Basque Country Things to Do

Valle De Trapaga

by timtregenza

The Trapaga valley runs off the main valley of the River Nervion, emerging behind Barakaldo.The valley has long been a centre of mineral exploitation, but such activity has now ceased.Get the train from Bilbao on the Muzkiz line (about 2 trains an hour - a 20 minute journey) to Trapagaran, then a 15 minute walk brings you to the Furnicular Railway up to the top of the valley.At the top of the valley are many walking routes, as well as small villages La Reineta and La Arboleta.The views from here down onto the port of Bilbao are impressive.

SAN SEBASTIAN - Spain

by Wafro

No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the old quarter (Parte Vieja) where most of the traditional local life takes place. Its narrow streets are packed with bars and restaurants. The Plaza de la Constitucion is where you will find the library, once the Town Hall. The square was once used as a bullring. The Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro, patron saint of the city can be found on the only street that remains from the 1813 fire, the Calle 31 de Agosto. The old quarter opens out to the sea at the harbour, home to the fishing fleet as well as the pleasure craft. Here you will find the Naval Museum and the Aquarium.

BIARRITZ - France

by Wafro

Situated in the very southwest of France, Biarritz became famous in the 19th century when Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) fell in love with this part of the Basque country and built a Palace on the beach (which is now the world class Hotel du Palais) and a centre with natural springs at Eugenie les Bains. The resort became popular with aristocracy from all over Europe - Queen Victoria came here regularly over a period of 30 years, Edward VI stayed in the Hotel du Palais days before his death and in the 1930s Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson were regular visitors.

SAN SEBASTIAN - Spain

by Wafro

Donostia-San Sebastian was once a small fishing village and the inhabitants lived facing the sea. They were known to have hunted whales and fished for cod. At one point it was a thriving port, importing wines and oil for France and England. Over the centuries the city has undergone many seiges and in 1808 it was occupied by Napoleon´s soldiers who stayed here until 1813. The city fell into decline in the 19th century but was lifted in 1845 when Queen Isabel II arrived in the city to spend the summer there., a tradition that continued for decades.

SAN SEBASTIAN - Spain

by Wafro

Just 21km west of the French border, within the Basque Country, lies Donostia-San Sebastian, the summer capital of Spain. It lies against the Bay of Biscay, surrounded by green mountains. During the summer months the population here swells as the Spanish head here to escape the inland heat. It has about 180,000 inhabitants.

BAYONNE - France

by Wafro

Bayonne is a very interesting town with its monuments influenced by military, civil or religious architecture and it subterranean Medieval town which is one of the very few still remaining in France (there are more than a hundred and thirty chambers). The harmonious urban environment has been exceptionally well preserved.

BAYONNE - France

by Wafro

Bayonne is uniquely situated between mountains and sea where rivers ebb and flow following the rhythm of the tides. It can boast triple fame as a religious, military and metropolitan town which has acquired a rich heritage over the centuries. Even the setting of Bayonne is a natural work of art : the stretches of water which make up the Adour and the Nive, the views of the Blue Mountains and the nearby sea offer a unique setting for human architectural achievements.

SAINT-JEAN-PIED-DE-PORT (France)

by Wafro

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Was an important town, cross-roads of the route to Saint Jacques de Compostelle, at the foot of the mountain pass, the Col de Ronceveaux.For these reasons Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port has a rich history and architecture well worth visiting.The ancient town houses by the river Nive, the narrow streets, the church and the roman bridge.

Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

by spanish-sam

I agree with the above replies - San Sebastian is a lovely city and a great place to base yourself to explore the Basque Country but Bilbao s definitely worth a visit for the Guggenheim museum alone.

Basque Country 2007

by voyager66