The Catalan authorities have developed a bill that involves declaring independence unilaterally. The legality of the document is checked by the Attorney General of Spain. Catalonia and the Basque Country have always been the most "explosive" points of the country. At the hands of the Basque separatists in the 1970s and 1980s, 850 people were killed. It was they who killed the successor of Francisco Franco. The militants dug a tunnel under the street where Carrero Blanco was passing through and planted explosives there.

About the fate of the Basques during the civil war, nostalgia for the "glorious" Middle Ages, the rapid path to terrorism and positions in the ISIS region * - in our material.

Bullet for Franco

The independent past of the Basques has seven centuries: in the IX-XVI centuries they were part of the Kingdom of Navarre. Catalonia was the most developed region in the Kingdom of Aragon. Since the 1800s, Catalan literature has been devoted mainly to nostalgia for an independent past. Poets called life in Spain slavery, historians talked about the special role of the people in European civilization. Catalan nationalists sought, first of all, to protect their native language and the positions of the Catholic Church. Artists drew sketches from the life of the "glorious" Middle Ages.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the nationalism of the Basques and Catalans experienced an unprecedented rise. Both peoples were excessively economic - the joys of the siesta were not for them. The landowners worked tirelessly, and at the beginning of the 20th century, the Basque Country and Catalonia became one of the most prosperous regions of Spain. Today, the Basques contain up to 40,000 large farms, and Catalonia produces more than 25% of Spain's gross national product. This is one of the reasons that prompted the inhabitants of the regions to seek independence with weapons in their hands. “Previously, the backbone of the movement was made up of left-wing youth and relatives of those who suffered from Franco's repressions. Today, large and medium-sized businesses, as well as conservative-minded people who see the economic benefits of independence from Spain, have joined the independence movement,” says journalist Samara Velte.

In 1919, the Catalans drafted a Statute of Autonomy. Madrid, of course, did not support this initiative. Later, the region received partial independence, but was obliged to obey directives from the center.

Spain, 1939

During the civil war of 1936-1939, Catalonia and the Basque Country became the strongholds of Franco's resistance. Dictatorship would mean the collapse of the hope for autonomy. The main "trump card" of the Basques was air superiority. However, it was still not possible to repulse the rebels: at the height of the conflict, foreign allies stopped deliveries of ammunition and food to the region. In April 1937, the Basques lost their main shrine - Guernica. 40 tons of bombs were dropped on the city. Guernica was on fire, hundreds of citizens left their homes. Subsequently, Pablo Picasso captured these events in the painting "Guernica". The destruction of the city was used by the radical Basques in their propaganda. In February 1939, Catalonia was occupied.

Guernica after the bombing

During the period of the dictatorship, demonstrative reprisals were staged against the separatists. In 1974, 25-year-old anti-fascist Salvador Puig Antique was executed. He organized an underground printing house that produced anarchist literature. In 1975, Francisco Franco signed the death warrant for five imprisoned terrorists. For 36 years of dictatorship, the Basques have lost their hard-won rights. They were forbidden to publish literature and teach in their native language, use national symbols and give children Basque names. At that time, up to 2 million Basques lived in Spain; the total population reached 35 million people. Another 15 million Basques settled in Latin America.

The same fate befell the Catalans. The researcher Gómez Pin wrote: “The Catalan language was limited exclusively to the domestic sphere. Only traditional Catalan dances and music recognized as official propaganda were allowed. The unification of the country's linguistic space fueled nationalist sentiments.

How the Basques laid down their arms

In 1959, the Basque Country and Freedom (ETA) group of Basque separatists was born. ETA embarked on the path of armed struggle. The program document of the grouping proclaimed a course towards a socialist revolution. She committed her first terrorist attack in 1968. Then a high-ranking police officer was killed. Throughout Spain, militants blew up government offices and railway lines. "Basque Country and Freedom" enjoyed broad popular support. Their actions were regarded as the only way to resist the dictatorship. In 1973, Prime Minister Carrero Blanco was killed in an explosion. Terrorists dug under one of the main streets in Madrid. An armored car weighing 1.5 tons, which was driven by an official, flew up to a height of several floors at the time of the explosion.

Francisco Franco

After the death of Franco in 1975, the Basque Country and Catalonia received autonomy. Issues at the regional level were now the responsibility of local parliaments. “Part of the taxes went to Madrid. Since 1975, local authorities have been independently making decisions in the field of education and healthcare, production, and infrastructure,” Samara said.

Despite these measures, the Basque Country and Freedom did not stop its activities. Detachments of 20-30 people operated in different parts of Spain. According to experts, there were about 500 militants in total in the 1970s and 1980s. To obtain funds for terrorism, ETA kidnapped people and demanded a huge ransom from their relatives. In addition, representatives of the organization "protected" Basque entrepreneurs for substantial contributions. A major terrorist attack occurred in 2009 in Burgos - then 46 people were injured as a result of a car explosion. In 2011, the special services eliminated some of the leaders of the Basque separatists, and in April 2017, ETA announced its disarmament.

According to Samara, there has been an increase in separatist sentiment in the Basque Country in recent years. “The Catalans have been demanding a referendum since 2010. Then more than a million people participated in the procession through Barcelona. Protests were held annually, the number of participants reached 2 million. Trade unions, universities and FC Barcelona joined the movement. As a result, the referendum on the independence of Catalonia in 2014 was symbolic. The Spanish court found it inconsistent with the country's constitution, and it had no legal force. However, in 2016, the right-wing nationalists won the parliamentary elections in the Basque Country,” the journalist emphasized.

A number of experts claim that ISIS* is “hunting” for the radical Basques. According to Samara, this information is not true: “There is no chance that the group will replenish its ranks at the expense of the Basques. Firstly, people of the same religion and one nationality live here, and it is unlikely that it will be possible to “play” on their religious feelings. Secondly, the Basques have just ended 50 years of armed struggle. The conflict was not of an ethnic nature - it was about gaining independence and building socialism. But at the same time, we are seeing a disturbing trend in the region: girls and boys who have never participated in armed struggle are idealizing it.”

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said yesterday that "in no case" would he allow a referendum on the independence of Catalonia.

*The organization is banned in Russia by decision of the Supreme Court

The Basque Country, also known as the Basque Country or Euskadi, is a region in the northeast of Spain, which is divided into three provinces: Biscay, Alava, Gipuzkoa. Most of the population lives in Biscay, its center is fashionable and cultural Bilbao, main city in Gipuzkoa - youth and surfer San Sebastian, and almost the entire territory of Alava - nature reserves and villages. Lovers of antiquities will appreciate the ancient architecture of cities, gourmets - the original Basque cuisine (no, it's not only seafood and pintxos) and local cider, surfers - the coolest waves in Spain, and party-goers - discos and festivals.

The inhabitants of the Basque Country speak the Basque language, which is very different from the Castilian norm of Spanish. Its roots go back to the pre-Roman era, and it is not similar to any of the European languages.

How to get to the Basque Country

The biggest international Airport in the Basque Country is located in Bilbao, there are no direct flights from Russia. From Moscow Sheremetyevo, Air France fly there via Paris and Brussels Airlines via Brussels. On the way from 6.5 hours one way, ticket price - from 170 EUR round trip. Prices on the page are for August 2019.

Bus number 3247 of the Bizkaibus company runs from Bilbao Airport to the city every 15 minutes. The stop is located at the exit from the terminal, tickets are sold at the box office next to it. The bus is coming before Central bus station Termibus also stops at Moya Square. On the way to the final 20 minutes, fare: 3 EUR, by taxi to the center: 15-25 EUR. There is a direct bus from Bilbao Airport to San Sebastian. Pesa buses (off. site in English) run every half an hour from 7:45 to 23:45, the journey takes 1 hour 15 minutes, the fare is 17 EUR.

San Sebastian also has an airport, but flying there is longer and more expensive. The fastest and cheapest option is through Barcelona with joint flights of Aeroflot, Vuelinga and Es Seven. Departure from Domodedovo, arrival at Sheremetyevo. On the way from 7.5 hours, tickets will cost from 350 EUR in both directions. Several buses run from the airport to the city center, all of them go to Gipuzkoa Square. The journey takes 15 minutes, the fare is 1.65-2.35 EUR, by taxi - 8-10 EUR.

Search for flights to Bilbao (nearest airport to Basque Country)

Transport

You can travel around the Basque Country by trains and intercity buses. The railways here are represented by the Euskotren company (off. site in English), trains run between major cities. The road from Bilbao to San Sebastian will take from 4 to 6.5 hours and will cost from 30 EUR one way. In the morning the train leaves at 6:30, 9:20 and 9:40, in the afternoon - at 15:20, in the evening - at 17:00.

