Welcome to San Sebastián! Begin your adventure by exploring the impressive beaches such as Playa de la Concha or take a sightseeing tour that covers the top spots like Monte Igueldo, Aquarium, and Old Town. Be ready to sink into the fantastic local cuisine!
Drive to Hondarribia and visit the Sokoa Island, Castello Abbadia, and Plaiaundi natural reserve. Spend some leisurely time in the old town and try some delicious pintxos in the Michelin-starred restaurant.
Discover Bilbao, starting with the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry. Head to Casco Viejo (the old town) and explore in and around for some historical landmarks like Santiago Cathedral, St. James Square, and many boutiques and shops offering local handicrafts.
Take a day trip to the coastal town of Getxo, check out the incredible views at the Vizcaya Bridge, also known as the Hanging Bridge. Take a stroll toward Algorta beach, and relieve in Gaztelugatxe, known as the Dragonstone in Game of Thrones.
Head to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a rugged islet with a staircase consisting of 241 steps leading up to the top of the hill, where a charming 10th-century hermitage stands. Carry on to the small fishing town of Bermeo and enjoy the local seafood cuisine.
Travel to Santander and uncover its striking beauty, head to El Sardinero, one of the most iconic beaches in the city or explore the Magdalena Peninsula where the zoo, the Magdalena Palace, and the lighthouse are located.
Catch a boat that takes you from Santander to Somo and try water sports like surfing or a relaxing day on the beach.
Visit the Cabarceno Nature Park with its diverse range of flora and fauna. You can enjoy watching the natural habitat of brown bears, wolves, Bengal tigers, and varieties of birds keeping in mind the conservation of nature.
Explore the Santoña Marsh Nature Park, noted for its wetlands, rare flora and fauna, and isolated dunes. After that, head to Laredo Beach, a long and delightful natural paradise not far away.
Visit Castro Urdiales and take a stroll around the fishing port, enjoy the remarkable churches such as the magnificent Gothic church, the Castle of Vela, or relax on the Brazomar Beach.
Return to Bilbao and relax in the unique settings and gastronomy of the city, and enjoy some contemporary art festivals or street performers that perform on the streets of Bilbao.
Discover the Basque Coast Geopark, a UNESCO site and take a stroll along the coast from Barrika Beach to Sopelana in Urbezo Cliff, the longest continuous stretch of flysch cliffs in the world.
Head to Lekeitio and take a boat to reach the isle of San Nicolas, a beautiful tiny paradise on the bottom of the Bay of Biscay where you can swim, explore the beautiful surroundings, and relax in nature!
Finish your journey back in San Sebastián, spend the last day on the beach, or explore the parks and gardens such as Cristina Enea and Aiete Park or take part in some family-friendly water activities.
Travellers can enjoy comfortable and affordable journeys around Baskenlandes by renting a car from major car rental agencies like Avis, Europcar, and Budget. Travel time between destinations is roughly 1-2 hours in each direction, and fuel costs can average to €50-€100 depending on the distance and car type. For easier access to some landmarks, it is better to travel on foot or use public transportation or boats where available.
If you have more time, you can visit Zarautz, Mundaka, and Guernica-Lumo which are equally charming destinations in Baskenlandes. In case you have less time, you can skip some of the stops or shorten your stays in each location.
The main airports in Baskenlandes are Bilbao Airport (BIO) and Santander Airport (SDR). Bilbao Airport is located around 5 mi (12 km) north of Bilbao city centre, and Santander Airport is not more than 3 mi (5 km) from Santander city centre. Both airports are a gateway for national and international flights, and travellers can reach their accommodation by taxi or by bus, taking roughly 10 to 20 minutes.