You may have already enjoyed some lovely cities in Catalonia and even gone to the South to visit Valencia. How about for your next trip you head north towards the Pyrenees? If you indeed choose to plan a trip up north a great option is the Basque Country! You may have heard that this area like Catalonia is home to another language, Basque. However, they do understand Spanish, French, and English as well! Now that you’re set for your weekend getaway, here are a few places you may like to visit.
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San Sebastián
Photo by Mario C
This is one of the favorites in the area, especially by the French who want a nice relaxing weekend. Here you’ll find a beach just a few minutes from the city center. You can also find some pleasant walkways by Castillo de La Mota that curve along the water and greet you with spectacular views of the sea. After you’ve enjoyed the beach you can enjoy the quaint city center.
Bilbao
Photo by Mario C
Just a bit over an hour away from San Sebastián you’ll reach the capital of the Basque country: Bilbao. This city is especially known for its modern art museum, the Guggenheim Museum as well as the traditional delicacy: pinchos. You can find the best pinchos in a few neighborhoods: like the old quarter, Diputación, and more. Also, for any football fans, you can check out the modern stadium and perhaps even check out a local match. Finally, you can take a short trip to the nearby hilltop to get a nice panoramic view of the Basque country.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Photo by Mario C
If you want to enjoy a true hidden gem of the Basque country you’ll have to check out San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. You can take a bus to Bakio and afterward, take a 6 km (~1,5 hours) hike there . Here you’ll find a surreal little island with a walkway that stretches from the shore to the island. On the island, you’ll find a small church, which is popular for weddings. Just nearby there is also a restaurant, where you can relax and have a bite.
The best way to reach the Basque country is by train or bus. Both options take between five to six hours. Of course, you can also rent a car or take a ride share. These are just a few options to try and there are numerous other cities to explore in the Basque country! Hope you’ll enjoy your weekend getaway and please share your adventures in the Basque country in the comments below.
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