Embrace Spain's Basque Country: Bilbao and San Sebastian

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Advisor - Anne Underwood
Curated By

Anne Underwood

  • Spain

  • San Sebastián

  • Beaches

  • Family Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Sightseeing

  • Foodie

  • Beach Town

People posing in front of a flower statue of a cat.
Curator’s statement

There is something for everyone. It is a known foodie destination for lovers of seafood and pinxtos (aka tapas). Chill on the beach and watch surfers. Or engage in the most beautiful hike on the Pasajes de San Juan. And visit the amazing Guggenheim in Bilbao.

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Where to stay in Spain

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Things to do in Spain

A couple posing for a photo in front of a balcony with a view of the region behind them

Pasajes de San Juan - An amazing hike that is part of the larger Pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago that Catholics take from France through Northern Spain. There are unparalleled views of the town of San Sebastian and the ocean. The short cut takes about one-and-a-half hours and the full hike is about three hours.

Monte Igelda - Take the old school wooden fuicular to the most charming amusement park. You can ride the oldest steel roller coaster in Europe, ride the log ride with the best view you will ever have on a log ride, play vintage games or visit the house of horrors, all while taking in the amazing views.

Eat Pinxtos in the Old Town - There is no shortage of pinxtos restaurants in San Sebastian. you are guaranteed to have a delightful meal wherever you go.

Visit the Fishing Villages of Getaria - Getaria has Michelin starred seafood restaurants and is an excellent stop for lunch.

Visit the Cliffs of Zumaia - Zumaia has beautiful views of the cliffs and beaches down below made famous as a filming location in the Game of Thrones.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao - This Frank Gehry-designed building is a piece of art in itself. And it is surrounded by the famous flower dog and large arachnid. This museum is a must for modern art lovers.

La Concha Beach - A wonderful spot to sit back and watch the surfers. Or to take a dip in the ocean.

Enjoy all you can drink cider directly from the barrel at one of the many cider houses in the area. Enjoy a local meal while imbibing on the freshest cider you will ever drink.

Places to eat & drink in Spain

A man standing between wine barrels.

Casa Camara - They pull the lobsters fresh from a basket in the ocean. It is the freshest and most delicious seafood you will ever enjoy.

La Vina - Famous for its Vasque cheesecake. They are closed between 5 and 7.

Txepetxa Taberna - Long standing, famous tapas bard

Old Town Coffee - Excellent spot to grab a cup of coffee and a pastry to start off your day

Barkaiztegi - Cider House outside of town where you enjoy a family style meal and cider fresh out of the barrel

Atari Gastroleku - Delicous Pinxtos

Narru Restaurant - Wonderful sit down dining in an elegant setting

Ganbara - Famous, long standing tapas and wine bar

Advisor - Anne Underwood

Travel Advisor

Anne Underwood

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Spain. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Daryn Schwartz’s guide, San Sebastian: A Basque Country Escape.

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