Tour guides Spain > Basque Country

5 ideas for guided tours in Basque Country

• Bilbao

  

  At the mouth of the Nervión estuary, Bilbao reveals a striking blend of tradition and modernity. The narrow streets of the Siete Calles, lined with cafés and small shops, contrast with the wider, newer avenues where contemporary architecture takes center stage.

  No visit is complete without seeing the Guggenheim Museum, a monumental building with flowing titanium curves. Around it, the public space becomes an open-air gallery, featuring the floral Puppy sculpture and Louise Bourgeois’ giant spider, both surprising and captivating passersby.

  The Plaza Nueva is another key landmark, a lively square framed by arcades and pintxos bars, where locals gather at all hours. Its atmosphere is simple and welcoming, a true reflection of Basque conviviality.

  To end the visit, follow the estuary to the Zubizuri Bridge or take the funicular up to Artxanda for a sweeping view over the city. Bilbao leaves the impression of a place that has reinvented itself without ever losing its soul.

• Guernica

  

  About thirty kilometers from Bilbao, the town of Guernica holds the memory of a tragic chapter in Spanish history. Rebuilt after the 1937 bombing, it is now a lively place where the weight of the past meets the quiet serenity of its streets.

  The Tree of Guernica, an old oak that became a symbol of freedom, stands next to the Casa de Juntas, the former Basque assembly house. This was where historic decisions were made, in a setting that still commands respect.

  Nearby, Gernika-Lumo opens onto the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a protected area of marshes, dunes, and forests along the Oka River estuary. Nature lovers can explore trails and birdwatching spots to see herons, storks, and other migratory species.

  From here, it’s easy to reach Bermeo or Mundaka, small fishing ports with colorful houses that round out the visit. Guernica leaves a powerful impression, blending painful history with the gentle character of the Basque Country.

• San Sebastián

  

  The former 19th-century resort town of Queen Maria Cristina has kept its charm and remains one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the Basque Country. The stunning white-sand beaches of La Concha and La Perla are proof of this, and the elegant promenade that runs along them is always lively. It leads to San Sebastián’s charming little fishing port, and if you keep walking, you can climb to the top of Mount Urgull, where the old fortifications still stand and offer sweeping views over the bay.

  The city is known as Donostia in Basque. A little further away, you can ride the funicular up Monte Igueldo for another spectacular perspective of the city before heading back down toward the historic center. Passing through Plaza de Gipuzkoa takes you into the Parte Vieja district, with its countless bars. This is the place to taste the best pintxos — the Basque Country’s refined take on tapas.

• Hondarribia (Fontarrabie)

  

  The small fishing village of Fontarrabie, or Hondarribia in Basque, has everything you need for a perfect getaway. It sits on the Bidassoa estuary, facing France.

  The town is still surrounded by its old ramparts, which you cross via ancient drawbridges. Inside, on the Plaza de Armas, stands the Castle of Charles V, now a luxury hotel. The historic center is a maze of cobblestone streets, perfect for wandering and admiring the colorful houses with their flower-filled balconies.

  Along the main street, Kale Nagusi, you’ll find most of the town’s finest historic residences and grand old houses. Head north and follow the lovely promenade to reach the port and marina, lined with bars and restaurants. A bit farther on lies Hondarribia’s beach, ideal for relaxing by the sea. For a panoramic view of the town, climb Mount Jaizkibel and take in the full sweep of the Bay of Chingoudy.

• St. John of Gaztelugatxe

  

  Along the coast, where cliffs meet the salty wind, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe first appears as a ribbon of steps stretched over the sea. The islet, linked to the mainland by a stone bridge, invites a slow climb — bells ringing at the top, sea spray brushing your face.

  The trail often starts in Bakio, the long beach behind you, before winding up through scrub and dark rock. On the causeway, the steps twist and turn, pauses come naturally, and the sound of waves drowns out conversations.

  On the other side, the port of Bermeo offers a gentler break, boats clustered together, cafés looking out over the water. Further along, the Urdaibai Reserve spreads out its tidal flats and flocks of birds, a calm counterpoint to the storm-battered cliffs.

  By late afternoon, the light fades quickly, the stones hold the day’s warmth, and the wind shifts. You descend with a lasting impression — a simple, striking passage — and a name that lingers: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.