The charm of the Basque coastline
The charm
of the
Basque coastline
Naturally delicious
The Basque coastline is unique because of the relationship between land and sea there.
Green and blue sometimes merge in a soft embrace, creating estuaries of stunning beauty like Urdaibai. At other times this passionate embrace shapes vertical rock faces of international renown, like the flysch cliffs. With its protected biotopes, wetlands and several nearby nature parks, the Basque coastline is an ideal destination for anybody looking to enjoy the best of the sea in a natural setting. Try eco-tourism on the Basque coastline!
Here in the Basque Country we have the best city beaches - and the most unspoilt ones. Beaches chosen by queens, painters, surfers and poets. We're sure to have one for you!
If you remember one thing it'll be the flavours. Trying a grilled turbot, an Orio-style sea bream, roasted sardines, baby squids in ink or a fine shellfish platter in some of the best restaurants on the Basque coast will transport you to another dimension. This is the perfect combination between quality ingredients and know-how in the kitchen. Savour it at the restaurants in the Euskadi Gastronomika club!
The 10 musts of the Basque Coast
1
Bizkaia Bridge
Also known as the "Hanging Bridge", this World Heritage Site is an architectural jewel that still operates commercially after 125 years of history. It has an impressive panoramic walkway.
2
Plentzia Bay and Gorliz
Places to rest, a medieval village and a great active tourism offer for all ages: trekking paths on cliffs, beaches and even an underwater winery! Also accessible by underground train from Bilbao.
3
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Chapel
The most emblematic place on the Basque Coast. Number 1 on the list of natural wonders of Spain. The sailors climbed to the chapel to ask for protection before setting sail, a tradition that is still maintained today. The bell also has its own history...
4
Urdaibai Nature Reserve
Biosphere Reserve since 1984. The area with the greatest landscape and ecological diversity of the Basque Coast and which brings together some of the most visited places in the Basque Country.
5
Santa Catalina Lighthouse
It is one of the coastal "sentinels" with the best views. It houses an interpretation centre where you can make an exciting (virtual) boat voyage and learn the secrets of navigation.
6
Basque Coast Geopark
A spectacular landscape marked by the flysch (rock formations millions of years old) in the cliffs of Mutriku, Deba and Zumaia, which can be visited on foot or by boat. This kind of formation can also be seen in Getxo, Sopela and Barrika.
7
Getaria: Elcano and Balenciaga
The beautiful birthplace of Elcano, the first seaman to sail around the world and Balenciaga, the great couturier, is also known for its grilled fish, txakoli and a "mouse"...
8
San Sebastián
A dynamic, cultured city beside the sea, it combines its incomparable setting with the highest density of Michelin stars per inhabitant in the world. It shares a great maritime history with Bilbao, at the other end of the Basque coastline.
9
Pasaia and Albaola Sea Factory
Albaola, a shipyard converted into a living museum, is building a 16th-century whaling ship in a unique bay where you can also visit a tuna boat-museum and enjoy some of the world's best seafood.
10
Txingudi Bay and Hondarribia
An ornithological paradise and an ideal environment for water sports and activities between Hendaye and Hondarribia, a medieval city that pamperingly preserves its maritime, gastronomic and scenic heritage.
Seafaring culture
Basque seafaring culture is legendary.
The people of the Basque coast live and have always lived with their gaze fixed on the sea. The sea to them means sustenance and the promise of high adventure.
This relationship has borne fruit ranging from sports, like the trainera rowing races that stir such passions in the seaside towns, to a vibrant cider culture. But this isn't all, as you can see in the museums that make up the Basque coast museum network. Come and embark on a voyage of discovery!
Basque Coast Museums Network
Fishing ports
Gastronomic routes
Activities on the Basque Coast
Agenda and seafaring festivals
Nautical activities
You can see some of the best views of the Basque coastline from the water.
The first yacht clubs in the ports of Bilbao, San Sebastián and Hondarribia date from the end of the 19th century. The first surfers were already appearing on Basque beaches in the 50s, pioneering this sport in Europe. Along these 246 kilometres of coastline, 40 beaches, 50 surfing spots, 20 leisure marinas and over 100 nautical leisure companies offer the best options on the water to round off your trip to the Basque Coastline.
You can hire sail boats, yachts and even traditional tuna fishing boats, take boat trips to see the flysch rocks in the Basque Coast Geopark, see Urdaibai or visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe by boat, go diving or snorkelling, try coasteering... Don't miss your chance to experience a day whale-watching!
Sailing on the Basque Coast
The coast at your own pace
Other activities
Surfing in the Basque Country
The Basque Country is one of the top surfing destinations in Europe.
In surfing towns like Zarautz and Mundaka it's common to come across surfers from different countries who have decided to settle in the Basque Country. This is no coincidence. The Basque coastline is a wonderful place to learn to surf, to go surfing and even to watch surfing. The Mundaka Left Wave, Meñakoz, La Salbaje (Sopela) and Zurriola (San Sebastián) are among more than 50 places to suit all levels, with a wide range of experienced professionals offering surfing services.
The Surfing Euskadi club is made of of authorised surfing schools that offer classes with the best gear, surfcamps in amazing places, surfer-friendly accommodation where you can clean your suit, keep your board and check out the wave forecasts, as well as guides, tourist offices and specialist inbound agencies. Learn with the best!
Learn to surf or improve your surfing
Waves and beaches
Surf-friendly accommodation
The Basque Coast And don't forget to check more plans in ...
Euskadi Gastronomika
Here you will find the best gastronomic tips, recipes, recommendations and much more
The Basque Route
The Basque Country awaits you, so you can choose your favourite face.Click here and discover the journey planner!
Family plans
Enjoy this small country with your family.
Tourism with dogs
Here you can find dog-friendly establishments and places to visit where you and your dog will be welcome, to make visiting the Basque Country with your dog a perfect experience.
Industrial tourism
Discover another Euskadi made of iron, fire and coal. It will surprise you.
Game of Thrones
Jon is a Basque name, now you will know why