We propose six outings to rediscover the Basque Country
We propose six outings to rediscover the Basque Country
To better understand the diversity of the Basque Country, we propose six day trips, two for each province, which will allow you to discover new aspects of the territory. Get ready to enjoy wonderful museums, sites, delicacies, rivers, forests, cities, and much more with all your senses.
Bilbao
We start the day at the Arriaga Theater in Bilbao, whose facade is evidence of a time of unparalleled wealth in Biscay. Going down Bidebarrieta Street, we enter into the Old Town; the Municipal Library, former ‘Palacio de las Libertades’ (‘Palace of Freedoms’), gives way to the Cathedral and Santiago Square. After our visit to the temple, we delve into the famous ‘Seven Streets.’ We reach the Ribera Market, located by the riverside. We cross the bridge to experience another Bilbao, ‘Bilbao la Vieja’ (‘Old Bilbao’) – as old as the Old Town, but with a different history and other people.
The Plaza Nueva (New Square) is a good place to rest and watch life go by. Passing under the Arch on Correo Street, we reach the Arenal Zone, the green heart of the historic city. In the background lies the City Hall, facing the Ensanche Area of Bilbao. We cross the City Hall bridge and head to the Albia Gardens. We’ll approach the Gran Vía, the city’s main shopping street, and reach Moyúa Square. The Guggenheim awaits, docked at the edge of the estuary, proudly displaying its titanium and glass. We immerse ourselves in this magnificent museum to end a day that has taken us from the Middle Ages to the most dazzling modernity.
Enkarterri
We suggest starting this tour at the Mining Museum, since the Encartaciones region has always been closely linked to that sector. Next, visit the El Pobal Forge, located in a beautiful natural environment in the municipality of Muskiz. It is a place where you will be able to see, live, how the blacksmiths work.
At midday, we recommend you go to Balmaseda to try the delicious ‘alubias en putxera’ (a traditional bean stew). There is nothing better than taking a walk through the Medieval Quarter of this town –a place that played an important role in the daily life of Biscay– and crossing the majestic Puente Viejo (‘Old Bridge’), a local symbol. To end the day, you cannot miss the La Encartada Beret Museum; a royal factory that has been converted into an impressive museum that keeps the machinery and atmosphere of the past intact. When you finish your visit, don’t forget to buy a true Basque beret!
The Geopark
At the Algorri Nature Interpretation Center, the natural heritage of Zumaia (geology, marshes, dunes, holm oak forests, etc.) is explained, and the replica of a six-meter-long ichnofossil can be seen, as well as an interesting audiovisual about how the Flysch formations came about. To learn more about this geological feature, we recommend you go down to the Itzurun Beach. It is worth going to the tip of Algorri, from which point you can see the entire coast of the Geopark, and then returning to Zumaia along Ardantzabide Street. To delve deeper into the experience, many visitors do a boat trip with a guided tour. There are also companies in Zumaia that offer private sailboat, kayak, and jet ski outings. Once back, you can enjoy the benefits of the sea water with a swim at the Itzurun Beach or by partaking in a thalassotherapy treatment circuit at the Zelai Hotel.
Route along the Oria River
Accompanied by an instructor, we kayak down the Oria River, discovering the Saria Marsh, the ‘alas’ (special boats used for elver fishing), the chili plants, and the apple orchards located on both sides of the river. To learn about the history of the apple orchards –and taste their fruits–, we’ll have lunch at the Saizar cider house in Usurbil.
In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy horse racing at the Zubieta Hippodrome, which is located a few meters from the center of Lasarte-Oria. During the ‘San Sebastián Gold Cup,’ races are held every Sunday in summer.
Two Natural Parks
The Urkiola Natural Park and the Gorbeia Natural Park will be the two stars of this day trip that includes the Provinces of Álava and Biscay. The first stop will be at the Sanctuary of Saint Anthony the Abbot and Saint Anthony of Padua in Urkiola, one of the Basque Country’s oldest religious temples. Just 500 meters from here is the Viewpoint of the Three Crosses, which offers a unique panoramic view of this formidable natural space.
After the walk, we can choose to eat at the high point of Urkiola, as there are several restaurants there, or move to other municipalities more towards our next destination. A good option is Otxandio. It has several buildings of interest, such as the Town Hall, built in 1742 and declared a national monument; the Church of Santa Mariñe, built in the sixteenth century, which stands out because of its imposing tower and its large, unified Renaissance-style nave; and the culture house, a nineteenth-century building. In addition, at Otxandio there is a “Route of Remembrance” that reminds us of the scars of the Civil War.
In the afternoon, we visit the Saldropo Marsh, to the east of Gorbeia. It is a tremendously sensitive area, but we can enjoy it with the route that runs along the edge of the marsh.
Rioja Alavesa
We suggest you stop at one of the many wineries that exist in the Rioja Alavesa region; 100-year-old family wineries with historic and modern wine caves – establishments designed by the world’s most famous architects. Along with this visit, we recommend you savor the traditional cuisine; dishes like ‘patatas a la riojana’ (‘Rioja-style potatoes’), ‘chuletillas al sarmiento’ (a traditional dish with lamb ribs), ‘carrilleras al vino tinto’ (pork cheek in a red wine sauce), and ‘pocha’ beans are all magnificent choices.
The afternoon is reserved for relaxation. There are several spas specializing in vinotherapie. There is nowhere better than the Rioja Alavesa region to discover the health benefits of the grape!
Those who are curious can visit the Wine Interpretation Center, where they will enjoy a 4D experience, and the Abadía House Museum, where they will travel to Rioja Alavesa’s past.
Plans
