We are planning a trip to Basque country for early fall this year (mid-Sept to mid-Oct). We will be in the area for an extended time (3-4 weeks). I am not a big fan of day tripping; prefer to stay in a place for at least a few days to experience what is there. I would be interested in knowing what people would recommend. Rick Steves talks about Leteikio, but it is seldom mentioned in most of the blogs I have seen online. My husband is in his early 80's, and I am catching up. He is no longer able to manage the longer kind of coastal hikes that we used to do, but we still like to walk, to stroll, to go out for good food, and to learn about the culture and history of the places we visit. Thanks very much, in advance, for any suggestions that you have. We will also go to Vitoria-Gasteiz while there and explore some of the areas inland so suggestions for places inland would also be much appreciated.
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Bilbao
1011 posts
As a Basque local, who has spent several summer holidays in Lekeitio, it´s a very good choice as it has everything, and it´s a beautiful and unspoilt town, with a very Basque atmosphere (Basque is also widely spoken here). Very restricted parking, residents only in the most part of town, so if you have a vehicle it´s better to avoid it. In the province of Bizkaia, capital Bilbao, you may also want to consider Bermeo, Mundaka and Gernika, on the coast or nearby. Inland, Durango and Elorrio are very nice places.
Just take into account that our weather tends to be rainy and cool...kind of similar to Seattle weather.
In the province of Gipuzkoa, capital Donostia-San Sebastian, Deba, Zumaia, Zarautz and Hondarribia on the coast. Inland, Tolosa and Azpeitia, Loyola as a great visit.
In the province of Araba, Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital and you can´t miss the Rioja Alavesa wine region, with Laguardia, Labastida and Elciego.
The Basque Country is small, but it has beautiful mountainous and green landscapes, sandy beaches with forests behind or down the cliffs, a rough sea and excellent gastronomy, one of the best in the world. And lots of historical places.