Here’s the ultimate list of the most impressive things to do in the Basque Country in 7 days, based on my multiple road trips through northern Spain and frequent visits to the Basque Country.

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Things to Do in The Basque Country in 7 Days

Where is the Basque Country

The Basque Country (known as Euskadi in Basque and País Vasco in Spanish) is an autonomous community in northern Spain, located along the Bay of Biscay on the border with France. The region is known for its strong cultural identity and distinct language (Euskara), and it is home to some of the most beautiful places in northern Spain, including the Guggenheim Museum – a favorite among art lovers – and the foodie heaven of San Sebastian.

How many days do you need in Basque Country?

The most common Basque Country itinerary to see all the major landmarks of the region typically takes around 7 to 10 days. However, during my 15+ years as an expat in Spain, I visited the Basque Country for shorter periods as well, and it was always worth it – even for just 3 days or as a part of any Northern Spain road trip.

What is the best base in the Basque Country?

I would recommend choosing two bases for exploring the entire Basque Country in just seven days. The easiest way to plan a 7-day Basque Country itinerary is to spend 3-4 days in Bilbao and 3 days in San Sebastian while exploring most of the Basque landmarks on day trips.

What’s the best way to explore the Basque Country – car or public transport?

Personally, I love the freedom of exploring the Basque Country by car. However, if your Basque Country itinerary is based in Bilbao and San Sebastian, renting a car is actually optional. This is mainly because most of the small towns in the Basque Country are well connected to these two cities by public transport or organized tours. So, spending 7 days in the Basque country is totally doable without a car as well.

At the same time, the Basque Country is a popular road trip destination from Madrid, allowing you to see some stunning gems along the way, such as the Cathedral of Burgos.

Where to stay in Basque Country?

During my trips to the Basque Country over the years, I’ve stayed both in the cities and in the Basque countryside. I’d say it really depends on your preferences and budget.

Bilbao has convenient and budget-friendly parking right by the Guggenheim Museum, and driving across the city was quite easy and straightforward in my experience. So, even if you plan a Basque Country itinerary by car, staying in the city center of Bilbao is a good option.

San Sebastian is a bit of a different story, as the city is known for having some of the most expensive parking in Spain. While driving there was still far more relaxed than in Madrid or Barcelona, the city center isn’t as modern or well-planned as Bilbao’s. Therefore, during my last San Sebastian getaway, I chose accommodation just outside the city. Nevertheless, in this San Sebastian post, I also share the place where everyone parks for free – though I wouldn’t leave my car there overnight.

If you’re traveling to the Basque Country without a car, definitely choose central accommodation in both Bilbao and San Sebastian. If you plan to rent a car to explore the Basque Country, for Bilbao, you can stay either in the city center or in any nearby village. For San Sebastian, I’d recommend staying outside of the city if visiting by car.

Things to Do in The Basque Country in 7 Days

Day 1 – Visit the Guggenheim Museum and explore Bilbao

Bilbao is a great base for planning any Basque Country itineraries, as it is both a cultural and industrial hub of the area, while also housing an international airport.

The Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao is one of the most iconic destinations for art lovers in Spain. However, there are many other unique museums in Bilbao that have personally impressed me, such as the Itsas Museoa (Maritime Museum), which is dedicated to the maritime history of the Basque people; Azcuna Zentroa, a modern art center featuring stunning temporary exhibitions of contemporary art; and the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, which houses works by many unique artists and offers free admission.

Additionally, the old town of Bilbao is known for its charming architecture and is filled with top-rated cafes and restaurants offering the best of Basque cuisine. You can check out my complete Bilbao itinerary in this article.

Day 2 – Plan a day trip to Gaztelugatxe

Gaztelugatxe, a stunning island located in the Basque Country, is typically visited on an organized day tour from Bilbao, though you can also drive there on your own. This picturesque site, connected to the mainland by a dramatic stone bridge and a winding path of over 200 steps, gained widespread popularity after being featured in Game of Thrones.

It’s important to note that the walk to the top is almost a hike, so wearing comfortable shoes is essential, as the rocks can be slippery and it often rains. However, the breathtaking views from the top make the effort well worth it.

A visit to Gaztelugatxe is often combined with trips to nearby small towns like Bermeo, Mundaka, or even Guernica. However, I would recommend not combining it with Guernica, as it may feel too rushed. Guernica is a fascinating and unique destination in its own right and deserves a separate day trip. During my visit to Gaztelugatxe, I combined it with a stop in Bermeo, which made for a more relaxed and enjoyable day.

