Good day everyone,
I am planning on visiting the Basque Country while in Spain/France.
Any recommendations on some hidden gems, must sees l, and a few kid friendly activities (9 and 10years) in the basque county. I’ll have a car rental and plan on basing myself in San Sebastián for at least 5 days.
Thanks
Nate.
These are not exactly hidden but I haven’t seen them mentioned often on this board. We have spent time in both the Spanish and French Basque areas and loved the small French Basque villages in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Basque architecture. They are above St-Jean de Luz. Ascain, Ainhoa, Saré, and Espellette are some of the villages we enjoyed. Each town has a pelota court. We bought quite a few textiles there with the Basque colors. We will return and stay in one of them as well as St- Jean de Luz. Charming, fun to visit. Before heading there I highly recommend the highly readable “ The Basque History of the World” by Mark Kurlansky.
We also enjoyed visiting and staying in the Spanish Basque towns and cities. We spent a week in Hondarribia using it as a base. Getaria, Bilbao, and San Sebastián are must see locations. The Basque region pre-dates the formation of both France and Spain.
Places I have on my “to visit” list include, Placa San Juan De Gaztelugatxe, Lekeitio, and Ondarroa. Near Vitoria-Gasteiz is Salto del Nervion waterfall and hiking area. If you wanted to drop down into La Rioja and/Navarra to get away from the coast there are many more places.
Once you know where you intend to stay, do searches of the towns and areas around your lodgings. Many small towns have seldom visited hidden gem sights because few people rent vehicles. There are also many hiking areas and areas of natural beauty throughout that region.
The Basque Country is our favorite region of Spain. Totally second @Suki recommendations of Hondaribbia, St. Jean de Luz and the French Basque villages. Additionally would suggest, especially for the kids, Peine del Viento at La Concha Beach in San Sebastion: The blow hole is incredibly fun! Also recommend Chillida Leku and the old quarter in Hondaribbia. Have a great trip.
Hi everyone.
Thank you very much for the helpful advice
Happy new year
Nate
Just take into account that weather in northern Spain is not as in the Mediterranean and beach weather is not always an option. Just one (or two?) hotels in SS with a pool, and a very small one, but wonderful food and scenery!!
If you have a car, if you are thinking about the peak summer season you might want to rethink San Sebastián as a base. Parking is messy, and a day trip is enough to visit the city. If you do choose San Sebastián, be ready to use the underground car parks.
Hondarribia could be more convenient, in my opinion, with easy access to both sides of the FR/SP border.
As for hidden gems: I love the coast between Ondarroa & Gernika, including Lekeitio and Elantxobe.
To add to the previous comment, the Parador de Hondarribia is up the hill in the historic center. It has a dedicated, secure parking lot, although it can be difficult to maneuver in when full. Behind the Parador is an elevator that will take you down to the lower town so you don’t need to climb the hill unless you want to. We thoroughly enjoyed the couple nights we stayed there.
We enjoyed Bayonne as well.. Biarritz and the coastal drive ... St Jean de Luc was also very nice.
