Luxury hotel holidays to Spanish Basque country

Luxury holidays to Spanish Basque country: luxury hotel holidays, touring holidays and special interest holidays

An Expressions tailor-made holiday to the Basque Country in northern Spain include the very best four and five star hotels across the region, including seaside retreats, city properties and vineyard hotels in La Rioja. Lying at the point between the Pyrenees and the Bay of Biscay is the Basque Country, a name which refers both to an autonomous community within Spain and to a larger cultural area which comprises parts of Spain and France. Known in Spanish as the Pais Vasco, you will find a unique culture here with fascinating traditions and a regional language which is widely spoken throughout. The region's key attraction is the closeness of both sea and country - the spectacular coastline boasts sweeping sandy beaches and rugged cliffs, stunning sunsets over the ocean and surf breaking on rocks; but only a short drive inland are rolling green hills and flower filled fields. Lying around 10 miles away from the north coast is the vibrant and energetic riverside city of Bilbao, whilst further east is San Sebastian, an elegant seaside resort set on a beautiful bay only a few miles away from the French border. Stretching away from the Basque coast and forming the border with France are the Pyrenees, where rocky mountains with waterfalls and lakes stretch into Navarre, a region which is dotted with unspoiled villages and mediaeval towns which line the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Further west are the undulating hills of La Rioja, a region whose name is synonymous with the fine wines that it produces. Although parts of the region are heavily industrialised, there are many areas of unspoiled countryside as well as over 150 miles of coastline, making it a superb destination for a luxury holiday. The natural environment has long played a huge role in the lives of the region's inhabitants, with charming fishing villages along the coast which celebrate marine festivals as well as mountain farmers inland whose traditions remain unchanged. Throughout the region, visitors are sure to experience the unique culture of the Basque country through its language, cuisine and traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Spanish Basque Country, or Euskadi, is an autonomous region of northern Spain between the Bay of Biscay and the western Pyrenees, made up of the provinces of Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa and Álava. It is known for its food culture, its own language, Euskara, and the contrast between a green, hilly interior and a coastline of cliffs, coves and fishing towns. Its three main cities each have a distinct character: Bilbao for art and architecture, San Sebastián for its bay and restaurants, and Vitoria-Gasteiz, the regional capital, for its medieval old town.

Bilbao is best known for the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 1997, which stands beside the Nervión river. The city also has a Fine Arts Museum with Spanish and Basque painting, and an old town, the Casco Viejo, built around its original seven streets, with the covered Mercado de la Ribera alongside. A funicular climbs to Artxanda for views over the city, and downriver the Vizcaya Bridge, the world's oldest transporter bridge, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two or three nights allows time to explore at an unhurried pace.

San Sebastián, or Donostia, is set around the curve of La Concha bay, with the Parte Vieja, its old town, between the harbour and the River Urumea. Funiculars and paths lead up Monte Igueldo and Monte Urgull for views across the bay and Santa Clara island, and the Miramar Palace gardens overlook the beach. At the western end of the bay, Eduardo Chillida's sculpture the Comb of the Wind is set into the rocks, and his wider work can be seen at the Chillida Leku museum in nearby Hernani.

Basque cooking is built on seafood, local produce and a strong tradition of shared eating. Pintxos, small dishes served on bar counters, are the custom in San Sebastián's old town and Bilbao's Casco Viejo, usually with a glass of txakoli, the region's lightly sparkling white wine. Between January and April, cider houses serve set menus of salt-cod omelette and steak with cider poured from the barrel, and private gastronomic societies are a Basque institution. San Sebastián and its surroundings have one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, which should be booked well ahead.

The coast between Bilbao and San Sebastián is one of cliffs, small beaches and working fishing towns. Getaria, the home of txakoli wine, has a museum devoted to the designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, who was born there. At Zumaia, layered cliffs known as flysch form part of the Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark. Further west, Lekeitio, Mundaka and Bermeo border the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, the town of Gernika is a place of remembrance of its 1937 bombing, and the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe sits on an islet reached by a stone stairway, with free advance booking required at busier times.

May to October is the most comfortable period for visiting the Basque Country, with summer temperatures usually in the low to mid-20s°C on the coast. The region is green because rain falls throughout the year, so a light waterproof is advisable in any season. Late spring and September are quieter than July and August. Notable events include the San Sebastián Jazz Festival in July, the city's Semana Grande in August, the San Sebastián International Film Festival in September, and the Tamborrada drum festival on 20 January.

Most clients fly from the UK to Bilbao, which is around an hour and a quarter by road from San Sebastián. Biarritz airport, just across the French border, is also convenient for San Sebastián. The region can be reached by train via Paris to the border at Hendaye, and Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth to Bilbao for those bringing their own car. Within the region, Bilbao and San Sebastián are well served by public transport, while a hire car is recommended for the coast, the inland valleys and onward travel to La Rioja.