On the buses of the company Alsa (off. site in English) you can get to Madrid and Barcelona, ​​Pesa runs around the region. The bus from Bilbao to San Sebastian leaves every 30 minutes, takes 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs from 12.60 EUR one way. You can buy tickets (on the website online) only between the cities of Bilbao, San Sebastian and Vitoria-Gasteiz, to other cities - only at the box office at the station.

Basque Country Hotels

Most of the hotels in the Basque Country are in major cities: Bilbao, San Sebastian and Vitoria-Gasteiz. Prices for "three" in Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz start from 50 EUR per day for a double room, "four" will cost from 85 EUR. Staying in San Sebastian is about twice as expensive: "treshki" - from 100 EUR, a bed in a hostel - from 30 EUR, regardless of the season.

Buildings in cities are mostly old, so be prepared for the lack of elevators and heating.

Beaches

Beaches delight mainly surfers and less often amateurs beach holiday. The best of them are located in the province of Gipuzkoa, in the vicinity of San Sebastian: there are excellent waves all year round and warm water thanks to the Gulf Stream. One of the most beautiful and popular beaches among tourists is La Concha in San Sebastian, it is quite shallow, the coast is sandy, there is all the infrastructure - from renting sunbeds and umbrellas to excellent restaurants, children's slides and trampolines.

Most big beach province - Sarauts (2.5 km in length). It is divided into three zones, the central one is "given" to surfers, the western one - to families with children, and the eastern one - beautiful promenades.

In Bilbao, all beaches are located outside the city, but many can be reached by metro. The most popular and closest to the city is the sandy Las Arenas, where surfers hang out, but when there are no waves, you can swim (Areeta metro station, then on foot). Barrika nudist beach, located in the village of the same name, is located 3 km from the Plentia station.

All beaches are free, you only have to pay for renting an umbrella and a sunbed: 5-20 EUR, depending on the amenities.

shopping

The most popular souvenir from the Basque Country is the black "chapela" beret, which some local men still wear, and the fatty, smoked sheep's milk cheese "idiazabal". All this is sold in souvenir shops and markets.

In major cities there are shopping centers where you can buy clothes and shoes of Spanish brands. The Fashion Barakaldo outlet in Bilbao offers discounts from 30 to 70% all year round, you can get to it by metro to the Bagatza station and then on foot.

For groceries for every day, it is cheapest to go to Eroski and Carrefour chain supermarkets, and for delicacies - to the markets.

Bilbao is home to the largest covered market in Europe, Ribera, which has been on this site since the 14th century. Here they sell Spanish products at non-tourist prices. A flea market opens on Sundays in Bilbao's Plaza Nueva, and every year in March, Balmaceda hosts a reconstruction of a real medieval market with costumed performances and a fair.

In the Basque Country

Cuisine and restaurants of the Basque Country

In the Basque Country, tapas bars and traditional cidreria restaurants are popular, serving 2-3 varieties of cider (at least dry and sweet) and various snacks. For haute cuisine, go to San Sebastian: 15 Michelin stars for 8 restaurants. Among them, it is worth noting the restaurant of innovative Basque cuisine Arzak (Avda. Alcalde Elosegui, 273).

A popular traditional dish is "marmitaco" (tuna stew with potatoes), dried cod and "chuleton de vaca" - beef steak on the bone are also served everywhere. For desserts, try the Basque tart with custard and sour cherries, while the best local wine is considered to be a slightly sparkling fruit "chakoli".

The city of Astigarraga makes excellent apple cider, the season lasts from January to April.

A glass of beer and 5-6 pintxos in a tapas bar will cost 15-20 EUR, dinner in a restaurant - from 60 EUR for two without drinks, from 12:00 to 16:00 many of them serve "menu-day dia" for 13-20 EUR per person. The average check for two in a restaurant with a Michelin star is 200-250 EUR without drinks.

Guides in the Basque Country

Entertainment and attractions

The Basque Country is known for its national parks. Near Bilbao is the most famous biosphere reserve in the region - "Urdaibai" (Urdaibai, Biscay): forests, hills, the Atlantic coast, as well as small towns with historical monuments. Hiking and cycling routes are laid in the park, and the Game of Thrones was filmed here, and you can meet a herd of Basque ponies.

Urquiola Park (Lugar Barrio Urkiola, 9F) is located on the slopes of the Durangesado mountain range, and not far from the town of Dela in the province of Gipuzkoa lies hiking route Flysch (Ruta del Flysch) is one of the most picturesque in Spain.

Gipuzkoa is considered the center of Basque culture. In almost any city, you can take dance lessons from local residents and watch song rituals.

San Sebastian

Not only surfer beaches are located here, but also the largest church in the Basque Country - Cathedral Good Shepherd (Urdaneta Kalea, 12) and Miramar Palace (48 Paseo Miraconcha, 20007) - the former summer residence of the royal family, where 19th century furniture and decor have been preserved. Today, these luxurious interiors house the headquarters of the musicology center and host summer courses at the local university.

Victoria-Gasteiz

People go to the capital of the Basque Country to see architecture. The 14th-century Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria (Santa Maria Plaza, s/n), which houses paintings by Rubens, rises in the city center. In the church of San Pedro the Apostle (Fundadora de las Siervas de Jesus Kalea, 2), local famous personalities are buried, and 9 km from Vitoria-Gasteiz is the temple of Nuestra Señora de Estibaliz in the Romanesque style of the 11th century. There are also many museums and galleries in the city, the Artium Museum of Contemporary Art (Francia Kalea, 24) is especially interesting.

Bilbao

One of the symbols of Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum. Its building looks like a giant flower and a spaceship at the same time, and leads to the entrance glass bridge over the river Nervion. The Way of St. James passes through Bilbao, so there are many cathedrals in the city: the Gothic Cathedral of St. James of the 14th century, the Church of San Nicolás de Bari, etc.

Weather

There are several in the Basque Country climatic zones, in the mountains it is traditionally a little cooler, and by the ocean it is windy. In general, summers here are not very hot, and winters are quite mild, surfers come here all year round. This is the rainiest region in Spain, with the least rainfall in May and June.

The first evidence of settlements in this part of France dates back to Neolithic times (5000-2000 BC). Later this place was captured by the Celts, then by the Romans, who in turn were expelled by the Germanic tribes who came from the east. In 778 the Franks, led by Emperor Charlemagne, were repulsed, as was an attempt to conquer the territory by Louis IX of France (1226–1270) in 824. Thereafter, the Basque Country became part of the newly created kingdom of Pamplona.

In 1530, Charles V (1364–1380) made Lower Navarre (Basse-Navarre) part of France, and Labourdan and Soule, the region's other northern provinces, were added to France in 1589. Spain retained Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Alava and Navarre. In 1659, the Peace of the Pyrenees led to a reconciliation between France and Spain, which was sealed by the marriage of the young Louis XIV of France to the Spanish Infanta in 1660.

At the end of the 18th century, the Basque Country entered a period of economic recession, which ended only with the development of tourism. Today, this region is not only a paradise for lovers aquatic species sport, but also for history buffs and pilgrims, thanks to renewed interest in the ancient pilgrims that cross it. Landmarks along were identified as of 1993.

For centuries, despite numerous changes of government, the Basque Country has held firm to its national identity. Today, this is expressed both in the use of the Basque language Euskara, and in the architecture of the region, its religious and secular holidays and.

See the Basque Country

The part of the Basque Country lying on French territory includes three historical provinces:

• Lower Navarre (Basse-Navarre)- the world of shepherds and hunters, with numerous pastures and forests and mystical megaliths. Until 1620, it was the independent Kingdom of Navarre, from which a wealthy architectural heritage.
• Labourd- the coastal part of the Basque Country and the most touristy: rocky steep cliffs are replaced by sandy spits with fine sand and the best beaches is a paradise for vacationers and surfers. And the waters rich in algae have turned Labourd into a medical resort with numerous thalassotherapy centers.
• Soul- a less touristy, deep part of the Basque Country, which has retained a largely untouched appearance and authenticity.

Lower Navarre

There are several cities in Lower Navarre, especially Saint-Palais and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, which were once the main stopping points on.

