Things to do in  Basque Country

Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is hailed as one of the most important architectural works of the 20th century. Within its undulating and reflecting walls on the banks of the Nervión River, you’ll find an abundance of contemporary pieces by artists such as Yayoi Kusama, El Anatsui, Richard Serra, and many more.

Connected to the Basque coast by a narrow stone bridge and winding staircase, the small islet of Gaztelugatxe resembles a castle rising out of the sea. The rocky outcrop is home to a small hermitage with a modest monastery and chapel at its peak. Ringing the hermitage bell three times is believed to bring good luck and chase away evil.

San Sebastian’s medieval Old Town is a maze of bar-packed alleys serving the city’s world-famous pintxos and wine. The neighborhood is also home to the wonderfully chaotic Pescadería (fish market), the San Telmo Municipal Museum, Church of San Vicente, and the Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro.

Once the summer retreat of Spanish royal family, the 19th-century Miramar Palace in San Sebastián’s old town has extensive English gardens and grassy lawns that tumble down to Ondarreta Beach. The palace buildings now host a music conservatory and an annex of the University of Basque Country, while the gardens form a public park where locals come to picnic.

Mundaka may look like a quiet fishing village at first, but this Basque destination has an outsized reputation. That’s thanks to its world-class, left-hand barreling wave, considered one of the best in Europe, which has made the town a major international surfing destination. Other attractions include its beaches and old port.

The pulsating heart of San Sebastián’s old quarter, Constitution Square is the ideal meeting point for relaxing with an assortment of pintxos and drinks while soaking up the city’s festive atmosphere and before entering into the historic barrio’s maze of narrow medieval streets. Stay and people watch from a café terrace or seek shelter from the rains under the porticos.

The neo-Gothic cathedral of Buen Pastor (the Good Shepherd) was completed in 1897 at a time when San Sebastián was a flourishing, aristocratic seaside resort. Made of sandstone and slate harvested from Monte Igueldo west of town, the church with its towering needle-like spire (the tallest in Basque Country) is one of the icons of the city.

The soft sand, crescent-shaped La Concha Beach (Playa de la Concha sits tucked between the hills of Monte Urgull to the east and Monte Igueldo to the west. The beach ranks among the most lovely city beaches in all of Europe and is a big reason why San Sebastian became a seaside resort favored by Spanish royalty in the nineteenth century.

One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, the medieval Bilbao Old Quarter (Casco Viejo) is best known for its 15th-century Siete Calles (Seven Streets), now lined with pintxo bars and cafés. Here, visit the Santiago Cathedral, stop by one of the largest covered markets in Europe, and catch a show at the lavish Arriaga Theater.

On the banks of the Bidasoa river, sheltered by Mount Rhune’s austere peak, Hondarribia is one of the most picturesque towns on the Basque coast. Close to the French border, just east of San Sebastián, this lovely walled fishing village is enjoying a gastronomical moment, with an explosion of noteworthy restaurants.

One of two headlands that guard the entrance of San Sebastian’s La Concha Bay, Monte Igueldo stands to the west of town and offers the ideal vantage point for views of the bay, La Concha Beach, Santa Clara Island, Monte Urgull, and the surrounding hills. With natural beauty and historical significance, Monte Igueldo is one of the city’s top attractions.

Inspired by the Paris Opera House and named after the "Mozart of Spain"—Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga—the 19th-century Arriaga Theater (Teatro Arriaga) is a lavish neo-baroque building. Here, catch a play, opera, or dance recital in the 1,200-seat theater, which is dominated by plush red velvet seating, elaborate crown molding, and gold detailing.

One of Spain’s most prestigious theaters, Victoria Eugenia Theater is also one of the most beautiful buildings in San Sebastián. This gorgeous Belle Époque sandstone venue overlooking the Urumea River boasts a dazzling interior with golden balconies, ceiling frescoes, luminous chandeliers, and sumptuous red velvet chairs. Expect a varied program of cinema, dance, theatre, and musical performances.

With circular turrets, towering spires, and an imposing Gothic-style facade, the Castle of Butrón looks like something out of a fairytale. Built in the 11th century, the castle was fought over by warring local noble families for hundreds of years. Though the structure fell into disrepair, new owners renovated it in the late 1800s.

Straddling the Nervión River and connecting two of the city’s most popular attractions—the Guggenheim and Artxanda Funicular—the futuristic, steel cable–suspended Zubizuri Bridge is an architecturally notable landmark. Visit after dark to see the Santiago Calatrava–designed footbridge light up.