Day 3 – Visit Gernika to learn more about Basque history

While the small town of Guernica, officially called Gernika in Basque, is world-renowned due to Picasso’s painting, it holds profound significance for the Basque people in every possible way. During the Spanish Civil War in 1937, Gernika was tragically bombed by German and Italian airforces, who were supporting Francisco Franco’s Nationalists. This devastating attack destroyed much of the town, and since then, Guernica has become a symbol of Basque resilience and the fight for their cultural identity. I found the Guernica Peace Museum extremely interesting and educational.

Many historians suggest that Gernika was specifically chosen by Franco and his allies on purpose, as it was home to the ancient Tree of Gernika, where Basque leaders historically swore allegiance to their people’s traditions and autonomy. You can visit the tree and the nearby Assembly House to learn more about ancient Basque traditions. I should also admit that the Assembly House has one of the most beautiful ceilings I’ve ever seen in Spain, and you can also view numerous mind-blowing artifacts, including an ancient horn that Basque rulers would blow to call gatherings.

From Bilbao, Gernika is easily accessible by a short drive or public transportation, taking roughly 40 minutes by car or about an hour by bus. I’d recommend visiting at a slower pace to truly process its history and significance. If you’re traveling by car, you can also combine it with a visit to Lekeitio, a small fishing village located a bit further along the same road from Bilbao toward the coast.

I’d say visiting Gernika is essential for any 7-day Basque Country itinerary, as beyond being fascinating and educational, this town is one of the most important symbols of the Basque people.

Day 4 – Enjoy the Basque Nature

The Basque Country is one of the greenest and most beautiful regions of the Iberian Peninsula, perfect for exploring new hiking trails. Two of the most well-known options are Salto de Nervión and Gorbea National Park ( full of unique trails and fairytale-like spots such as Hayedo de Otzarreta, which resembles an enchanted forest and is one of the most picturesque locations to enjoy Spain’s fall foliage). Another natural wonder of the Basque Country is the Painted Forest of Oma (Bosque de Oma), a truly unique site.

However, since the Basque Country is known for its rainy weather, any hiking adventure should come with a Plan B. For those interested in international fashion, a visit to the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum in Getaria is an excellent alternative. Many don’t know that one of the world’s most famous designers, Cristobal Balenciaga, was born in Getaria and opened his first boutique in San Sebastian before gaining worldwide fame.

If fashion isn’t your thing, another iconic spot worth exploring in the Basque Country is the Loyola Sanctuary, the most important Basque religious site in the town of Azpeitia, a popular pilgrimage destination in Spain.

Day 5 – Visit San Sebastian and try the world’s best pintxos

San Sebastian is one of the most beautiful places in Spain, renowned for its breathtaking natural setting along La Concha Bay, which is best appreciated by taking the funicular up to Monte Igueldo. I often feel that San Sebastian is one of the most unique Spanish destinations, where you can find beauty in the small things – every corner of its Old Town is picture-perfect, the city is filled with stunning architecture, and the food is some of the most delicious you’ll ever try. One of the most popular activities in San Sebastian is definitely a pintxo tour with a local guide to discover all the delicious bites across the city.

Much like in his iconic novel The Sun Also Rises, Hemingway’s protagonist escapes to San Sebastian to recharge after the vibrant festivities of Pamplona. You can check out my full 1-day San Sebastian itinerary in this post.

Day 6 – Learn to cook like the Basques

As one of the world’s top foodie destinations, San Sebastian is the perfect place to take a Basque cooking class and learn a few fascinating tips and insights from local chefs. During my last getaway to San Sebastian, I had the pleasure of joining one of the top local culinary experiences – often featured in popular travel publications as one of the world’s top cooking schools – and it truly lives up to its reputation. Even though Spanish cuisine isn’t new to me – after over 15 years of living and traveling across the country (and co-running Viva Spanish Kitchen food blog with my husband) – I still discovered so many new techniques and cultural insights. Therefore, I can highly recommend this cooking class.

Another great alternative is a Basque cider house tour, which also featured amazing food, and gave me the chance to learn more about the cultural significance and rich history of cider in the Basque Country. You can read more about my cider house tour here.

In the afternoon, after either experience, I highly recommend visiting the renowned Chillida-Leku Open-Air Museum near San Sebastian. It’s known for its powerful sculptures by Eduardo Chillida, and for its brilliant way of blending art and nature into a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 7 – Explore the French Basque Country with day trips from San Sebastian

There are many unique day trips to charming small villages that can be taken from San Sebastian to enjoy the area’s picturesque countryside and architecture. If you prefer traveling by public transport, you can visit Hondarribia (often called one of the most colorful places in Spain), Hendaye, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Biarritz, or Bayonne.

