Camping Basque Country

Camping in Basque Country is unlike camping in the rest of Spain, and you should learn why. From mediaeval towns and modern museums to spectacular filming locations and seaside camping, you are sure to have a great time in Basque Land.

Perched on the northern Atlantic coast and near France, known among the locals as “the land of Basque speakers”.

According to recent research, Basques are descended from Neolithic farmers who became genetically isolated from other European populations due to their geographic location, which includes landscapes ranging from the coast to the rocky hills of the Western Pyrenees. That largely inhospitable terrain contributed to past isolation, which influenced the course of Basque history. When the Romans invaded northern Spain in 196 B.C., for example, the Basques managed to keep most of their traditions and laws throughout Roman rule and the various invaders that followed.

Bilbao

The Guggenheim Bilbao Museum is a symbol of Bilbao's transformation, with its stunning architecture designed by Frank Gehry, of whom you've probably heard. You must come and see for yourself how design and architecture pervade the entire city, beginning with the Paseo de Abandoibarra, which is very close to the museum itself and is an undeniably charming area where tourists and locals, joggers and families, mix and meet on a daily basis.

San Sebastián

Even in the dead of winter, La Concha beach in San Sebastián invites you for a swim or a pleasant stroll along the shore. The beauty of the bay, framed by the Igueldo massif and the island of Santa Clara, is well known throughout the world. If you enjoy walking, you can begin your stroll on Zurriola beach, which is popular with surfers, then skirt around Monte Urgull along the Paseo Nuevo, and then go right across the bay to finish on Ondarreta beach. The Peine del Viento, an impressive large-scale sculpture by Eduardo Chillida and Pea Gantxegi that speaks of the ferocity of the Bay of Biscay, awaits you there.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

You'll notice it as soon as you arrive: Vitoria-Gasteiz is friendly and convenient, built for living: everything is close at hand, including the city's so-called Green Ring, a perimeter formed by six large parks that you can explore on foot or by bicycle. Salburua is one of them, and it has several lakes that are visited by a wide variety of birds due to their privileged location on a migration route. Vitoria-Gasteiz receives international certification as a sustainable tourism destination, Biosphere Responsible Tourism.

1. Bilbao Old Town - Las Siete Calles

The Old Town, also known as the "Siete Calles," is still the beating heart of Bilbao. The Old Part, which had to be rebuilt after the terrible floods of 1983, is one of Bilbao's main leisure and shopping districts.

Its pedestrian streets are lined with classic shops interspersed with innovative establishments, as well as an abundance of bars and restaurants serving the best Basque cuisine.

2. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a protected biotope in the middle of the Basque coast, far from any urban nucleus.

This idyllic location is situated between the coastal towns of Bakio and Bermeo, which are linked to the coast by a stone bridge and a 241-step staircase.

3. Pasaia

Pasaia is located on the eastern coast of Gipuzkoa, a few kilometres from San Sebastián. It is made up of four population centres: Donibane and San Pedro, which have a sea flavour, and Pasai Antxo and Trintxerpe, which have a more urban atmosphere. These four neighbourhoods are located on rough and mountainous terrain, surrounded by the Ula and Jaizkibel Mountains, and on both sides of the Pasaia Bay.

4. Basque Coast Geopark

The Basque Coast Geopark spans 90 square kilometres and includes the Gipuzkoan towns of Deba, Zumaia, and Mutriku, with a population of 19,700 people. It is one of UNESCO's 120 Global Geoparks.

5. The Cathedral of Santa María

The Cathedral of Santa Maria rises majestically in Vitoria-old Gasteiz's town. It was constructed in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. It was designed as a church-fortress, with a large volume and enclosed appearance, as part of the city's defences.

1. Mural Itinerary of Vitoria-Gasteiz - The Painted City

Vitoria-Gasteiz is an outdoor art gallery that we invite you to visit.

The IMVG-The Painted City has provided the city with a tool for public and community expression, through which its residents have found a place for public participation and creation. This route is a source of pride and identity for the people who live in the city, as well as a source of admiration for visitors.

2. Tour of the settings for El silencio de la Ciudad Blanca

The three novels in the trilogy written by Eva Garca Sáenz de Urturi are El silencio de la Ciudad Blanca, Los ritos del agua, and Los seores del tiempo, with plots that take place primarily in Vitoria-Gasteiz and lava province. Reading her novels is like accompanying her on a journey through settings she has visited a thousand times, as she admits.

