| Important Information about Basque Country Road Trip | |
|---|---|
| Duration of Trip | 6-7 Days |
| Best Time to visit | May-Jun, Sep & Oct |
| Distance | 101.4 km |
| What is Famous for | History, Culture, Nature |
The Basque country is a special part of Spain with cities that make up two famous medieval kingdoms- Basque and Navarre. In medieval times, Basque country spanned the mountain range, including parts of France on the other side. Today the region mainly focuses on its history and culture. So, traveling through major cities like Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Getxo, you will get to try the local pintxos tradition in local bars where the snacks are free as long as you keep buying the drinks!
The best way to travel through the French Basque Country is by car. This road trip, covering the coast and small villages, takes up to a week for those who love the ocean, mountain, small towns, and good wine. You can start your trip from Bilbao by renting a car to drive around scenic roads and have lovely stops on the way to check out some of the best Basque Country points of interest.
It is home to the highest concentration of Michelin Stars, but you don’t need to spend a lot of money to taste its famous food, which mainly consists of fish, meat, fresh vegetables, and wine. In this self-drive itinerary, we have prepared for you, will have a taste of the best food at a very reasonable price, and be completely immersed in its unique culture and nature.
Road Trip Guide from Bilbao to San Sebastian
Drive from Bilbao to San Sebastian passes through the enchanting mountain region of the French Basque Country. Get a rental car from any of the city locations and embark on your journey. There are cities like Getxo, Dragonstone, and Lekeitio, which will make perfect stops for your Basque Country road trip.
Start Your Trip from Bilbao
Bilbao is a great place to start the Basque Country road trip due to its international airport, good road, and train connections. It is one of the most charming port cities in Spain due to its traditions and closeness with nature. The Nervion river shapes the city, and you should follow the stream to immerse in its culture. Bilbao has plenty of beautiful places to look at as you wander through the city.
Things to do in Bilbao
- Visit Guggenheim Museum- worldwide famous for its unique architecture and has its very own Michelin star restaurant called Nerua.
- You can explore other popular attractions like Plaza Nueva, Museum of Fine Arts, and Azkuna Zentroa.
- Head to La Ría, El Casco Viejo or Old Town for different Bars to taste probably the best food you can have in Spain along with wine & tapas along the river
Head to a Small Town of Getxo
- 12.0 km from Bilbao via BI-637
On your Basque country road trip, Getxo should be the next location after Bilbao. Getxo is a charming small town that sits at the point where the famous river of Bilbao and the ocean meet. Just a 30 minutes car drive from Bilbao, you can reach Getxo- an exceptional destination with prominent historical heritage and beautiful coastline.
Things to do in Getxo
- Go for a coastal walk that starts in The Hanging Bridge in Las Arenas and finishes on the beach of Sopelana.
- You can also visit some of the awesome beaches, and if you want to try surfing, you can easily rent a surfboard at Sopelana beach.
- For Wine & Tapas, go to Puerto Viejo or Old Port. This is a usual Basque Fishing Port with extraordinary bars, restaurants, and traditional houses.
Onto San Juan de Gaztelugatxe or Dragonstone
- 41.6 km from Getxo via BI-631
Located just 35 km east from Bilbao, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a must-visit if you are on the Basque Country road trip. The island on the coast of Biscay is connected to the mainland by a man-made stone bridge. And, by following all the steps to the top, you will get to a small church with absolutely splendid views. This is a must-see place, especially if you are a fan of Game of Thrones since it is Dragonstone, Daenerys Castle.
Visit Lekeitio
- 46.8 km from Dragonstone via BI-2235 and BI-2238
Next, drive through the scenic road into the old town of Lekeitio, which is filled with churches and Historic buildings. 53 km northeast from Bilbao, Lekeitio is a beautiful town with a magical gothic temple just beside the beach. One can walk along with the port, explore the temple, and relax at the beach. There are also very nice restaurants along this walk, which is worth checking out.
Explore Resort Town of San Sebastian
- 112.8 km from Lekeitio via BI-2238 and AP-8
And the last but not least destination in this Basque country road trip is the worldwide known city of San Sebastian or Donostia. This resort town has been one of the chicest seaside towns in Spain since the 19th century. Nowadays, the atmosphere of the coastal city seems to be more young and festive. You can walk by the beach and enjoy the gusting winds while sipping warm coffees. This is the best place to finish a self-drive road trip in the northern region of Spain as you can experience many things in the same city.
Things to do in San Sebastian
- Visit Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, which are popular beaches surrounded by many Bars and Restaurants with local food.
- Explore popular attractions like San Telmo Museum, Good Shepherd of San Sebastian Cathedral, and Zurriola beach.
- Visit Old Town for some Txakoli wine and lots of pintxos. You can also try the La Vina Basque cheesecake, which is nothing short of divine.
Where to Stay on Your Basque Country Road Trip
Starting from Bilbao, the Basque country road trip is full of some lovely towns, villages, and countryside offering great accommodations and places to stay as you move around. Following are some of a few picks for your night stay:
- Grand Hotel Puente Colgante: casual rooms with dining and river views
- Zenit San Sebastian: Star hotel with dining and hot tub
- Zaragoza Plaza: casual rooms with free breakfast
- Pinupe: decent hotel with restaurant & bar
- Hotel Antsotegi: laidback hotel in a medieval building