Traveling by car gives you even more flexibility to explore the French Basque Country and makes it easier to visit Espelette, known for its iconic red peppers, and Ainhoa, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.

One of my favorite day trips from San Sebastian is to the Zugarramurdi Caves, often called one of the most mysterious and haunted places in Spain. They are associated with one of the largest witch gatherings in Spain, as well as one of the most severe Spanish Inquisition trials, which led to massive executions. Technically, Zugarramurdi belongs to the Navarra region, but San Sebastian is the closest large city to this unusual landmark. Plus, to access it from San Sebastian, you’ll drive through the French Basque Country, making it easy to combine with visits to these charming villages on the French side of the border.

What is the best time of year to visit the Basque Country?

If you plan to focus on the cities, you can visit the Basque Country year-round. However, keep in mind that it’s a rainy destination, which will remind you much more of Ireland than the rest of Spain.

Summer is usually the most popular time to visit the Basque Country, even though it still rains, and in July/August, holidays across Europe mean more tourists, particularly in San Sebastian. Yet, the entire Basque Country didn’t feel overcrowded even when I visited in August (only San Sebastian felt much busier than during other seasons). Average temperatures in summer range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F) in July and August. But since it rains often, I’d say it usually hovers around 20-25°C (68-77°F), which feels quite comfortable compared to the hotter regions of Spain.

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 still fairly frequent. My last 3-day trip to San Sebastian was in May, and though it was amazing, you can not literally leave the house without an umbrella!

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 technically still plan a Basque Country itinerary in December, it wouldn’t be my first choice – unless it’s just a city break in Bilbao, which has plenty of cute museums and cafes to help you ignore the weather.

Why is The Basque Country so unique?

The Basque Country, spanning both Spain and France, is a unique region with a rich history and culture. Its main Spanish cities include Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and San Sebastian, while Bayonne lies in France. In my opinion, the Basque Country boasts some of the most stunning landmarks in northern Spain and is absolutely worth visiting.

One of the most fascinating facts about the Basque Country is that Euskera, its ancient language, is unrelated to any other European tongue. Additionally, Basque cuisine is considered one of the world’s top foodie experiences, shaped by both the sea and mountains, with must-try dishes like pintxos, marmitako, bacalao a la vizcaína, txipirones, Idiazabal cheese, and goxua.

The Basque Country has a complex history with the Spanish government – one that can’t be fully explored in a single travel blog post. Its dramatic past is briefly depicted in the HBO series Patria, based on the bestselling novel by Fernando Aramburu. Another great Basque author to explore is Kirmen Uribe; I was recommended his book Eskarrekin esnatzeko ordua, and I hope it will be translated into English soon. Additionally, there is a Goya-winning film Undercover (La Infiltrada) and The comedy Ocho Apellidos Vascos (it humorously explores the cultural and mindset differences between northern and southern Spain). While not documentaries, these films offer basic insights into the region’s cultural and political landscape, making them particularly interesting for first-time visitors to the Basque Country.

The reason I share with you the books and movies is that I think it’s important to educate yourself, as travel magazines don’t highlight these aspects. As a traveler, you will engage with locals in the Basque Country, and the more you know, the more you’ll enjoy a meaningful travel experience.

This is something I wish someone had told me before visiting the Basque Country for the first time. The Basques have a very strong identity, a deep love for their own language, Euskara, and history – this is a fact that takes precedence in the Basque Country. In major cities, the majority of people speak English quite well, but I always felt how reluctantly people switched to Spanish, like there was an elephant in the room. So, if you plan to learn Spanish and expect compliments on your language skills in the Basque Country, that’s unlikely to happen. You need to understand that it’s not about you or people being unfriendly; it’s simply a matter of cultural identity and the complex history of the region. Despite being officially part of Spain, many Basques consider themselves a distinct nation.

I’ve visited the Basque Country on multiple occasions, and when traveling outside of the bigger cities, I was frequently forced to ask for directions in Spanish (as I don’t speak euskara and people in the Basque countryside don’t speak English). While they were always friendly and willing to switch to Spanish to explain things, I always made sure to learn at least a few words in euskara like “eskerrik asko” (thank you), “kaixo” (hello), and “agur” (goodbye) to show respect for their culture and make a small effort on my part.

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