Planning to explore the north of Spain? How about the Basque Country? – Check out this 3-day Basque Country itinerary to enjoy this unique region, rich in traditions, iconic landmarks, and natural wonders.

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An Ultimate Basque Country Itinerary

Where is the Basque Country

The Basque Country is one of the most popular destinations in Northern Spain. It is bordered by France to the north and the Spanish regions of Navarre to the east and Castile-Leon to the south. The region is made up of three provinces: Álava, Bizkaia (Biscay), and Gipuzkoa (Guipúzcoa), with Bilbao and San Sebastian being its most famous cities.

Best time to visit the Basque Country

While planning any Spanish road trips on the blog, you’ll find suggestions for all the regions – in summer, my personal favorites are the Basque Country, along with the rest of Northern Spain and the Pyrenees. Summer in the Basque Country can be warm but not unbearably hot, especially along the coast. Average temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F) in July and August. While cities like San Sebastian and Bilbao can get more crowded, the entire Basque Country never feels as packed (at least not to the extent of Costa Brava). So, the pleasant summer weather makes the Basque Country an amazing destination.

Alternatively, late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) are known for fewer crowds. During these months, temperatures are mild, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), although rain is fairly frequent. My last 3-day trip to San Sebastián was in May, and though it was amazing – you can literally leave the house without an umbrella! As for winter in the Basque Country, I’d probably only consider a city break in Bilbao myself, as it’s a town full of interesting museums, cute cafes, and cool day trips. Generally, winter in the Basque Country (December to February) is colder and wetter, with temperatures averaging between 5°C and 10°C (41°F to 50°F). While you can still plan a Basque Country itinerary in December, it wouldn’t be my first choice.

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On the road across The Basque Country in August

What is the Basque Country known for

Historically, the Basque Country is a vibrant and unique region located in both Spain and France. It includes the main Spanish capitals of Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and San Sebastián, with Bayonne situated in France. The most traditional Basque architecture features charming white chalet-style homes with red or green shutters, often set against lush green hills or by the ocean. Nevertheless, the Basque Country has a complex and dramatic historical relationship with the Spanish government (since the times of the Civil War). I recommend researching and watching a few documentaries to better understand the region and its people. The HBO TV series Patria, based on one of Spain’s best-selling novels, provides an insightful look into its tragic past. For a lighter take on the cultural differences between northern and Southern Spain, the Spanish comedy film Ocho Apellidos Vascos (2014), also known as The Spanish Affair, offers a humorous perspective.

The local language of the Basque Country, Euskera, is one of the oldest ones spoken in Europe, with no clear connection to other European languages. Basque cuisine is deeply influenced by the region’s natural surroundings – its ocean, mountains, and vineyards. A must-try dish is pintxos, small, delicious bites made with local ingredients. Other regional specialties include marmitako (a fish stew), bacalao a la vizcaína (cod in tomato sauce), txipirones (baby squid in their own ink), Idiazabal cheese, and goxua (a sponge cake topped with custard).

How long to stay in the Basque Country?

This Basque Country itinerary is designed for 3 days, but it wasn’t my first trip to the region, so it doesn’t include the main cities. If you’re planning to visit the Basque Country for the first time, I would recommend 5 days. This will allow you to enjoy one day in Bilbao, one day in San Sebastián, and spend at least 2-3 days exploring the rest of the region. That said, you won’t be able to see all of the Basque Country in just 2-3 days, as there’s plenty to do. However, in my opinion, 5 days is a great time frame to get an introductory experience of the Basque Country. However, if you have 7-10 days, you’ll likely be able to see most of the well-known spots in the region.

You can also combine this Basque Country itinerary with the following trips from my blog: 10 days in Northern Spain, 3 days in San Sebastian, 3 days in Asturias, 10 days in the Pyrenees of Spain, and a road trip through Rioja and Navarra.

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Pintxos in the Basque Country
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Visiting Basque cider house & lunch near San Sebastian with EatWith (read the full story)

Where to stay in the Basque Country

Some of the coolest places to stay in Bilbao are The Artist Grand Hotel of Art, Hotel Carlton, and Hotel Ilunion San Mamés, while in San Sebastian – Luxury Hotel Maria Cristina, the budget-friendly Hotel Zinema7, and Zenit Convento San Martin.

