10 Days Family-Friendly Itinerary in Vitoria-Gasteiz

  • Day 1: Explore the Historic Center
    2.1 km walk, 30 minutes

    Discover the rich history of Vitoria-Gasteiz by visiting the historic center. Some landmarks to see are the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria and the old city walls. Make a stop at Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, and enjoy its beautiful statue and fountain.

  • Day 2: Visit the Artium Museum
    1.5 km walk, 20 minutes

    Art lovers must visit Artium Museum – the best modern art museum in town. Marvel at its permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations, including works by Picasso and Chillida.

  • Day 3: Family Day at the Europa Park
    7 km drive, 20 minutes

    Europa Park is perfect for a fun day out with the family. There are many attractions, including boat rides, a train, and a magic maze. There's also a petting zoo and a small farm.

  • Day 4: Discover Salburua Wetlands
    4.7 km drive, 10 minutes

    Take a walk on the wild side by exploring Salburua Wetlands, nestled in the outskirts of the city. The Salburua Park has boardwalks where you can observe numerous species of aquatic plants and birds, like flamingos and herons.

  • Day 5: La Florida Park and Observatorio
    2.2 km walk, 30 minutes

    La Florida Park is a beautiful oasis in the center of the city with well-manicured gardens and a pond. It houses the Observatorio designed to study the environment and astronomy. You can reserve a tour here and explore the universe.

  • Day 6: Lunch and Shopping at Dendaraba Market
    2.4 km walk, 30 minutes

    Dendaraba Market is a type of European street market where vendors sell quality local produce, spices, and handmade items. There is also a great selection of cafes and restaurants in the area to try local dishes.

  • Day 7: Visit the Basque Museum
    3.4 km walk, 45 minutes

    Explore the unique culture and history of the region at the Basque Museum. This museum offers many interactive exhibits, including Basque culture, wildlife, and ancestry. You'll also find various photographs and models of the trades.

  • Day 8: Stroll Through the Green Belt
    2.5 km walk, 30 minutes

    The Green Belt of Vitoria is a 30 km network of parks and gardens that circle the city center. We recommend walking through the parks at your leisurely pace, or renting a bike. Highlights include the Armentia, the prado, and the Lezama parks.

  • Day 9: Guided Tour of the Rioja Alavesa Region
    88 km drive, 1 hour 20 minutes

    Take a guided tour to the Rioja Alavesa region where you can learn the history of the Basque wine region and sample different wine varieties during a wine tasting. You'll visit vineyards, explore towns and savor the area's classic dishes.

  • Day 10: Visit the Gorbeia Natural Park
    25 km drive, 40 minutes

    Gorbeia Natural Park is the largest protected area in the Basque Country. It is a UNESCO biosphere reserve that is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and outdoor activities. You'll also be amazed by the beautiful landscapes.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Historic Center of Vitoria (1 hour, free)
  • Artium Museum (2-3 hours, 10 euros per person)
  • Europa Park (4-5 hours, 15 euros per person)
  • Salburua Wetlands (2 hours, free)
  • La Florida Park and Observatorio (2-3 hours, free)
  • Dendaraba Market (1-2 hours, free-5 euros per person)
  • Basque Museum (2 hours, free-5 euros per person)
  • Green Belt (3-4 hours, free)
  • Rioja Alavesa Tour (6-8 hours, 100-150 euros per person)
  • Gorbeia Natural Park (4-5 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 125 euros per person

Transportation

Comfortable shoes will be a traveler's best friend here as everything is within walking distance. For visiting places beyond the city center, take public transportation or a Taxi if traveling with younger kids. The costs are reasonable and range roughly between 1-40 euros. A rental car is also better for distant excursions, but parking spots in the city is limited.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, we recommend visiting Mountain Alava or getting involved in the Annual Jazz Festival of Vitoria-Gasteiz, situated between July-August. If your stay is shorter, remove the Rioja Alavesa tour or the Gorbeia Natural Park trip.

Airports

Vitoria Airport (VIT) is the closest airport to Vitoria-Gasteiz though a regional airport with limited flights. Bilbao Airport (BIO) is approximately 60 miles from Vitoria-Gasteiz and has more international flights options.

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