• Saint-Palais
• Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

labourdan

Together with the Bay of Biscay (called here in French the Bay of Gascony), Labourdan is made up of hills and mountains such as Runa, Axuria and Artsamendi, with many picturesque villages such as Ascain. The capital of the region is, although the most popular city- this, of course, is a resort for the upper strata of society and surfers, a thalassotherapy center. Biarritz has been very popular among tourists for many years.

Labourdan is known for its 5-day Bayonne festival - Fetes de Bayonne- the largest summer festival in France, as well as red pepper.

View in Labourd:

• Hendaye,
• Ciboure
• Ascain

The Basque Country is an autonomous region of northern Spain with an area of ​​7,234 sq. km. It is adjacent to Cantabria, Castile and Leon in the west, with Navarre and France in the east, with Rioja in the South, and its northern part is washed by the Bay of Biscay.

The Basque Country or Basque Country is the land of a distinctive culture dating back more than one millennium, which the Basques themselves call Euskadi or Euskal Herria - “Land of the Basque-speaking”.

Photo: Nature of the Basque Country

The Basque Country is a mountainous and picturesque region. Despite the fact that this region is the center of Spanish industry and agriculture, there are many attractions and attractions for tourists.

The Basque Country combines the cultural and slightly pretentious city of Bilbao, the youthful and sporty San Sebastian, where surfers from all over the world hang out all year round, and the Costa Basca coast with countless small port towns and amazing natural landscapes. Each guest will be able to discover their own Basque Country, because this is a very diverse region.

You can see the city of San Sebastian right now on this author's video:

All of Spain loves holidays, but in the Basque Country this is especially noticeable. All year long, one carnival is replaced by another festival or celebration of a particularly revered saint.

On January 20, all those who love rhythm gather in San Sebastian, as Tamborrada begins - the procession of drummers along central streets. Hundreds of groups of musicians, dressed in the brightest clothes, pass one after another, beating out incendiary rhythms.

At the end of June, rock lovers come to the capital of the region - one of the largest rock festivals in Spain is held here. Literally two weeks later, the genre changes dramatically in Vitoria and the jazz festival begins. And at the end of August, it is desirable to be in the Big Week of Bilbao, when the townspeople celebrate the day of the city for nine days.

Geographic features

Photo: Posalagua Cave in the Natural Park of Armagnon

The Basque Country is the brightest jewel in the crown of northern Spain. Two realities coexist here at once: heavy industry is developed and forests, colorful bays and bays reign, amazing villages have been preserved.

The landscapes and landscapes of the Basque Country are as unique as the Basques themselves - emerald evergreen hills, mighty mountains and picturesque rocky bays.

There are 14 natural parks in the Basque Country with well-planned trekking routes of varying difficulty. For example:

• The Gorbea Natural Park invites you to climb the mountain of the same name, from where stunning landscapes open up;
• The natural park of Armagnon attracts tourists with the Posalagua cave with amazing stalactites;
• The Urdabay Biosphere Reserve pleases with picturesque views, etc.

Climate

The Basque Country has a mild and humid climate, with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius in summer and 7 degrees Celsius in winter. Even in winter, it is possible to meet a surfer here. This is the rainiest region of the Kingdom of Spain, so be prepared for weather surprises.

How to get and move around the place

A photo: detailed map Basque countries

Why go

The Basque Country is a mountainous region that invites tourists to a variety of routes through the mountains and the coast. Here you can see a special culture and hear a unique language, visit unusual museums, and also taste the best cuisine in the kingdom.

When to go

We advise you to go to the Basque Country from May to June, when there is excellent warm weather with the least rainfall in this rather rainy region. In July, you can get to the international jazz festival in San Sebastian.

Cultural Features

The Basque language is considered one of the oldest in Europe, while it has no similarities with any of the European languages. Some even believe that the Basques have a connection with the Georgians, since their language has about 200 similar roots.

Due to isolation, outlandish folk traditions and legends still exist in the Basque Country, carefully transmitted by word of mouth by bards. The main musical instruments are the tambourine and a type of accordion called the trikitisha. A feature of Basque folk dances is the beautiful throw of the legs. Basque sports are also interesting - lifting heavy boulders or cutting logs.

The center of Basque culture is the province of Gipuzkoa, where Basque stone buildings (the village of Bera de Bidasoa) and folk traditions have been preserved. The locals sing and dance, as they did centuries ago, and will be happy to teach this to tourists.

What to watch

The Basque Country attracts a lot of attention from tourists from all over the world, providing a huge variety of activities: from sightseeing and architectural monuments to active sports and walks in natural parks.

We have compiled the top 10 most-very places that you must see with your own eyes:

Cathedral of Saint James in Bilbao- one of the central buildings in the city. As is often the case, the modern building stands on the site of previous churches that were destroyed or dismantled. Bilbao is part of the pilgrimage route of St. James, so there are always a lot of believers here.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao- one of the most unusual buildings not only in the city, but throughout Spain. The flow of tourists increased significantly after the grand opening of this building for visiting all comers.

Photo: View of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

New Cathedral of the Immaculate Virgin in Vitoria- the decoration of the historical part of the city. This Neo-Gothic building is one of the largest cathedrals in Spain. It was called new to distinguish it from the already existing "old".

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in San Sebastian– in addition to beautiful decorative elements, visitors are attracted by a huge organ, which for a long time bore the honorary title of the largest organ in the country.

Photo: Facade of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in San Sebastian

Miramar Palace in San Sebastian- a chic English-style mansion, located just a few meters from the amazing beach. This is a true example of luxury. It was built as the summer residence of the royal family, and many of the rooms have retained the original design and furnishings. The rest of the premises were regularly rebuilt to meet the new requirements of the time.

Bay de la Concha in San Sebastian are endless beaches along the sea bay in the shape of a shell. In the neighborhood of the beach, long embankments are built here, passing one into another.

Photo: Beautiful bay de la Concha in San Sebastian

- Not far from the famous Guggenheim Museum there is another original building. This eclectic building impresses with its variety of forms. Initially, this palace was built for the personal needs of the financial magnate Salazar, but since the middle of the 20th century, the Government of the Basque Country has been sitting here.

- since the beginning of the 21st century, this museum has been delighting its visitors with beautiful masterpieces of both Spanish contemporary authors and foreign ones. In addition to exhibition halls, there is a large library, an archive and a separate educational center for those who study art.

Photo: Basque Museum of Contemporary Art in Vitoria

House del Cordon in Vitoria – unique building in the Gothic style, built by a wealthy merchant in the 15th century. Many famous people of Spain lived in it. Now it houses an information center dedicated to the culture and original forms of creativity of the Basque people.

Maria Cristina Bridge in San Sebastian- at the beginning of the 20th century, this iron bridge was opened, uniting the two banks. It is richly decorated with huge obelisks and gilded sculptures, many of which are reminiscent of Paris' famous Pont Alexandre III.

Main places and cities of attractions

Photo: Cathedral of Santa Maria

The main attractions of the Basque Country:

1. In Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Cathedral of Santa Maria of the 14th century is interesting, where the impressions are complemented by the paintings of Rubens. And in the suburbs you can see the pearl of the Romanesque style of the 11th century, the Temple of the Virgin Mary de Estibalis;
2. Bilbao is famous for the Guggenheim Museum of Ultra-Modern Art and the glass bridge leading to it;
3. The city of Costa Basca is famous for its beautiful and sometimes even dramatic landscapes. Here you can also find traces of ancient settlements;
4. Between Portugalete and Las Arenas, you can experience a special experience on the Biscay Flying Ferry Bridge. Its extraordinary flying gondolas run every 8 minutes;
5. Of the little-known places, one can name the salt mines of Salinas de Anana, where developments are still underway using ancient Roman technologies;
6. Not far from San Sebastian in Mundaka, there is a bird sanctuary where millions of migratory birds find shelter.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

Photo: The capital of the Basque Country - Vitoria-Gasteiz

The capital of the Basque Country bears the double Spanish-Basque name of Vitoria-Gasteiz. It was founded in 1181 on the site of the village of Gasteiz by the efforts of the monarch Sancho IV the Wise, who surrounded the village with a fortress wall.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is bordered on all sides natural parks and leads in the number of museums - weapons, maps, archeology, natural history, modern art, etc. There is an atmosphere everywhere medieval city- Fortress wall and majestic Gothic temples.

Bilbao

Photo: Cruise port in Bilbao

Bilbao is the largest Basque city, as well as its industrial center and port of national importance. The symbol of the city is the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Solomon Guggenheim Foundation. This museum is visited annually by about 1.5 million people. The 55-meter structure itself is a masterpiece of modern art - to some it resembles a huge flower, a miracle bird or a spaceship of the future. The glass bridge over the Nervion River, which leads to the Museum, is also noteworthy.

