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.
Of the two headlands that bookend San Sebastian’s La Concha Bay, Monte Urgull to the east was an especially important defensive site, starting in the 12th century. Today, Monte Urgull draws visitors for its views of the city and bay, La Concha and Ondarreta beaches, Santa Clara Island, and Monte Igueldo, the western headland.
Billed as “a shipyard turned into a museum,” Bilbao’s Itsasmuseum is located right on the Bilbao Estuary, under the Euskalduna Bridge. Dedicated to Basque maritime history and tradition, the museum’s collection includes a number of historic vessels (many of which are displayed outside) and temporary and permanent exhibitions within.
Part cosmopolitan seaside resort, part laid-back surf town, Biarritz has been one of Europe’s top summertime destinations for centuries. With pristine sandy beaches, luxurious villas, a trendy French-Basque food scene, and some of the best surf in Europe, Biarritz is a true gem on the Atlantic Coast.
The world’s oldest shuttle or transporter bridge, the Basque Country’s Vizcaya Bridge (Puente de Vizcaya)—also known as the Hanging Bridge, or Puente Colgante—dates back to 1893. Designed by architect Alberto de Palacio, who trained under Gustave Eiffel, the iron and steel bridge is still used by car and pedestrians today.
Located in the Urola River Valley in Spain’s northern Basque Country, the Sanctuary of Loyola is a basilica and shrine dedicated to the life of beloved Spanish Basque Catholic priest, St. Ignatius of Loyola. The sanctuary’s impressive architecture and idyllic surroundings draw religious pilgrims and secular visitors from around the world.
Culture and leisure combine at the multipurpose Azkuna Zentroa, Bilbao’s former wine warehouse-turned-cultural center. Behind its 20th-century facade you’ll now find a glut of artistic, literary, and educational offerings including an arthouse cinema, on-site restaurant, library, fitness center, and more. Meanwhile, the 43 pillars, each one with a different design, are notable highlights of the Philippe Starck–designed interior.
Off the coast ofxa0San Sebastián’s La Concha Beach, Santa Clara Island is a lovely spot to take a break from the crowded beaches of the city. About 435 yards (400 meters) in length, the quiet island has paths that lead to the uninhabited lighthouse near the peak, offering wonderful views of Old Town.
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.
Though a little village of some 6,000 people just outside of San Sebastián, compact Astigarraga is the epicenter of Basque Country’s considerable apple cider industry. Following an ancient tradition dating many centuries, the town’s thriving farm-style cider houses (sagardotegi in Basque) serve the bubbly fermented beverage with generously portioned meals.
One of Bilbao’s largest and most impressive cultural centers, the Euskalduna Palace (Palacio Euskalduna) has been a city mainstay since it opened in 1999. Designed to resemble a ship, it houses an auditorium, theater, exhibition hall, and other gathering spaces. The ABAO Bilbao Opera and the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra regularly perform there.
Clinging onto a cliff within the Aizkorri mountains, this modern architectural marvel holds an important place in the region’s religious tradition and artistic legacy. Melding Franciscan spirituality with avant-garde Basque art, the Sanctuary’s story started when the Virgin Mary appeared in a hawthorn bush, prompting a shepherd to ask, “Arantzan zu?” (“Is it you in the hawthorn?”).
For over a century, the tranquil Doña Casilda Park has been among Bilbao’s most important green spaces and its Romantic- and French-style gardens remain a focal point of the Indautxu neighborhood. Stroll the palm-lined pathways, enjoy views over the Nervión River, or stop by the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum which calls Doña Casilda Park home.
A bustling Bilbao transport hub, Moyua Square (Plaza Moyúa) combines manicured flowerbeds with ample seating to turn a simple roundabout into a much-loved meeting point. Admire the surrounding buildings, such as the 20th-century Palacio Chávarri and Hotel Carlton, or use the square as a jumping-off point for further exploration of the city and beyond.
Sheltered by Monte Urgull and looking out to La Concha Bay, the Aquarium San Sebastián has over 30 tanks, each one a unique habitat suited to myriad and amazing sea creatures. Work your way through to the hypnotic 360-degree clear tunnel where some 40 species of fish, bull sharks, turtles, stingrays, giant eels, and jellyfish swim through.