3. Go on an unforgettable road trip

Take the scenic route from Bilbao to San Sebastián in your own or rented car; this unforgettable road trip takes you through a string of traditional fishing villages, from tiny Elantxobe to drop-dead gorgeous Lekeitio to Getaria, the hometown of fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga. All of the towns along this stretch have excellent pintxo bars and quiet medieval streets that are ideal for a leisurely stroll.

4. Surf at Mundaka

Mundaka, on the central coast of Basque Country, has long been regarded as having the best waves in Europe. The natural geography – a sandbar formed by an estuary – creates fast, hollow waves that some surfers consider to be the best in the world. If you're not up for the challenge, you can still enjoy the show from the town's harbour walls.

5. Local wine-tasting

The stunning medieval city of Laguardia and the wineries surrounding it, including Bodegas Ysios and its futuristic 'temple dedicated to wine' designed by Santiago Calatrava, are particularly appealing.

Basque cuisine includes meats and fish grilled over hot coals, marmitako and lamb stews, cod, Tolosa bean dishes, Lekeitio paprikas, and pintxos (Basque tapas), Idiazabal sheep's cheese, txakoli (sparkling white wine), and Basque cider.

1. Game of Thrones locations 

Follow your favourite Game of Thrones characters through the Basque Country, stopping at breathtaking cliff faces with over 60 million years of history, a magical island teeming with pirates, witches, and legends, and even a pristine beach protected by beautiful cliffs.

The route includes San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the Geopark flysch route, and Muriola Beach.

2. Albaola, The sea factory of the basques

Albaola is a forward-thinking space in Pasaia, near San Sebastian, where the Basque maritime universe is explained and handcrafted maritime technology is recovered and valued. This Factory's main line of business is the construction of historical vessels.

3. Underground Tourné in Bilbao

This exciting and enjoyable route, narrated by a local guide and expert on Bilbao's contemporary culture, will give you a first-hand look at the city's urban art, public artworks, cultural centres, festivals, and other flourishing innovative initiatives.

4. Gastronomic workshop at the Restaurante Ni Neu - Kursaal, San Sebastián

The activity begins with a visit to the traditional Bretxa market in San Sebastián's old quarter, where you'll see the stalls selling the best seasonal local produce, including fruit, vegetables, fish, cheese, and mushrooms.

Back at the Ni Neu restaurant, the gastronomic workshop will begin, with the chef and his team guiding the preparation of four pintxos. Each pintxo will be prepared and tested by participants. They will be given recipes and aprons to help them with this.

5. A magical journey to the past of Rioja Alavesa

You'll start the day by learning about the Villa-Luca estate and its history. After that, you'll go to the Villa-Luca museum, which is dedicated to wine and presents the history and rituals of wine in Rioja Alavesa.

La Bretxa Market is in a prime location in San Sebastián's Old Town.

More than forty retailers sell fruit, vegetables, canned goods, delicatessen products, meats, and fish in the basement of La Bretxa shopping centre. Outside, there are farmers' stalls selling vegetables, flowers, and cheese.

Markets can also be found in other cities, towns, and villages. Some markets are open seven days a week, while others are only open on certain days.

1. Antxoa Egune

For one day, the coastal town of Ondarroa centres on the anchovy; its most emblematic fish. "Antxoa Egune" offers a programme consisting of activities related somehow to the world of anchovies.

2. Pasaia Maritime Festival.

3. Festivities to honour San Prudencio and Nuestra Señora de Estíbaliz.

Are you looking for the best camping spots in Basque Country? The vast majority of them are on the beach. It allows you to enjoy both relaxing and active vacations by the sea and inland. Dog-friendly camping in Basque country bungalows is available, so don't leave your four-legged family member at home. Mobile homes and pitches are also popular options in Basque Country.

Bring your RV and enjoy camping on the beach in Basque Country. The view of the sea is one of the most desirable locations. Pitches are outfitted with water, wastewater, and electricity connections, as well as Wifi in some places.

Glamping options abound in the Basque Country's campsites. You can already picture yourself seeing the sea from your safari or lodge tent, feeling the sea breeze at night, and still having all of your home comforts.

Holiday parks are the best places for camping in Basque Country with children. The little ones will have a good time in the water or on the playgrounds, while the adults will enjoy the water as well as sunbathing and various sports. For your convenience, there are usually restaurants/bars as well as mini markets on-site. Campsites with 4 and 5-star ratings can be found in holiday parks.