Expressions Holidays offers a selection of historic and boutique hotels in Bilbao, San Sebastián and on the coast. In Bilbao, the Hotel Carlton is a five-star hotel from the 1920s a few minutes' walk from the Guggenheim, and Hotel Miró is a contemporary boutique hotel nearby. In San Sebastián, the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra overlooks La Concha bay, Hotel Villa Soro occupies a villa in gardens close to the beach and old town, and Villa Favorita is an adults-only hotel facing the sea. The Parador de Hondarribia is set in a medieval castle in the walled town of Hondarribia.

Yes. The Basque Country combines well with the vineyards of La Rioja, around an hour and a half to the south, the coast of Green Spain to the west, and the French Basque towns of Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz across the border. Examples include the six-night Bilbao and Asturias two-centre holiday from £1,840 per person, the eight-night Barcelona, La Rioja and Bilbao by Rail holiday from £3,100 per person, and the La Robla luxury train journey from Bilbao to León from £2,500 per person. One specialist consultant looks after the arrangements from first enquiry to your return.

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine a number of different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Spain and within Spain, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to Spanish Basque country

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Walking holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Cultural highlights of Spanish Basque country

Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum, a Frank Gehry-designed landmark which transformed the city. The charming old town of San Sebastian, located between the beach and the river. Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque Country which is home to a mediaeval old town and two cathedrals. Guernica, a small town which was bombed during WWII and inspired a famous painting by Picasso. Fishing villages between Bilbao and San Sebastian including Bakio, Bermeo, Zumaia and Lekeitio, some of which are home to wonderful beaches and are also popular surf spots. Hondarribia, a historic town situated on the border with France. Pelota, a traditional ball game which is played throughout the region on a two-walled court. Numerous bars across the region which serve ‘pinchos’ (a Basque version of tapas), including those in Logroño. Wine-producing towns across La Rioja where visitors can enjoy cellar tours and wine tastings, which can also be enjoyed at the luxury vineyard hotels which we feature. Yuso and Suso Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in La Rioja. The fortress city of Pamplona, renowned for the annual bull running festival.

Gastronomy of Spanish Basque country

The Basque Country is renowned for its varied and innovative cuisine, with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants found across the region. San Sebastian alone is home to eight Michelin-starred restaurants, two of which have been included within the top ten of Restaurant magazine's list of the world's 50 best restaurants. Wine is of course an incredibly important product, primarily in La Rioja which is known for its high-quality reds as well as a number of good white and rosé wines. A regional variation of tapas called ‘pinchos' can be found throughout the Basque Country and Navarre, frequently eaten as a snack in bars. Regional cooking varies according to location, with plenty of fresh fish and shellfish to be found along the coastline and a greater use of meat and game further inland. Local dishes include ‘Bacalao' (salt cod), ‘Marmitako' (fresh tuna stew), ‘Cordero al Chilindron' (spicy lamb stew) and ‘Txangurro relleno' (stuffed spider crabs).

Festivals in Spanish Basque country

19 to 20 January: San Sebastian Drum Festival, 29 June: Haro Wine Festival, 6 to 14 July: Los Sanfermines Bull Running Festival (Pamplona), July: San Sebastian Jazz Festival, 4 to 9 August: Festival of the Virgin Mary (Vitoria-Gasteiz), August: Bilbao's Big Week, September: San Sebastian International Film Festival, September: San Mateo Wine Festival (Logroño).

Climate in Spanish Basque country

The Basque Country's climate is generally quite mild and wet, although there is some variation between coastal and inland areas. The Basque coast experiences relatively high levels of rainfall, cold winters and warm summers where temperatures regularly reach 25 degrees, whilst some areas further south enjoy a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and little rain.

Spanish Basque country travel information

The Basque country is reached very easily from the UK by air and rail. We can arrange for you to travel by train with overnight stops. Some clients choose to take their own car all the way.

By air

Bilbao airport is served by low cost airlines including EasyJet, with flights to the UK and to other cities within Spain. There are also small airports in Pamplona, Hondarribia and Logroño which can be reached from Madrid and other Spanish cities. Buses run from Bilbao airport into the city centre and to San Sebastián.

Rail travel

There are train stations in many of the main towns and cities throughout the region, including Bilbao, San Sebastián, Pamplona, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Logroño, which are all accessible from Madrid and Barcelona. The Basque Country is also easily accessible from France, allowing visitors to travel by train all the way from the UK.

Car hire

We would recommend a hire-car for all holidays to the Basque Country where visitors wish to travel outside of the main cities, as many local highlights are in rural areas.

Self-drive

Brittany Ferries offers twice weekly ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao (journey time 24 hours), allowing you to travel to Spain with your own car.

Two centre recommendations

Enjoy a short break in buzzing cities in the north of the region, then travel southwards to the vineyards of La Rioja or towards the Pyrenees for a relaxing holiday. You can also easily travel westwards from the Basque Country along the Atlantic coastline through the region known as Green Spain towards Galicia. The region is easily accessible from France, so can be combined with stays in towns such as Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz.

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

Our special interest holidays to Spanish Basque country

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Walking holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Here you will find a map of Spanish Basque country showing the locations of the hotels that we offer

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

Our special interest holidays to Spanish Basque country

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Walking holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday