Nestled in the north of Spain, the Basque Country stands out from the rest of the country by its unique cultural heritage and its landscapes characterized by rolling pastures, imposing mountains and superb rocky coves caressed by the Atlantic Ocean.
From Biarritz to Pamplona, via elegant San Sebastian and dynamic Bilbao, this 5-day road trip allows you to discover the charms of this beautiful region during a long weekend for two, with family or friends. .
To discover
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Stage 1: Biarritz – Saint-Jean-de-Luz
1 day – 18 km – 30 min drive – Heritage
Biarritz is the starting point for this road trip in the Spanish Basque Country.
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An emblematic city of the French Basque Country and a world-famous surf spot, Biarritz is the starting point for this road trip.
Before heading towards Saint-Jean-de-Luz to spend the night, be sure to take a detour to charming Bayonne, located a 20-minute drive away.
Stroll through the historic center of Bayonne to admire the sublime architectural heritage of the city and discover the Sainte-Marie Cathedral, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site;
Stroll through the charming streets of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and admire the half-timbered houses in shimmering colors;
Discover the surrounding beaches and port before enjoying squids à la luzienne facing the sea.
TAKE A GASTRONOMIC TOUR IN BAYONNE
Step 2: Saint Sebastian
1 day – 33 km – 40 min drive – Beaches – Gastronomy
In San Sebastian, the blue of the sea and the green of the surrounding hills combine perfectly.
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From Saint-Jean-de-Luz, we cross the Spanish border by taking the A63 then the AP-8 to reach the town of San Sébastien, where the blue of the sea and the green of the surrounding hills combine perfectly to offer enchanting landscapes.
Renowned for its stunning beaches, the provincial capital of Gipuzkoa also stands out for its thriving gastronomic scene.
Bask in the sun on the emblematic Playa de la Concha, one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe;
Stroll through the old town of San Sebastian to discover the Plaza Mayor, the San Vincente church and the Santa Maria basilica;
Rise up to admire the city from Monte Igueldo and enjoy a magnificent sunset from the top of Monte Ulía;
Taste succulent
pintxos
in the bars of the historic center and savor refined cuisine in the city's starred restaurants.
TAKE A GUIDED TOUR OF SAN SEBASTIAN
Stage 3: Zarautz, Zumaia, Lekeitio and Urdaibai Reserve
1 day – 102 km – 2 hours drive – Nature – Traditions
Enjoy stunning views of the area's cliffs from the Santa Catalina Lighthouse.
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The road which connects San Sebastian to the Urdaibai reserve, declared a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO, is dotted with picturesque villages, such as Zarautz, Zumaia and Lekeitio, where there is no shortage of sightseeing. stop to discover the authentic charms of the Spanish Basque Country.
Discover the longest beach in the Basque Country in Zarautz (25 min drive) and taste a glass of
txakoli
, the local wine;
Admire the spectacular cliffs of Zumaia (20 min drive), one of the few places in the world where you can observe flysch
,
a geological phenomenon allowing you to see the different layers of sedimentary rocks formed over millions of years ;
Stroll the cobbled streets of the fishing village of Lekeitio (1 hour drive) and enjoy breathtaking views of the region's cliffs from the Santa Catalina lighthouse;
Venture into the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, which concentrates the incredible variety of landscapes of the Basque Country, from sandy coastline to marshes, from cliffs to wooded areas, from small lakes to steep mountains.
VISIT THE URDAIBAI RESERVE
Step 4: Bilbao
1 day – 40 km – 45 min drive – History – Art & Culture
In Bilbao, the old and the contemporary rub shoulders on every street corner.
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We head towards Bilbao to discover the must-see attractions of this dynamic city where the old and the contemporary rub shoulders on every street corner.
Along the way, be sure to stop at Guernica (20 minutes' drive), scene of a tragic bombing during the Spanish Civil War, immortalized in Picasso's famous painting.
Visit the splendid Casa de Juntas and admire the Guernica tree, a symbolic oak under which the president of the Basque government takes the oath since the Middle Ages;
Immortalize yourself in front of the futuristic building of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, symbol of the city's urban renewal;
Stroll through the old town of Bilbao to discover the Santiago Cathedral, the Plaza Nueva and the Arriaga Theater, whose architecture is inspired by the Paris Opera;
Savor local specialties at Mercado de la Ribera and enjoy stunning views of the city from the top of Mount Artxanda.
PINTXOS TASTING IN BILBAO
Step 5: Vitoria Gasteiz & Pamplona
1 day – 63 km – 50 min drive – History – Nature
Stroll through Almendra Medieval, the historic center of Vitoria-Gasteiz.
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South of Bilbao, the Basque hinterland reveals enchanting landscapes which you can soak up on the journey leading to Vitoria-Gasteiz, the political capital of the Basque Country.
From there, a 1-hour drive is enough to reach Pamplona, capital of Navarre, where you can enjoy strolling through streets steeped in history.
Stroll through Almendra Medieval, the historic center of Vitoria-Gasteiz, and admire the sublime Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria;
Discover the Anillo Verde, the natural perimeter of the city, made up of cycle paths, pedestrian paths and numerous green parks where it is good to relax;
Stroll between the colorful houses of the historic center of Pamplona and discover its fortifications, its Mirador del Caballo Blanco and its Santa Maria Cathedral.
VISIT MEDIEVAL PAMPLONA
If time permits, a detour is essential to discover the enchanting landscapes of the Bardenas Reales desert, an hour's drive from Pamplona, before heading towards Biarritz, driving for 1h30 through the heart of the Basque Country to mark the end of this road trip.