What to do in the Basque Country

Photo: Chavarri Palace in Bilbao

It is difficult to get bored in the Basque Country even for experienced tourists who are difficult to surprise. Here and sports, and art, and unusual buildings and monuments. It's hard to resist such diversity.

We have compiled the top 20 things to do while traveling around this region:

1. Enter the Bilbao Cathedral and become part of the great pilgrimage route of many believers.
2. Walking through the halls of the Museum of Modern Art in Vitoria - at first, the eyes run up from such a variety of shapes, combinations of lights and colors.
3. Look into the House del Cordon in Vitoria, built over 500 years ago - a strict Gothic building with amazing interiors inside. This is an incomparable feeling of involvement in the great events of the past that happened to the people who lived in this house.
4. Take a selfie on the Maria Cristina Bridge in San Sebastian - there are gorgeous views of the river and banks around.
5. Swim on the beach of the Bay de la Concha in San Sebastian - there is almost always calm clear water without excitement.
6. Take a boat ride to Santa Clara Island in San Sebastian - if you have time at high tide, you can even swim there.
7. Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao - an amazing modern-style building that attracts the attention of all tourists in the Basque Country.
8. Feel like a representative of royal blood, walking through the huge halls of the Miramar Palace, which served as the summer royal residence of the Spanish dynasty.
9. Lost among the huge New Cathedral of the Immaculate Virgin in Vitoria - you feel like a grain of sand in an endless universe.
10. Take a hike up Mount Urgull in San Sebastian, from where you can see the whole area. For the most persistent will get a visit to the castle on top as a reward for their efforts.
11. Get inspired by the paintings of Rubens on the walls of the Temple of Santa Maria in the capital Vitoria-Gasteiz.
12. Visit one of the best and oldest pastry shops in Spain, opened in 1886 by Manuel Goya (in the capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz).
13. Lay on the luxurious beaches of the charming San Sebastian.
14. Taste the region's best pintxos and Basque tapas at San Sebastian's coastal pintxos bars.
15. Taste chaholi wines in Costa Basque, which are not found anywhere else - neither in Spain nor in Europe.
16. Walk through the mysterious labyrinths and feel like an ant in front of a huge spider at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
17. Climb Mount Gorbea or visit the outlandish Posalagua stalactite caves.
18. Take a ride on the gondola of the extraordinary Biscay "Flying Bridge".
19. Go to the province of Gipuzkoa and learn crazy Basque dances.
20. Look into the colorful town of Hondarribia right on the border with France.

Shopping (What and where to buy)

Photo: Smoked Idiazabal cheese

The Basque Country is a colorful and quite original region, where there are souvenirs that are unlike gifts from other Spanish provinces. We have collected 5 best souvenirs from the Basque Country:
1. Chapela - the original black beret worn by many men.
2. Ikurinha - the flag of the Basques. Sold almost everywhere.
3. Lauburu - a cross formed by four commas. This symbol did not originate here, but it is surprising that it has become very widespread here. With this symbol, you can buy everything: from a plate on the wall to jewelry.
4. Chakoli is a delicious local wine that is served in all cafes and restaurants. It's a sin not to bring with you as a keepsake.
5. Idiazabal - fatty smoked cheese made from sheep's milk.

Where to live

Photo: One of the best hotels in Bilbao Sercotel Hotel Gran Bilbao

The Basque Country welcomes guests and tourists from all over the world with great hospitality, as you can see for yourself by staying in any of the hotels in the region.

We have selected the top 5 hotels according to the reviews of experienced travelers:

1. NH Bilbao Deusto (Francisco Macia, 9 | Deusto, 48014 Bilbao) - convenient location, within walking distance to most attractions in the historic part of the city. Polite staff and high level provided services.
2. Sercotel Hotel Gran Bilbao (Avenida Indalecio Prieto, 1, 48004 Bilbao) is an excellent hotel with large rooms equipped with everything you need for a quality stay.
3. Sercotel Coliseo (Alameda De Urquijo 13, 48008 Bilbao) - spacious room, excellent soundproofing, close to the city center.
4. NH Canciller Ayala Vitoria (Ramon y Cajal, 5 | City Center, 01007 Vitoria-Gasteiz) - five minutes walk from the main tourist spots, there is a park nearby. Friendly staff and comfortable rooms.
5. Sercotel Boulevard Vitoria (Calle Zaramaga, 3, 01013 Vitoria-Gasteiz) - the rooms are always clean and tidy, the bathroom has all the bath amenities. There is a large supermarket nearby.

Tour plan, tours for 1-3-7 days

Photo: Nature and landscapes of the Basque Country

The Basque Country is becoming more and more popular among tourists every year: infrastructure is developing, new restaurants and cafes are opening, hotels are hosting guests, and the authorities are coming up with a variety of entertainment to attract interest in this region. We tried to embrace the immensity and put together a week-long trip to the Basque Country:

Day	Morning	Dinner	Evening
1	Bilbao. Moya Square. Chavarri Palace	Museum of Fine Arts	Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park. Euskalduna. Maritime Museum. You can dine at Restaurante Guria (Don Diego López Haroko Kale Nagusia, 66), where we recommend trying their cod dishes.
2	Guggenheim Museum. We recommend planning a half-day visit, as there are many halls, plus a landscaped and original area around the museum.		After the museum at sunset, it is nice to take a walk along the mouth of the river along the beautiful embankment. You can end a busy day at San Mames Jatetxea (Raimundo P. Lezama s/n (Estadio San Mames. Puerta Nº 14), which is located in the stadium building.
3	Cathedral of Bilbao	Museum of Basque Art	Walk along the old streets of the city. Among the countless bars and restaurants, we advise you to pay attention to Restaurante en Bilbao Bar Baster (Posta Kalea, 22), where there is an excellent cocktail menu and a variety of tapas.
4	Vitoria. Cathedral	Historic quarter. Museum of lighting torches.	Catholic Church of Michael the Archangel. Refresh yourself at the excellent Basque restaurant Restaurante Arkupe (Mateo Benigno de Moraza Kalea, 13), where you can try local traditional dishes.
5	Plaza of Spain.	Museum of Contemporary Art Artium.	Museum of archeology. After a scientific day, you should go to the restaurant Querida María jatetxea (Santa Maria Plaza, 2), where it is tasty and quite inexpensive.
6	San Sebastian. Miramar Palace	Funicular up the mountain. Lighthouse.	Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. Bridge of Santa Cristina. At Restaurante Ibai (Calle de Getaria, 15) you can have a great dinner in a great atmosphere.
7	Buy on the beach.	Go to Santa Clara Island.	Visit the aquarium.

What and where is

Photo: Beef steak with bone

Basque cuisine is very diverse: it has a lot of fish and seafood dishes due to the seaside location, and at the same time, the locals know how and love to cook meat and vegetables.

We have collected 5 of the most original traditional Basque dishes:
1. "Chuleton de Vaca" - beef steak with a bone. You can choose any level of roasting, but in any case, it will be unsurpassed in taste.
2. Fish baked in the oven is a special delicacy and a treat for dear guests for a holiday or a family celebration.
3. Dried cod - local chefs demonstrate the amazing features of cooking dishes from this special ingredient. The taste is specific, but therefore unforgettable.
4. Cheese Idiazabal (Idiazabal) - a rather fatty sheep's cheese. It is stored for a long time, so you can safely take it with you as a gastronomic souvenir.
5. Marmita de bonito (Marmita de bonito) - a fish dish made from tuna, potatoes, onions, tomatoes and peppers. In the Basque Country, they even organize competitions for the preparation of this treat.

Kitchen

Photo: Seafood in Spain

In the Basque Country, you will be served delicious food wherever you go - seafood and meat. According to one of the San Pelegrino ratings, two of the ten best restaurants in the world are located in the Basque Country - these are Mugaritz and Arzak, and San Sebastian is the world leader in Michelin stars (four restaurants).

Basque cuisine is characterized by minimal use of hot spices, and the whole emphasis on the taste of the products themselves. The most popular dishes are marmitaco (tuna stew) and the amazing creamy goshua dessert.

The Basque Country also has its own wines - these are the slightly sparkling Txakoli wines.

The best tours by reviews

Sometimes, to understand the region, it is not enough to walk everywhere on your own with a guide in your hands. Professional guides know special places hidden from tourists, tell informative stories and breathtaking legends.

