We will be in Spain for a late winter trip. We want to go to the Basque area not for skiing or not beach people even if it was summer. I love picturesque historical old towns.
What cities and towns are not to miss that time of the year?
We may be flying in from the US or from Sevilla depending on our itinerary. Which airport in the Basque area should we fly into?
We will be doing buses and trains. We will NOT be driving.
Love art but not modern art but will probably go to Bilbo to see the Guggenheim museum building.
Kind of lost on this planning but lots off time to do it.
Waiting for Rick’s Basque Snapshot book from my library.
Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Bilbao
743 posts
Expect cool temperatures and high chances of some rainy days, this is a very green area covered with forests and many mountains. No beach at all in winter and no skiing in the Basque Country. Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian seem obvious places for a start. From Bilbao you have easy access to Haro (Rioja Alta, La Rioja) and Laguardia (Rioja Alavesa, Basque Country), full of very old wineries and centuries-old cellars.
Public transport is excellent and it practically takes you anywhere, strongly recommended to buy a transport card (Barik for the province of Bizkaia, Mugi for the province of Gipuzkoa, BAT for the province of Araba). From Bilbao it´s advisable to visit Getxo and the Hanging bridge and the old fishing port of Algorta, Plentzia, Bermeo, Gernika and its Parliament, Lekeitio...Close to D-SS you have Getaria, Hondarribia, Pasai Donibane, Tolosa...
Bilbao has a lovely old quarter, as well as Donostia and Vitoria-Gasteiz (the capital, worth the visit, much off the beaten path). The Guggenheim is also worth the visit, of course. Food is paramount for us and you´re going to love it here! And lots of traditions, depending on the time you come I can tell you what not to miss.
Posted by
Washington DC
28082 posts
Bilbao's Museo de Bellas Artes might appeal to you. I was unable to see it because it was closed at the time of my 2016 visit to the city.