An Ultimate 3-Day Basque Country Itinerary

First and foremost, let me clarify once again that this trip was not my first time in the Basque Country. If it’s your first time visiting the region, I recommend adding at least one full day in Bilbao and one full day in San Sebastián to your itinerary. On this particular trip, I’ve only spent a few hours in both cities, but they definitely deserve more time if you’re a first-timer.

Day 1: Bilbao + Hayedo de Otzareta

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My morning in the Basque Country started in an otherworldly beautiful place – Hayedo de Otzarreta. It is known as one of Spain’s most magical forests, located in Gorbeia Natural Park (just a 50-minute drive from Bilbao). Officially, the forest reaches its peak beauty during the autumn months in Spain, but even in the summer, it looked like something straight out of a Spanish fairytale. Since we arrived relatively early (before 10 a.m.), it was an unforgettable moment of peace and quiet, with no one around. On my next trip to the Basque Country, I hope to explore more of Gorbeia Natural Park and add a few epic local trails to my list of Spanish hikes.

Upon return from Hayedo de Otzarreta, I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening in Bilbao, admiring the street architecture and visiting the Guggenheim Museum. You can check out the top things to do in Bilbao in this post.

Day 2: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe + Bermeo + Zumaia

My next stop on this 3-day Basque Country itinerary was San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, one of the iconic Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain. This is one of those picture-perfect places you should definitely experience at least once in your lifetime. The 241 steps (dating back to the 10th century) lead you up to the Church of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. The area is steeped in myths, legends, and historical events, from the saint after whom the church is named to its history with pirates. Some also consider it one of the most mysterious and haunted places in Spain, as it was once a gathering spot for local witches during the Spanish Inquisition, where they are said to have cast their spells.

Keep in mind that the hike to the top is quite strenuous. While influencers in pretty dresses may look great in photos, the reality is that you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes (it rains frequently, and the path can be slippery). Additionally, as the site has become increasingly popular, it’s a good idea to book your entrance online in advance. By lunchtime, I had finished exploring San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and headed to the charming town of Bermeo to enjoy delicious Basque cuisine, including Marmitako (a traditional fish stew) and Goxua (a local dessert). Afterward, I enjoyed a leisurely stroll through Bermeo’s old port, soaking in the quaint atmosphere.

Also, near Bermeo, Bilbao, and Gaztelugatxe, you’ll find one of the dreamiest Spanish castles – Butrón Castle. It’s privately owned, so you can’t go inside, but the castle is so unique from the outside that it’s definitely worth a stop, especially if you have some extra time on your Basque Country itinerary. On our way back to Bilbao, I made a stop at Zumaia Beach, known for some of the most beautiful cliffs in Spain. The landscape at Zumaia looks otherworldly, with a series of strata formations that rise vertically from the sea, creating an almost surreal effect. While the beach itself was quite busy, it felt so unique – no wonder, Zumaia Beach also appeared in GOT.

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San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, one of the iconic Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain
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Bermeo – one of the most charming coastal towns in the Basque Country
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The Butron Castle
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Zumaia Beach is one of the most unique beaches in Northern Spain

Day 3: San Sebastian + Hondarribia

While I have visited San Sebastian a few times, it’s still one of my favorite places in Spain. Let me put it another way – if you can only pick one place to visit in the Basque Country, stick to San Sebastian. This town is so beautiful that it undeniably feels like one of the most romantic cities in Spain. I totally understand why, at the end of Hemingway’s novel Fiesta, the main character takes a solo trip to San Sebastian to unplug and recharge from the Spanish festivities.

Also, you may have heard that the Basque Country is one of the world’s top dining destinations, boasting 40 Michelin-starred restaurants in an area of just 21,000 square kilometers. So, beyond its stunning beauty, San Sebastian is a paradise for foodies. The star dish is the pintxo, a small bite-sized snack laid out on the bar. If it’s your first time in San Sebastián, I highly recommend taking a pintxo tour. You can check out my full San Sebastian travel guide in this post.

There’s another charming spot I enjoyed visiting for a few hours near San Sebastian – the small village of Hondarribia, located right on the border with France. This village is often called one of the most colorful places in Spain and is known as one of the best-preserved examples of traditional rural Basque architecture.

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Views from Monte Igeldo in San Sebastian
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Hondarribia

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