We have collected 5 of the most popular excursions in the Basque Country:
1. Mysteries of the Basque Forest - thicket, medieval castles, cliffs, small fishing villages where time seems to have stopped forever. Participants will be able to feel the strength and power of this region, which is not in vain called the Country.
2. Walk through the elegant San Sebastian - a marina for the most sophisticated layers of the Spanish aristocracy. Here everything is done and decorated to the highest standard to please the picky people.
3. The cosmopolitan city of Bilbao - a little eccentric and hectic, this city has an indescribable, but unique atmosphere. It cannot be described in words, but you can feel it in bars, galleries, museums, and even in the subway.
4. Tour of Vitoria - a walk through the old streets, accompanied by a guide and his colorful stories.
5. Sea excursion along San Sebastian - this city has a unique location along a deep bay. From the sea, there is an amazing view of the coast.

You can see the beauty of the city of Bilbao in this video:

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Basque Country - the main resorts and areas, excursions and attractions, museums, reviews of tourists about the Basque Country.

In the northeast of Spain lies the autonomous region of the Basque Country, covering an area of ​​7,234 square kilometers. km. The original region has other names - Baskonia, Euskadi (in the Basque language). This part of the kingdom should not be confused with the historical region of the same name, which includes the lands of Spain and France. The "local" Basque Country borders on Cantabria, Castile and Leon in the west, in the east the autonomy's neighbors are Navarre and France, in the south - Rioja, and the north is washed by the waters of the Bay of Biscay.

The original region in the north-east of Spain has several names - Basque Country, Basque Country, Euskadi (in the Basque language).

The small area is divided into 251 municipalities and three provinces: Biscay, Alava, Gipuzkoa. Most of the population is concentrated in Biscay. The inhabitants of the Basque Country speak Basque and Spanish. The colorful Basque language is very different from Castilian, the official Spanish dialect. Its roots go back to the pre-Roman era, the Basque dialect is not similar to any of the European languages.

The capital is Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The largest cities are Bilbao, San Sebastian.

Entertainment and attractions

Autonomy, which has the glory of one of the most industrial areas of the kingdom, has retained a lot protected areas. Fabulous landscapes will appear before the eyes of the guests of the Basque Country along the banks of the Guernica River, in national parks, which cannot be counted here. The area is ideal for hiking, coastal walks and mountain trails. The picturesque rocky coast near San Sebastian deserves the attention of travelers. Visit Salinas de Añana, the salt mines are mined with the same techniques as they were in the Roman era when they were discovered. Take time to visit the Biscay Flying Bridge between Las Arenas and Portugalete, this unique 1893 structure functions as a transporter. Gondolas, accommodating several dozen passengers, leave every 8 minutes.

In the Costa Basca beach area, you can see the remains of ancient cities, and “chaholi” was invented here - sparkling wine.

The freedom-loving Basques were able to preserve their own traditions, so folk holidays are regularly held in the region. In Bilbao, this is the August competition for the best shepherd dog. In the medieval town of Tholosa, traditional carnivals are held.

To the west of Saint Sebastian, the capital of Gipuzkoa, lies the Mundaka Watershed, a natural reserve that hosts millions of migratory birds.

The center of Basque culture is the province of Gipuzkoa. In the smallest Spanish region, stone buildings of the 16th-19th centuries have been preserved (the village of Bera de Bidasoa), Segura is famous for its old mansions. You can take dance lessons from the locals, and the song rituals are a special treasure of the Basques.

In the Basque Country

Vitoria-Gasteiz

The capital of the Basque Country is the center of the province of Alava. This unusually clean and cozy city has a double name - Vitoria-Gasteiz, combining both the Spanish and Basque names. Its foundation in 1181 on the site of the village of Gasteiz is the merit of King Sancho the Wise, this monarch surrounded the settlement with a fortress wall. In memory of that time, street names have been preserved in Vitoria. And, of course, architectural structures - for example, the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria of the 14th century, which houses paintings by Rubens. The Church of San Pedro Apostol has become the burial place of many famous personalities. Temple Nuestra Senora de Estibaliz in the Romanesque style, built in the 11th century, is located in the suburbs of Vitoria.

The patroness of the province of Alava is the Mother of God Estibaliz.

Vitoria-Gasteiz, surrounded by a "green ring" of a chain of parks, has many museums - natural history, weapons of Alava, archeology, sacred art, modern, visual arts and even playing cards. The buildings that house these museums are also of interest. By the way, an extensive exposition dedicated to playing cards appeared in the capital of the Basque Country not by chance. It is in this city that the production of such products has been established.

Basque country

This term has other meanings, see Basque country (meanings).

Autonomous Community
Basque country
Basque. Euskal Autonomia Erkidegoa (Euskadi) Spanish Pais Vasco
Guernica tree
42°50' N. sh. 2°41′ W e.HGЯOL
Country	Spain, France
Includes	3 provinces
Adm. center	Vitoria-Gasteiz
The president	Iñigo Urculho
History and geography
Date of formation	1130
Square	7234 km² (14th)
Timezone	UTC+1
Largest cities	Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Donostia-San Sebastian, Bayona, San Jean De Luz
GDP · per capita	35 300 €
Population
Population	2,189,534 people people (2016)
Density	302.67 people/km² (2nd place)
official languages	Basque, Spanish, French
Digital IDs
ISO 3166-2 code	ES-PV
Telephone code	+34 94
Internet domain	.eus
Official site
Audio, photo and video at Wikimedia Commons

The Basque Country (Bask. Euskadi (Eushkadi) or Euskal Herria (Eushkal Erria), Spanish País Vasco (Pais Basco)), Euskadi, Baskonia is an autonomous community in northern Spain.

The capital is Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Autonomous Community The Basque Country is part of the historical region of the same name, the territory of which also extends to the Autonomous Community of Navarre (identical to the Spanish province of the same name) and North Country Basques in the south of France.

Economy

In the early 1970s, agrarian production was replaced by developed industry and tourism in the Basque Country. Back in the early 70s of the XX century, the region was in the deepest economic crisis, but already in the late 1980s, the situation began to rapidly change for the better. Today the Basque Country is a rich land with developed agriculture. According to the latest data, there are about 35,000 small farms in the Basque Country; animal husbandry has been a traditional activity of the Basques since time immemorial.

One of the largest mining centers in Spain iron ore located in the province of Biscay. Rich mineral deposits are located at the mouth of the Nervion River. The metallurgical industry is also developing rapidly in the Basque Country. Bilbao is home to one of the country's oldest and most famous metallurgical plants, Altos Ornos de Biscay.

The main crops locals consider wheat, corn, barley, oats and rye - the fields of these crops are located in the province of Alava (Alava). La Rioja Alavesa has large vineyards.

Along with animal husbandry, fishing is a traditional activity of the Basques. The main fishing ports are Fuenterrabbia, Pasajes, Ondarroa and Bermeo.

Forest lands are another wealth of the Basques. The total area of ​​oak forests intended for felling is about 300,000 hectares.

Transport

Railway transport

EuskoTren trains at the station in San Sebastian

The Basque Country is served by the railway lines of the following organizations:

Lines of the state railway RENFE connect Vitoria with San Sebastian and Bilbao with central Spain. There is also a network of suburban railways Cercanías around Bilbao and San Sebastian.

FEVE are the national narrow gauge railways of Spain. FEVE lines connect Bilbao with Valmaceda and Bilbao with other regions of northern Spain.

EuskoTren is a narrow gauge railway network owned by the government of the Basque Country. The main EuskoTren line links Bilbao with San Sebastian, other lines link these cities with their suburbs. There is one international line connecting San Sebastian with Hendaye (France).

City transport and buses

The metro operates in Bilbao (see metro Bilbao), trams - in Bilbao (see tram Bilbao) and Vitoria. Both tram systems are provided by EuskoTran, a subsidiary of EuskoTren.

Main bus operators:

• "Bilbobus" - city buses in Bilbao;
• "BizkaiBus" - intercity buses in the province of Biscay;
• "EuskoTren" - in addition to trains, this company also provides intercity buses.

Aviation

There are three airports in the Basque Country - Vitoria Airport, Bilbao Airport and San Sebastian Airport.

Infrastructure

The unique Biscay Bridge is located in the Basque Country - a "flying ferry" listed world heritage UNESCO as a monument of the history of technology.

Briefly about the region

The Basque Country is an autonomous region of northern Spain with an area of ​​7,234 sq. km. It is adjacent to Cantabria, Castile and Leon in the west, with Navarre and France in the east, with Rioja in the South, and its northern part is washed by the Bay of Biscay.

