The Basque Country: 4 places you can't miss
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Basque Country, located on the northern coast of Spain and at the border with France, is a region full of culture, unique traditions and great natural beauty.
Its landscapes range from the beaches of the Cantabrian Sea to the mountains of the Pyrenees.
Inland, you will find lush forests and green meadows, while on the coast you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea.
Moreover, the Basques have a unique identity and culture, which have been maintained for centuries.
One of the most outstanding characteristics of the Basque Country is its gastronomy.
Music and dance are also important elements.
The txistu, a typical instrument of the region, and the trikitixa are some of the most popular instruments in the Basque music.
Basque dance, on the other hand, is a form of expression that has become a symbol of the Basque identity.
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San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
It is an impressive place and very popular with tourists visiting the Basque Country.
This small island is known for its hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, whose name means “rocky castle” in the Basque language.
It was built in the 10th century, although it has been renovated several times in recent years.
The island is linked to the coast by a stone bridge, which dates back to the 19th century. It has a staircase with 241 steps leading to the chapel.
Visitors who climb it can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the Basque coast, surrounded by a landscape of great natural beauty.
It is said that in the past, pilgrims used to go up to the hermitage to ask Saint John the Baptist for protection from evil spirits.
Today, the shrine is a place of pilgrimage and is also popular as a venue for weddings and religious ceremonies.
San Sebastián
It is a coastal town located in the Basque Country.
It is a city of charm, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The beaches are one of the most remarkable features of San Sebastian.
Concha beach is one of the best known and most beautiful beaches in Europe.
San Sebastian is also famous for its architecture.
In the historic city centre you can find many old buildings and cobbled streets, which give it a very picturesque feel.
However, the city also has modern and iconic buildings.
But perhaps what stands out the most about San Sebastian is its gastronomy.
The city is renowned for its wide variety of pintxos, small portions of food served in the city’s bars and restaurants.
The town is known for its traditional dishes such as txuleta, a grilled cut of beef, and marmitako, a fish stew typical of the Basque Country.
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Bilbao
is the capital of the province of Vizcaya and one of the largest and most notable cities in northern Spain.
One of the most outstanding attractions in Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum, one of the most important museums in the world of contemporary art.
Bilbao’s Old Quarter is another major tourist attraction. It is a place full of charm.
The Mercado de la Ribera, one of the largest covered markets in Europe, is an ideal place to sample local produce and enjoy Basque gastronomy.
Another of Bilbao’s tourist attractions is the Hanging Bridge, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
This bridge is one of the most characteristic symbols of the city and connects Portugalete with Getxo, on the other side of the Nervión estuary.
Bilbao is also known for its lively nightlife, with many bars and restaurants.
Zumaia
is a small coastal town located in the province of Gipuzkoa.
It is known for its stunning coastal scenery, which has become one of the region’s main tourist attractions.
Zumaia beach is one of the most outstanding places in the area.
Its cliffs and rocks have been formed over millions of years and are a unique example of the geology of the place.
Water and wind erosion have created spectacular cliffs and rock formations.
You can access the various trails that run along the cliffs.
In addition to its breathtaking scenery, Zumaia is a charming place.
Its old town, with its narrow cobbled streets and historic buildings.
It also has a varied gastronomic offer, with traditional dishes from the Basque Country such as marmitako, bacalao al pil-pil or txuleta.
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conclusion
To sum up, the Basque Country is a region full of charm and diversity.
With its rich history, culture and traditions, breathtaking landscapes and delicious cuisine, the Basque Country is a destination that you cannot miss if you are visiting Spain.