Basque Country is a nation within Spain that I haven’t traveled to (yet). I came quite close when I was hitchhiking along the edges of Europe. I had fully intended to continue that long coastal hitch from Lisbon northward and visit Euskadi. But then I decided to change plans completely and go to South America for two years. Since then, these travel ideas have been shelved.
I hope that in the future, you can find posts about Basque Country on this page. For now, perhaps read about other countries in Europe, such as France, Spain, or Portugal?
Things I’d Like to Do in Basque Country
Note that I’m not really confining this page to the Basque Autonomous Community (three provinces: Álava, Biscay, and Gipuzkoa), but also the greater cultural area which includes Labourd, Lower Navarre, and Soule (all France), and Navarre (Spain).
- Hitchhike with the locals and pick up a few Euskara words and phrases. I think the language is something really special that needs protection and nurturing
- Visit the largest city Bilbao (metro system, marvelous Vizcaya Bridge, ferry to the UK), the administrative capital Vitoria-Gasteiz (very green), and San Sebastián (food, Funicular de Igueldo, Castillo de La Mota, comb of the wind, Santa Clara island)
- Chase signs of early human settlement in the paleolithic cave art areas. These are the caves of Altxerri, Santimamiñe, and Ekain
- Take local trams in the city and perhaps one of those scenic tourist trains, such as El Transcantábrico
- Enjoy nature and go hiking. Some sections of the Camino de Santiago make sense, although what I’ve heard about that trail is that it’s too damn busy. I’d love to visit the Gujuli waterfall, the Urdaibai Estuary, the Oma Forest, and the Bardenas Reales semi-desert area
- Hike up Aitxuri (1551masl), the highest peak in Basque Country. If speaking of the greater region, it’s the Mesa de Los Tres Reyes (2428masl), which looks less doable
- Visit some vineyards (Bodegas Ysios and Eguren Ugarte, both in Laguardia) and sample the goods
- See a game of jai alai in Guernica and games of pelota in other parts of the country
- Visit as many lighthouses as I can. Definitely the Cape Higuer Lighthouse, Faro de Gorliz, Faro de Ajo, Faro del Caballo in Santoña, and the Faro de Santa Catalina in Lekeitio
- Go kayaking on the Ullíbari-Gamboa reservoir. Perhaps I’d also like to kayak the Ebro river from source(ish) to sea
- Visit remote corners, towns, and political exclaves, such as the Valle de Villaverde, Getaria, Izaro Island, Santa Marina island, the islets of La Noja, Chacharramendi Island, Gaztelugatxe, the Valle Salado de Añana (saltworks that are very far inland), Treviño enclave, and of course Pheasant Island which switches ownership every 6 months between France and Spain
If you know cool places and things to do in Basque Country, comment below so I can always find your suggestions again once I start making the dream come true! Tips are especially welcome if you are Basque or have lived there for a while
Are you a travel blogger and do you have good posts about Basque Country? Drop them in a comment below and I’ll read them!