The Basque Country or Basque Country is the land of a distinctive culture dating back more than one millennium, which the Basques themselves call Euskadi or Euskal Herria - “Land of the Basque-speaking”.

The Basque Country is a mountainous and picturesque region. Despite the fact that this region is the center of Spanish industry and agriculture, there are many attractions and attractions for tourists.

The Basque Country combines the cultural and slightly pretentious city of Bilbao, the youthful and sporty San Sebastian, where surfers from all over the world hang out all year round, and the Costa Basca coast with countless small port towns and amazing natural landscapes. Each guest will be able to discover their own Basque Country, because this is a very diverse region.

You can see the city of San Sebastian right now on this author's video:

All of Spain loves holidays, but in the Basque Country this is especially noticeable. All year long, one carnival is replaced by another festival or celebration of a particularly revered saint.

On January 20, all those who love rhythm gather in San Sebastian, as Tamborrada begins - a procession of drummers through the central streets. Hundreds of groups of musicians, dressed in the brightest clothes, pass one after another, beating out incendiary rhythms.

At the end of June, rock lovers come to the capital of the region - one of the largest rock festivals in Spain is held here. Literally two weeks later, the genre changes dramatically in Vitoria and the jazz festival begins. And at the end of August, it is desirable to be in the Big Week of Bilbao, when the townspeople celebrate the day of the city for nine days.

What to watch

The Basque Country attracts a lot of attention from tourists from all over the world, providing a huge variety of types of recreation: from sightseeing and architectural monuments to active sports and walks in natural parks.

We have compiled the top 10 most-very places that you must see with your own eyes:

The Cathedral of St. James in Bilbao is one of the central buildings in the city. As is often the case, the modern building stands on the site of previous churches that were destroyed or dismantled. Bilbao is part of the pilgrimage route of St. James, so there are always a lot of believers here.

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is one of the most unusual buildings not only in the city, but in all of Spain. The flow of tourists increased significantly after the grand opening of this building for visiting all comers.

Photo: View of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

The new Cathedral of the Immaculate Virgin in Vitoria is the decoration of the historical part of the city. This Neo-Gothic building is one of the largest cathedrals in Spain. It was called new to distinguish it from the already existing "old".

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in San Sebastian - in addition to beautiful decorative elements, visitors are attracted by a huge organ, which for a long time bore the honorary title of the largest organ in the country.

Photo: Facade of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in San Sebastian

Miramar Palace in San Sebastian is a chic English-style mansion located just a few meters from the amazing beach. This is a true example of luxury. It was built as the summer residence of the royal family, and many of the rooms have retained the original design and furnishings. The rest of the premises were regularly rebuilt to meet the new requirements of the time.

The Gulf de la Concha in San Sebastian is an endless beach along the sea inlet in the shape of a shell. In the neighborhood of the beach, long embankments are built here, passing one into another.

Photo: Beautiful bay de la Concha in San Sebastian

Chavarri Palace in Bilbao - not far from the famous Guggenheim Museum, there is another original building. This eclectic building impresses with its variety of forms. Initially, this palace was built for the personal needs of the financial magnate Salazar, but since the middle of the 20th century, the Government of the Basque Country has been sitting here.

Basque Museum of Modern Art in Vitoria - since the beginning of the 21st century, this museum has been delighting its visitors with beautiful masterpieces of both Spanish contemporary authors and foreign ones. In addition to exhibition halls, there is a large library, an archive and a separate educational center for those who study art.

Photo: Basque Museum of Contemporary Art in Vitoria

Casa del Cordon in Vitoria is a unique building in the Gothic style, built by a wealthy merchant in the 15th century. Many famous people of Spain lived in it. Now it houses an information center dedicated to the culture and original forms of creativity of the Basque people.

Maria Christina Bridge in San Sebastian - at the beginning of the 20th century, this iron bridge was opened, uniting the two banks. It is richly decorated with huge obelisks and gilded sculptures, many of which are reminiscent of Paris' famous Pont Alexandre III.

What to do in the Basque Country

It is difficult to get bored in the Basque Country even for experienced tourists who are difficult to surprise. Here and sports, and art, and unusual buildings and monuments. It's hard to resist such diversity.

We have compiled the top 20 things to do while traveling around this region:

1. Enter the Bilbao Cathedral and become part of the great pilgrimage route of many believers.
2. Walking through the halls of the Museum of Modern Art in Vitoria - at first, the eyes run up from such a variety of shapes, combinations of lights and colors.
3. Look into the House del Cordon in Vitoria, built over 500 years ago - a strict Gothic building with amazing interiors inside. This is an incomparable feeling of involvement in the great events of the past that happened to the people who lived in this house.
4. Take a selfie on the Maria Cristina Bridge in San Sebastian - there are gorgeous views of the river and banks around.
5. Swim on the beach of the Bay de la Concha in San Sebastian - there is almost always calm clear water without excitement.
6. Take a boat ride to Santa Clara Island in San Sebastian - if you have time at high tide, you can even swim there.
7. Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao - an amazing modern-style building that attracts the attention of all tourists in the Basque Country.
8. Feel like a representative of royal blood, walking through the huge halls of the Miramar Palace, which served as the summer royal residence of the Spanish dynasty.
9. Lost among the huge New Cathedral of the Immaculate Virgin in Vitoria - you feel like a grain of sand in an endless universe.
10. Take a hike up Mount Urgull in San Sebastian, from where you can see the whole area. For the most persistent will get a visit to the castle on top as a reward for their efforts.
11. Get inspired by the paintings of Rubens on the walls of the Temple of Santa Maria in the capital Vitoria-Gasteiz.
12. Visit one of the best and oldest pastry shops in Spain, opened in 1886 by Manuel Goya (in the capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz).
13. Lay on the luxurious beaches of the charming San Sebastian.
14. Taste the region's best pintxos and Basque tapas at San Sebastian's coastal pintxos bars.
15. Taste chaholi wines in Costa Basque, which are not found anywhere else - neither in Spain nor in Europe.
16. Walk through the mysterious labyrinths and feel like an ant in front of a huge spider at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
17. Climb Mount Gorbea or visit the outlandish Posalagua stalactite caves.
18. Take a ride on the gondola of the extraordinary Biscay "Flying Bridge".
19. Go to the province of Gipuzkoa and learn crazy Basque dances.
20. Look into the colorful town of Hondarribia right on the border with France.

Where to live

Photo: One of the best hotels in Bilbao Sercotel Hotel Gran Bilbao

The Basque Country welcomes guests and tourists from all over the world with great hospitality, as you can see for yourself by staying in any of the hotels in the region.

We have selected the top 5 hotels according to the reviews of experienced travelers:

1. NH Bilbao Deusto (Francisco Macia, 9 | Deusto, 48014 Bilbao) - convenient location, within walking distance to most attractions in the historic part of the city. Polite staff and high level of services provided.
2. Sercotel Hotel Gran Bilbao (Avenida Indalecio Prieto, 1, 48004 Bilbao) is an excellent hotel with large rooms equipped with everything you need for a quality stay.
3. Sercotel Coliseo (Alameda De Urquijo 13, 48008 Bilbao) - spacious room, excellent soundproofing, close to the city center.
4. NH Canciller Ayala Vitoria (Ramon y Cajal, 5 | City Center, 01007 Vitoria-Gasteiz) - five minutes walk from the main tourist sites, there is a park nearby. Friendly staff and comfortable rooms.
5. Sercotel Boulevard Vitoria (Calle Zaramaga, 3, 01013 Vitoria-Gasteiz) - the rooms are always clean and tidy, the bathroom has all the bath amenities. There is a large supermarket nearby.