With over 10,000 works of Spanish, European, and Basque art spanning from the Middle Ages to present day, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao) is one of the most-visited museums in the Basque Country. Highlights include masterpieces from El Greco, Francisco de Goya, and Mary Cassatt, plus regular temporary exhibits.
Often overlooked by tourists on their way to San Sebastián or Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz is a seldom visited gem and the capital of the Basque Country. This city is home to one of the region's best preserved medieval centers and plenty of historic architecture, plus it’s only a short distance from the Spanish vineyards and wineries of La Rioja.
Elorrio is a small village with a rich medieval heritage in the heart of Spain’s Basque country. Visitors are drawn to the town for a taste of authentic Basque culture away from the crowds of popular coastal areas like Bilbao and Biarritz. It's also a popular stop for hikers looking to explore the surrounding countryside and mountain range.
The Basque Country’s Salt Valley of Añana is an inland saltworks with thousands of years of history. Derived from natural spring water that seeps through the region’s stones, the coveted Añana salt is prized by chefs. Today, the site also hosts a seasonal salt spa where visitors can immerse their hands and feet in the mineral-rich water.
At the base of Mount Urgull, San Sebastián’s must-see San Telmo Museum dives into the heritage of the Basque people, from Neolithic times to the present. Housed in a 16th-century Renaissance monastery, collection highlights include archaeological artifacts, 11 murals by José María Sert, oil paintings by El Greco and Joaquín Sorolla, and rare photographs.
At the entrance to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a colorful floral puppy sits in perennial bloom. Designed by American artist Jeff Koons, this 43-foot-high (13-meter-high) sculpture—known simply asPuppy—features more than 70,000 live flowers. View it for free before heading inside to explore the permanent collection.
In 1937, at the behest of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, German Nazi and Italian Fascist air forces bombed the Basque town and its inhabitants. Years later, Pablo Picassoxa0 immortalized the suffering in his masterpiece of the same name, and now, with an excellent Peace Museum, the revitalized town is a symbol for global peace.
Consecrated in 1890, the Church of the Sacred Heart (Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón) is one of Bilbao’s most striking churches, and one of its newest, as well. Designed by architect José María de Basterra, this place of worship is instantly recognizable for its red-brick, neo-Gothic exterior and its rose window.
A small fishing village on the Basque coast west of San Sebastián, Getaria has history, cuisine, and culture beyond what its size suggests. The birthplace of explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano and fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, Getaria is also known for its beaches and trails; its grilled fish and pintxos; and its sparkling white wine, txakoli.
Located on the French Basque coast south of Biarritz, Saint-Jean-De-Luz is a former fishing village turned destination resort town. The site of King Louis XIV's marriage to Marie-Thérèse of Austria in 1660, Saint-Jean-De-Luz is today home to a bustling harbor, a golden, sandy beach, and pedestrianized shopping and dining streets.
One of several beaches in the town of Sopela (formerly known as Sopelana)—just a quick trip north from Bilbao—Sopelana Beach is a popular day-trip destination for city residents and visitors looking to spend a day at the seashore. With its golden sand, surfer-friendly waves, and surrounding pintxo bars, the beach typifies the appeal of the Basque Country coast.
For some of the best panoramic views over Bilbao, ride the century-old Artxanda Funicular (Funicular de Artxanda) to the summit of Mount Artxanda. There, from the mountaintop viewpoint, you can admire the valley-circled city from above, try to spot the emblematic Guggenheim building, and dine at one of the many nearby restaurants.
The de facto capital of Spain’s La Rioja region, Haro is a popular stop for wine lovers. That’s especially true at the end of June, when the Haro Wine Fight is held, which sees partygoers drenched in red wine. Some of the destination’s non-vinous highlights include its protected Old Town and the architecturally distinct Church of Santo Tomás.
Travel back in time at the Basque Museum (Museo Vasco de Bilbao), where photographic exhibits and cultural artefacts—from textiles to ceramics—bring Basque culture and history to life. Housed in an understated 17th-century convent at the heart of Bilbao’s Old Town, don’t miss the regularly rotated temporary exhibits and topographical map of Bilbao and beyond.
One of Spain’s most important archaeological sites, the Santimamiñe Cave (Cueva de Santimamiñe) is renowned for its dozens of ancient cave paintings. Representing some 14,000 years of human history, the landmark was discovered by two young children in 1916, and underwent excavations from 1918 until 1962. Today, it is closed to visitors.
