and Zurriola - their two famous beaches for adrenaline-seeking surfers.

Meanwhile, Vitoria-Gasteiz should pique the interest of history-loving travellers. Take a stroll along their cobblestoned streets to see how beautifully preserved their medieval center is. Or you can also take photos of or with the 13th-century Cathedral Santa Maria on the background. This should do the trick to enjoying Basque on another light apart from amazing coastal views.

What to Eat

Looking for what to eat? You’ll enjoy all that Basque Country has to offer. If you know Tapas across Spain then it’s Pintxos for the Basque region. Don’t go assuming though it’s all the same as the flavors will differ as their forms vary. Bar Ganbara maximizes all the goodness of its local produce. From cod, anchovies, peppers, jabugo, and ham to name a few. This will line you up their bar counter waiting for fresh hot out of the oven snacks.

Meanwhile, do you want to order already, or you want to have a taste of everything first? Why don’t you go to Arzak and order their tasting menu then decide what to get? From marinated sardines with strawberry to basil ice cream, there is surely one that can appeal to one’s palate in Arzak. Cool trivia: the owner was voted the World’s Best Female Chef in 2012.

A visit to One Petritegi Sagardoa is also a great experience. The restaurant boasts of its famous Sidra, which is their wine produced from locally grown apples. Don’t miss out with just one kind of wine, try their Kalimotxo as well which is their red wine mixed with cola.

Where to Stay

Since the Basque Country shares a part of France, it also shares the romantic vibe combined with the Spanish charm. It is not surprising that it is a top choice for honeymooners or those on a romantic trip. One of the most highly rated choices is Hotel Iriarte Jauregia. It is considered a garden hotel as it is surrounded by lush greenery and uses the environment as inspiration.

For those looking for a quaint place to stay but are on a budget, stay in Villa Soro. It is a great spot for those looking for an activity-packed itinerary as it is near the beach. The boutique hotel is a charming Basque house and only houses 25 intimate rooms.

Another romantic option is Castillo De Arteaga Restaurante. This hotel houses charming rooms that are situated inside a castle. It was built in the 13th century but has been remodelled since then. It retained its elegance and luxurious charm and has its own restaurant and wine cellar.

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