Tour plan, tours for 1-3-7 days

Photo: Nature and landscapes of the Basque Country

The Basque Country is becoming more and more popular among tourists every year: infrastructure is developing, new restaurants and cafes are opening, hotels are hosting guests, and the authorities are coming up with a variety of entertainment to attract interest in this region. We tried to embrace the immensity and put together a week-long trip to the Basque Country:

Day	Morning	Dinner	Evening
1	Bilbao. Moya Square. Chavarri Palace	Museum of Fine Arts	Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park. Euskalduna. Maritime Museum. You can dine at Restaurante Guria (Don Diego López Haroko Kale Nagusia, 66), where we recommend trying their cod dishes.
2	Guggenheim Museum. We recommend planning a half-day visit, as there are many halls, plus a landscaped and original area around the museum.		After the museum at sunset, it is nice to take a walk along the mouth of the river along the beautiful embankment. You can end a busy day at San Mames Jatetxea (Raimundo P. Lezama s/n (Estadio San Mames. Puerta Nº 14), which is located in the stadium building.
3	Cathedral of Bilbao	Museum of Basque Art	Walk along the old streets of the city. Among the countless bars and restaurants, we advise you to pay attention to Restaurante en Bilbao Bar Baster (Posta Kalea, 22), where there is an excellent cocktail menu and a variety of tapas.
4	Vitoria. Cathedral	Historic quarter. Museum of lighting torches.	Catholic Church of Michael the Archangel. Refresh yourself at the excellent Basque restaurant Restaurante Arkupe (Mateo Benigno de Moraza Kalea, 13), where you can try local traditional dishes.
5	Plaza of Spain.	Museum of Contemporary Art Artium.	Museum of archeology. After a scientific day, you should go to the restaurant Querida María jatetxea (Santa Maria Plaza, 2), where it is tasty and quite inexpensive.
6	San Sebastian. Miramar Palace	Funicular up the mountain. Lighthouse.	Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. Bridge of Santa Cristina. At Restaurante Ibai (Calle de Getaria, 15) you can have a great dinner in a great atmosphere.
7	Buy on the beach.	Go to Santa Clara Island.	Visit the aquarium.

What and where is

Basque cuisine is very diverse: it has a lot of fish and seafood dishes due to the seaside location, and at the same time, the locals know how and love to cook meat and vegetables.

We have collected 5 of the most original traditional Basque dishes:
1. "Chuleton de Vaca" - beef steak with a bone. You can choose any level of roasting, but in any case, it will be unsurpassed in taste.
2. Fish baked in the oven is a special delicacy and a treat for dear guests for a holiday or a family celebration.
3. Dried cod - local chefs demonstrate the amazing features of cooking dishes from this special ingredient. The taste is specific, but therefore unforgettable.
4. Cheese Idiazabal (Idiazabal) - a rather fatty sheep's cheese. It is stored for a long time, so you can safely take it with you as a gastronomic souvenir.
5. Marmita de bonito (Marmita de bonito) - a fish dish made from tuna, potatoes, onions, tomatoes and peppers. In the Basque Country, they even organize competitions for the preparation of this treat.

Kitchen

In the Basque Country, you will be served delicious food wherever you go - seafood and meat. According to one of the San Pelegrino ratings, two of the ten best restaurants in the world are located in the Basque Country - these are Mugaritz and Arzak, and San Sebastian is the world leader in Michelin stars (four restaurants).

Basque cuisine is characterized by minimal use of hot spices, and the whole emphasis on the taste of the products themselves. The most popular dishes are marmitaco (tuna stew) and the amazing creamy goshua dessert.

The Basque Country also has its own wines - these are the slightly sparkling Txakoli wines.

The best tours by reviews

Sometimes, to understand the region, it is not enough to walk everywhere on your own with a guide in your hands. Professional guides know special places hidden from tourists, tell informative stories and breathtaking legends.

We have collected 5 of the most popular excursions in the Basque Country:
1. Mysteries of the Basque Forest - thicket, medieval castles, cliffs, small fishing villages, where time seems to have stopped forever. Participants will be able to feel the strength and power of this region, which is not in vain called the Country.
2. Walk through the elegant San Sebastian - a marina for the most sophisticated layers of the Spanish aristocracy. Here everything is done and decorated to the highest standard to please the picky people.
3. The cosmopolitan city of Bilbao - a little eccentric and hectic, this city has an indescribable, but unique atmosphere. It cannot be described in words, but you can feel it in bars, galleries, museums, and even in the subway.
4. Tour of Vitoria - a walk through the old streets, accompanied by a guide and his colorful stories.
5. Sea excursion along San Sebastian - this city has a unique location along a deep bay. From the sea, there is an amazing view of the coast.

You can see the beauty of the city of Bilbao in this video:

Welcome to the Basque Country! Bienvenue au Pays Basque! Ongi etorri Euscal Herrira!

Between Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountains, between France and Spain lies the Basque Country / Pays Basque - a bright and hospitable land, whose people are deservedly proud of their history, traditions, and identity. Despite the state border, which, by the will of history, ran between its French part in the north (Iparralde) and the south (Hegoalde), which is located in Spain, the Basque Country is a historically and culturally unified territory, unique and diverse, besides, it still speaks in your own language.

Even the concept of the Basque Country (Euscal Herria) literally means "a country that speaks Basque." Euskara is an ancient beautiful language of fishermen and whalers, corsairs and peasants, shepherds and hunters, sun and wind, powerful waves of the Bay of Biscay, sheep pastures and dense forests to harsh mountain peaks. In the dry language of numbers, about three million Basques live in four Spanish provinces, and only 300,000 live in France. Their children do not forget the language of their ancestors, while diligently studying Spanish and French on the respective side of the border. A worthy example for May Radzima of Belarus…

It is difficult to outline the cultural and ethnic contours of the Basque Country, which do not always coincide with administrative boundaries, but we will try. The French Euscal Herria is spread between mountain ranges Pyrenees to the south, stormy Biscay to the west, boundless pine forests flat Landes / Landes de Gascogne in the north and the historical region of Bearn / Bearn in the east. It includes three old provinces, which are now part of Department No. 64 Pyrenees-Atlantiques of the Nouvelle Aquitaine region. Each of them offers the curious traveler a kaleidoscope of impressions and landscapes as varied as they are contrasting.

Labourd / le Labourde - coastline Basque countries, Cote Basque. Huge waves and winds from the Atlantic inexorably attack this rocky coast, and sunny beaches delight vacationers and surfers. And the Pyrenees, led by the mythical mountain La Rune / La Rhune, look down on all this splendor.

Lower Navarre / la Basse-Navarre - hills and mountains, pastures and forests, the world of shepherds, livestock breeders, hunters ... and just lovers of mountain hiking. The turbulent history of this until 1620 sovereign Kingdom of Navarre has left a rich architectural heritage here: castles, houses of the nobility, chapels and churches. And you can start with prehistoric caves and megaliths.

"Outback" Sul / la Soule (or Basque Zuberu / Zuberoa) - rocks and mountain gorges, green slopes and canyons covered with vast forests of oak and ash ... Less known, less touristic and therefore the most authentic land of traditions and legends.

The Basque Country is a history with thousands of years of roots and a rich cultural heritage. Not only what is stored in museums (there are also plenty of them here: Fine Arts, Basque culture, Ocean, Chocolate, etc.), but the legacy of the times, frozen in the stones of the eternal mountains or the local dolmens, menhirs and cromlechs. A story told on the walls of prehistoric caves, say, Isturitz (grottes d'Isturiz) or Oxocelhaya, whose prehistoric drawings and objects of labor date from 40 to 10 thousand years BC. e. (it's scary to think, but you can even see). The heritage embodied in the stones of the local castles of Bidash / chateau de Bidache, Yoldi / Iholdy, Urtubie / Urtubie, Abbadi / Abbadia (albeit not so ancient, but the work of the master Viollet-Le-Duc) ...

Who are the Basque Vascones and where did they come from? Theories were put forward up to the strangest: they are the sons of the mythical patriarch Aitor, or the descendants of Adam and Eve, or Noah, or even distant relatives of the Georgian highlanders ... What is scientifically proven today: euskara is the only surviving pre-Indo-European language of Western Europe. For most scientists, the ancestors of the current Basques are Cro-Magnons, and since the Iron Age they have inhabited a conditional triangle from the Pyrenees to the Garonne River in the north and the Atlantic in the west. Throughout their history, the Basques have been able to live on their own. At the same time, like all highlanders, they were both isolated and in constant contact with other civilizations. Of course, both peaceful and warlike interactions took place. The Celts have settled here since the 6th century. BC e.; the Romans are running out since the II century. before the birth of Christ, and after the first successes of Caesar in -56, the legions of Messala by 27 BC. e. conquer the valleys of Gallia Aquitania. The recalcitrant vascons strengthen themselves in the hard-to-reach spurs of the Pyrenees Saltus vasconum.

