Discover lesser-known treasures: Spain's Basque Country's unsung tourist attractions (besides Barcelona)
In the heart of Spain's northern region lies the Basque Country, a vibrant and captivating destination that offers a unique blend of modern art, historic architecture, culinary delights, and breathtaking natural scenery.
The city of Bilbao, nestled in the province of Biscay and bathed by the Cantabrian Sea, is a must-visit. Its crown jewel is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a striking modern and contemporary art museum designed by Frank Gehry. Known for its titanium and limestone architecture, the museum houses impressive art collections by artists like Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol. In the museum plaza, visitors can marvel at sculptures such as Maman by Louise Bourgeois and Puppy and a tulips sculpture by Jeff Koons.
Bilbao's historic neighborhood, Casco Viejo (Old Town) or Las Siete Calles, is another key destination. It offers cobbled streets lined with traditional pintxos bars, charming shops, historic buildings such as Santiago Cathedral and San Nicolás Church, plus lively plazas and the Mercado de La Ribera food market where visitors can sample Basque cuisine and pintxos.
Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of Álava, was awarded the title of European Green Capital in 2013. The city is encircled by a 32-kilometre green belt, formed by five periurban parks - Armentia, Olarizu, Salburua, Zabalgana, and Zadorra. The city's medieval quarter retains its original almond-shaped layout, and Salburua Park has a number of lagoons that can be reached by foot or bicycle through developed trails. The Artium Museum, a contemporary art museum, is located in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
San Sebastián, the capital of the province of Guipuscoa, is another popular tourist destination. It is famous for its picturesque beaches like La Concha, a vibrant food scene focused on pintxos and Basque culinary traditions, historic landmarks, and events such as the International Film Festival. Mount Urgull offers sweeping views of the city, its bay, and its monuments.
The Basque Museum in Bilbao offers insights into local history, while the Santiago Cathedral and the Gothic Church of San Antón are impressive structures in Bilbao. In Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Santa María Cathedral is an ancient church. The Vizcaya suspension bridge in Bilbao is the oldest transporter bridge in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For those seeking to explore these cities fully, booking guided tours, culinary experiences, and walking tours are popular ways to immerse oneself in the Basque culture. Whether you're a fan of art, history, or nature, the Basque Country has something for everyone.
Explore the lifestyle and home-and-garden aspects of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the European Green Capital, as it boasts a 32-kilometer green belt, formed by five periurban parks.
Indulge in food-and-drink experiences in San Sebastián, renowned for its vibrant food scene focused on pintxos and Basque culinary traditions.
){kind=link}