Taste of the Basque Country: Spain’s Culinary and Coastal Gem

In northern Spain, tucked between the Bay of Biscay and the green folds of the Pyrenees, lies a region that blends coastal beauty, cultural pride and some of Europe’s finest dining. Spain’s Basque Country is a place apart, with its own language, traditions and flavours that set it apart from the rest of the Iberian Peninsula.

Travelling here with Entire Travel Group means more than just seeing the sights. It’s about tasting your way through pintxos bars, strolling along seaside promenades and learning the stories that shape this unique part of the world. From elegant San Sebastián to the bold architecture of Bilbao, every stop offers a new flavour, view or celebration.

San Sebastián: Europe’s Gourmet Capital

San Sebastián, or Donostia in Basque, is often named among the world’s most beautiful small cities. It curves around the shell-shaped La Concha Bay, where golden sands meet turquoise waters, backed by leafy hills. Yet, while the beaches are world-class, it’s the food scene that truly steals the show.

Pintxos Culture

In the Old Town, every narrow street is lined with pintxos bars. Pintxos are the Basque answer to tapas: small bites of artistry served on skewers or slices of bread. They can be as simple as anchovies and olives or as intricate as foie gras with apple compote.

A typical evening here is a pintxos crawl, hopping from bar to bar, sampling a single dish and a glass of local txakoli (a lightly sparkling white wine) before moving on. Entire Travel Group can arrange guided food tours so you know exactly which bar serves the best prawn brochettes, slow-cooked veal cheeks or melt-in-your-mouth tortilla.

Markets and Michelin Stars

San Sebastián also boasts one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. Names like Arzak, Akelarre and Martín Berasategui offer tasting menus that celebrate both innovation and tradition. For a more casual experience, visit Mercado de la Bretxa, where local chefs and home cooks alike shop for fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables and artisan cheeses.

Bilbao: Art, Architecture, and Appetite

Just an hour’s train ride from San Sebastián, Bilbao offers a different take on Basque life. Once an industrial hub, the city has transformed into a centre of art and design, anchored by the shimmering titanium curves of the Guggenheim Museum.

The Guggenheim Effect

Opened in 1997, the Guggenheim changed Bilbao’s fortunes, drawing visitors from around the world. Inside, you’ll find contemporary masterpieces, immersive installations and exhibitions that challenge and inspire. Outside, Jeff Koons’s floral Puppy and Louise Bourgeois’ towering spider sculpture, Maman, have become city icons.

A Food Scene to Match

Bilbao’s food scene is just as impressive. The city’s pintxos culture rivals that of San Sebastián, especially along Calle Ledesma and Plaza Nueva. Here, you’ll find everything from squid ink croquettes to bacalao al pil-pil, a traditional salt cod dish. The Mercado de la Ribera, one of Europe’s largest covered markets, is a feast for the senses, perfect for a morning wander and tasting spree.

Beyond the Cities: Coastal Villages and Countryside

While San Sebastián and Bilbao are the Basque Country’s urban highlights, much of the region’s charm lies in its smaller towns and wild coastline.

Getaria

A postcard-perfect fishing village west of San Sebastián, Getaria is known for its grilled fish, especially turbot, cooked over open coals in waterfront restaurants. It’s also the birthplace of fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, whose museum here is a must for lovers of couture. Pair your meal with local txakoli wine, produced in the surrounding hills.

Hondarribia

On the French border, Hondarribia boasts a beautifully preserved Old Town with colourful balconied houses and cobbled streets. The marina area is lined with seafood restaurants, while the upper town feels like stepping back in time.

The Flysch Cliffs

Stretching along the coast between Zumaia and Deba, the Flysch cliffs reveal 60 million years of geological history in their dramatic, layered rock formations. Guided walks and boat trips showcase this natural wonder, which has even appeared in international films and TV series.

Festivals and Traditions

The Basque calendar is packed with festivals that blend music, dance, sport, and, of course, food.

• Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia) – Bilbao’s biggest festival, held in August, features concerts, fireworks and Basque rural sports like stone lifting and wood chopping.
  
  

• San Sebastián Day – Every January, the city beats to the sound of drum parades in honour of its patron saint.
  
  

• Txotx Season – From January to April, cider houses open their barrels for the year’s first tastings, accompanied by traditional meals of cod omelette, grilled steak and Idiazabal cheese with quince paste.

Planning your trip around a festival adds another layer to your Basque Country travel experience, giving you a deeper connection to local life.

A Language All Its Own

The Basque language, Euskara, is unlike any other in Europe. Its origins remain a mystery, and it bears no relation to Spanish, French or any other known language. While most locals speak Spanish as well, you’ll see Euskara on street signs and menus, and learning a few basic words, such as kaixo (hello) and eskerrik asko (thank you), is a gesture warmly appreciated.

Outdoor Adventures Along the Coast

The Basque Country’s coastline is as varied as it is beautiful, with opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.

• Surfing in Zarautz – A long sandy beach that’s perfect for surfers of all levels, with a lively promenade lined with cafés and surf schools.
  
  

• Coastal Hiking – The Camino del Norte, one of the routes of the Camino de Santiago, passes through the region, offering spectacular seaside walking trails.
  
  

• Boat Trips – From San Sebastián or Bilbao, you can take boat excursions to explore hidden coves, offshore islands and coastal wildlife.

Culinary Workshops and Wine Routes

Food is at the heart of Basque culture, and joining a cooking class or wine tour lets you bring a piece of it home.

• Pintxos Workshops – Learn how to prepare classic pintxos with local chefs, mastering techniques and flavour pairings.
  
  

• Rioja Alavesa Wine Region – Just inland, the Basque portion of the Rioja wine region is dotted with vineyards and avant-garde wineries, offering tastings of robust reds and crisp whites.
  
  

• Cheese Farms – Visit small producers making Idiazabal, a smoky sheep’s milk cheese, often served with cider or quince paste.

When to Visit

The Basque Country’s climate is mild year-round, thanks to the Atlantic influence.

• Spring (April–June) – Ideal for wildflowers, outdoor markets and fewer crowds.

• Summer (July–August) – Warm and lively, with festivals and beach days in full swing.

• Autumn (September–October) – A foodie’s dream, with harvest season in full swing.

• Winter (November–March) – Quieter, with cosy pintxos bars and festive markets.

Taste and Travel with Entire Travel Group

Spain’s Basque Country is a feast for the senses, a place where the tang of sea air mingles with the aroma of grilled seafood, where every cobbled lane seems to lead to a new flavour, and where tradition and innovation sit side by side.

If you’re ready to taste your way through pintxos bars, wander colourful fishing villages and experience the Basque Country’s unique rhythm of life, we can design a journey that blends culinary discovery with coastal charm. Visit Entire Travel Group to explore our Spain holiday packages and start planning your Basque adventure today.