Highlights of La Rioja & the Basque Country: Bilbao, La Rioja, San Sebastián & Biarritz
Curated By
Karen Reif
Curator’s statement
Travel across the vibrant Basque Country of northern Spain, tracing its rich heritage from the days of the Spanish Kingdom to the haunts of Ernest Hemingway. Savor the region’s renowned pintxos while sipping local wines, and explore traditional bodegas where jamón ibérico pairs perfectly with bold tempranillo vintages. Conclude your adventure by the sea in San Sebastián and Biarritz, where golden beaches, world-class surf, and coastal charm create a truly magical finale.
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Where to stay in Rioja & the Basque Country
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Things to do in Rioja & the Basque Country
About an hour south of Bilbao lies the small town of Brinas—your perfect gateway to La Rioja. Check into Hotel Palacio Tondon, then walk (25 minutes, flat) to Haro, home to the famous bodegas of La Estación del Barrio. Wander from bodega to bodega, sampling endless Crianzas and Gran Reservas. Make sure to hire a driver to wind you through the region’s gorgeous landscapes and spectacular vineyards, including Conde de los Andes to see 400-year-old cellars with bottles from the 19th century.
On the way to San Sebastián, a must-see is Pamplona. Take a walking tour with a veteran of the running of the bulls, tracing the same path from the corral to the arena. Cap it off with a hands-on lesson in Basque pelota (jai alai) for a true local experience.
In San Sebastián, spend your days indulging in pintxos and sipping Crianza or Txakoli (cha-ko-lee). I highly recommend a foodie tour to uncover hidden local spots and taste the city’s best bites. Don’t miss Anthony, where the oxtail dumpling is legendary. And take the funicular up Monte Igueldo for an unmatched view of the bay, then head back down for a surfing lesson on one of the city’s three world-class beaches.
Finally, make your way to Biarritz—a striking blend of luxury and surf culture. Here, the cuisine shifts from pintxos to classic French fare. Pair your meal with a rich Bordeaux, then stroll through the town’s grand architecture and seaside views. End your journey with glaces in hand and a smile.
Places to eat & drink in Rioja & the Basque Country
Haro wineries: You’ll find some of the most famous wineries in the region—and you can walk to them. Muga, López de Heredia (Viña Tondonia), Roda, Gómez Cruzado, CVNE, Bilbaínas, and La Rioja Alta are all part of the "Barrio de la Estación" passport.
Village of Elciego: You can find the famous winery Marques de Riscal. The building is very impressive and was designed by Frank Gehry.
Antonio Bar in San Sebastian: AMAZING pintxos.
Chistera et Coquillages: Delicious traditional regional cuisine.
Need to know
Wine tasting in La Rioja can involve many glasses. Hire a car to travel between bodegas.
The three beaches in San Sebastian are great, but find your way to Zurriola Beach if you want to rent a lounge chair on the beach.
Travel Advisor
Karen Reif
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Rioja and San Sebastián pages.