With the fall of the Roman Empire, the Basques had to face its Germanic conquerors. The Sueves and Visigoths in the south, the Franks (especially at the peak of their glory under Charlemagne) from the north tried to subdue the Vascons, who also defended their lands from the Arabs, Berbers and other Muslim Moors of the Emirate of Cordoba until the middle of the 10th century. But in general, all these attempts ended in failure. In the 7th century the independent county of Vasconia is founded; since 864, the name Gascony, or Gascony / Gascogne, has been assigned to the country, which is still the historical part of Occitania in France. By the way, the Bay of Biscay here in French is called Gascon / golfe de Gascogne.

The county (later duchy) of Navarre appeared on the Spanish side. At the time when Columbus discovered America, Castile begins the "golden period" of expanding its power in the New and Old Worlds. In 1513, South Navarre was conquered by the Aragonese and became part of the Kingdom of Spain. Northern Navarre remained independent until 1589, when its sovereign Henry III of Bourbon became King of France under the name Henry IV during a bloody massacre of Catholics and Huguenots. The Bourbons sat on the throne of the "damned kings" of the Valois, and the kingdom of Navarre was finally annexed in 1620 to France.

Vascons, Gascons, Basques, Navarrese, Bearnese ... Today it is advisable not to confuse their contemporaries, and at the same time we do not want to confuse you! It’s just that initially it was one ethnic group, divided in a neighborly way, but culturally and geographically having much in common. Let's simplify this possible confusion of "who is who" on a specific historical example.

Jean-Armand du Peyret, Comte de Treville (1598-1672). A native of Gascony. The character is solid. He made a brilliant career up to the rank of lieutenant commander (de facto commander) of the royal musketeers under Louis XIII. Famous for the novels of Dumas and the brilliant play of Lev Durov in our Three Musketeers. In the memoirs of contemporaries (especially Parisians, where everyone else is NOT from Paris - some kind of provincials) passes as a nobleman and a Basque, and a bearer. De Treville prefers to recruit his Béarnian and Gascon countrymen as musketeers (everything is like with people ..). And his notorious cousins ​​Henri d'Aramitz and Armand d'Athos, as well as Isaac de Porto, serve the king. Here Dumas did not go far from truthful historical characters, unlike the real d'Artagnan - that's right, a Gascon! The “gray cardinal” Richelieu gave his soul to God in 1642. D’Artagnan, thanks to the patronage of the same de Treville, only in 1644 entered the company of the royal musketeers (therefore, La Rochelle never besieged and Richelieu did not fight everywhere with the guards). However, in 1646 the musketeer company was disbanded; de Treville left for his homeland, and d'Artagnan, under Cardinal Mazarin, continued his civil service. Therefore, for the historical truth, we will take off the beret (we are in the homeland of the legendary headdress!) And pour armagnac into glasses. For reference: armagnac - 1) the local brandy, it is also the oldest "moonshine" in France; 2) a drink of real Gascons, a thousand devils!

But let's return directly to the Basque Country. The final stage of the state division of the Basque people into the French and Spanish parts is the signing of the Peace of the Pyrenees in August 1659. Louis XIV, having married the Spanish infanta Maria Theresa in Saint-Jean-de-Luz / Saint-Jean-de-Luz, drew the current border between the Basque Country of the North and the South. And the town of Saint-Jean (as the locals call it) has preserved the church, where in 1660 the magnificent wedding of the Sun King and the Spanish princess took place, and the palaces of the newlyweds, overlooking the picturesque fishing port.

In the 19th century the same Saint-Jean, the city of fishermen, sailors and corsairs, became popular as seaside resort. However, he is not alone: ​​Sibur / Ciboure, Bidart / Bidart, Biarritz / Biarritz, Anglet / Anglet ... Wealthy lovers of glamorous and wellness holidays at the sea reached the Basque coast. The arrival of the first train to Bayonne / Bayonne (the capital of the Cote Basque) in 1854 further contributed to the development of local tourism (albeit then only for the nobility). Before and after the Second World War, the Basque coast is gradually becoming accessible to “ordinary citizens”. Here, on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, on the beaches from Hendaye / Hendaye to Biarritz, since the 1950s, surfing, brought from America, begins its stormy procession across Europe, a beautiful and bold sport or lifestyle that attracts lovers of all ages to ride "On the crest of a wave". For fans of a more relaxing holiday, there are thalassotherapy centers, spa resorts, beach hotels and apartments for every taste and budget. They even work in winter ski resorts! “Here you are not a plain, here the climate is different ...”

The powerful and indomitable Atlantic is the Basque Country again. From its shores, the Basques have long equipped their fleet to hunt whales, whose breath the whalers looked out from the high coastal plateaus. The fleet in which they went to Dakar to fish for tuna (which is still fished in local waters / try it mi-cuit!), to Newfoundland for cod and to Canada in search of a better life. For many impoverished highlanders from Sul and Lower Navarre, the ocean was both a job and a "path of exile." The most courageous of them were destined to conquer the unknown and discover their America, and the lucky ones were even destined to return with a fat wallet or with something unprecedented. So one Basque sailor brought a hot chili pepper, which now solemnly adorns the facades and interiors of numerous restaurants and shops, but most of all le piment grows and the village of Espelette flaunts with it. By the way, usually a Basque has a white house, a fachferk (like a pepper) is red, and a beret is black.

The colors of traditional clothes in the Basque Country are the same red and black (find yourself in Saint-Jean for the feast of St. John - our Ivan Kupala) or red and white in Bayonne at Fetes de Bayonne, from the first Wednesday of August, a kind of peaceful invasion for a week from dances, catwalks of giants, races with bulls… Whether it’s a holiday-fete of the village, a fair-foire (hams, cheeses, table linen), whether it’s a pelota match (pelota is a national game, a prototype of squash) or a local (bloodless in France!) bullfight is a bright hymn to traditions. And this is not at all about demonstrative folklore from the stage, but about a living culture that everyone can join.

Any guest here is in place and is part of the action. Everyone is encouraged to drink wine-cider-beer in moderation and sing without restriction (although the reverse is also true). Tasting the famous dry-cured Bayonne ham and sheep cheeses with piperade (vegetable stew of red and green peppers - in the color of the Basque flag!) or a variety of tapas. In addition to sea dishes, mountain trout and lamb, white mushrooms (yes, we are talking about mushrooms!) and wild dove are traditionally served at the table in resto and at home ...

Now we move from the carnal to the spiritual. An integral part of the Basque culture is the church, although the Basques adopted Christianity relatively late (in the 10th century, when Russia was also baptized). Since that time, pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela in Spain have run through their lands, and as many as 4 way of St. James. And today, according to the custom that developed back in the early Middle Ages, pilgrims go through these places with a staff in their hands. Instead of a wooden stick, there can be alpenstocks, instead of a heavy long raincoat, high-tech windbreakers, shorts and mountain boots. But today it is almost unmistakable to recognize the pilgrims of the 21st century by the scallop shell, the symbol of St. James, on a backpack or hat. Some houses on the streets of the city are also decorated with a Saint-Jacques shell, which means that the owners of the house are ready to let pilgrims in for the night.

Why not visit the Basques in neighboring Spain? The border is near and formally absent. The same inscriptions "Ongi etorri!" in Basque. One people, one language. From Hendaye, across the river, you can take a boat to the Spanish Hondarribia / Hondarribia, say, for a late lunch according to French concepts, drink red Navarrese, Rioja, Ribera del Duero or taste the freshest tuna (also red). The famous San Sebastian / San Sebastian (in Basque Donostia) is within walking distance for shopping. The landscape of San Seba unfolds against the backdrop of the picturesque shell-like bay of La Concha; in the old quarter and near the port it is always delicious, noisy and crowded in Basque-Spanish style, and in October there is also an international film festival ... A good hour of driving along the motorway - and you are in Bilbao, where the Guggenheim Museum will definitely make you think about the conceptual and the line between a pile of rubbish and an underground masterpiece of contemporary art. The same hour drive to the south - and the architecture, culture and gastronomy of the age-old Pamplona / Pamplona at your feet. At the same time, it is not necessary to run from bulls along its narrow streets ...

Whether you like holidays at sea or mountain routes, surfing or caves, you like learning about any traditions of the Basque people or masterpieces of modern art, the variety of landscapes and architectural styles or bright southern cuisine - all this is possible here and right away. Without exaggeration (you will leave them for stories to your friends after returning from your trip to the Basque Country). And now you know our recipe: take the Basque authenticity from the heart, add a little France and Spain, beat everything with the waves of the Bay of Biscay, add the peaks of the Pyrenees for spice and something else to your taste. Cook with pleasure and stir regularly… At least a week!

Our offers for all kinds of excursions and sights of the region in more detail - in the heading "Ay yes Basque Country".

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