Castellanese

Hi everybody,

I have to weeks to spend in the Basque Country, and I was wondering how you would split them. I am interested in visiting Bilbao, San Sebastián, Bayonne and Biarritz. I am interested in visiting historic cities and spending time at the beach. I will rely on public transportation.

Thanks for your input,

Castellanese.

seafox

We stayed in St. Jean de Luz as a base . It was less expensive than Biarritz and has a nice beach. From there short car trips to Bilbao and San S were very easy. We liked St Jean so much we only spent a half day in Biarritz.

Egbert

I would stay in San Sebastian. Great beaches right in town.

Robert2533

You might want to check Maribe's Guides to the Pays Basque and País Vasco (www.maribelsguides.com), as well as the Cadogan Guide to the Basque Country for some useful information on where to stay.

I would spend one week in or around Biarrtiz and the next week west of San Sebastian-Donostia, somewhere near Laketio would work. The public transportation system (bus) is when better traveling along the coast than heading inland.

FrenchMystiqueTours

You don't say when you are going so I don't know that you will have beach weather when you go if it is not between May/June and September. If you have no car you'll have your work cut out for you figuring out how to get around the region using trains, buses, taxis and taking day tours. Staying along the coastal areas in the Basque region you should have ample public transport in the form of buses and trains.

The first thing you need to do is buy a good guidebook or two of the region and find out what there is to do and see that would interest you. I am mostly familiar with the French Basque region so someone else can tell what to do in Spain. I have been to San Sebastian and it is lovely. Bilbao is supposed to have some great museums and modern architecture. You might spend a week in Spain and explore San Sebastian, Bilbao and nearby villages.

In the French Basque region the best areas to stay are on the coast between Bayonne and Hendaye. The coast line is lovely here and there are many fine sandy beaches. My favorite small city here is Saint Jean de Luz. An old city with old buildings that is very lively and very pretty and full of stores, restaurants, boutiques and charm. I loved it and you may want to decide on this as your base. It is much more beautiful and charming than Bayonne or Biarritz.

There is a lovely walking trail along the coast here called The Littoral that you might enjoy strolling on. From my memory, I believe the most scenic portions of The Littoral are between Ciboure and Hendaye. The best cities and villages to see along the coast are Hendaye, Saint Jean de Luz, Biarritz and Bayonne. Since you will rely on trains and buses you could spend several days exploring the towns between Bayonne and Hendaye. Adjacent to Hendaye in Spain is Honarribia, which is worth exploring. Adjacent to Saint Jean de Luz is Ciboure, which is worth a visit if you are already in Saint Jean de Luz.

Just inland and south of Saint Jean de Luz is the mountain called LaRhune. There is a train that goes to the top of the mountain and down again. I believe it departs from the village of Ascain. The views are fantastic and if you have time to wonder around up there you will see the wild horses that run free. Some of them will even let you pet them. You can hike back down the mountain or take the train down. Beautiful scenery up there. A 1 hour drive from St. Jean de Luz inland will bring you to the lovely medieval village of Saint Jean Pied de Port. Lovely country scenery along the way followed by an even lovelier village. Great views from here of the surrounding countryside. Espelette is a small inland village noted for its red peppers and associated festivals and cuisine and you may enjoy a visit.

If you wanted to go north for a night or two you could go to Arcachon and/or Bordeaux. Arcachon is a pretty resort town on a bay and known for its oysters. Just south of Arcachon I highly recommend seeing the Dune de Pilat, Europes highest sand dune and a lovely natural place with a beautiful beach.

I do know that there are a couple of famous towns in the region known for their spas. One is called Cambo les Bains.

As I said, you will find adequate bus and train service along the coast but you will have to do some research if you want to explore inland locations.

Castellanese

Hi guys,

Wow, thank you so much for your input. I think that I will base in Bilbao or San Sebastián for a week and spend another week in Galicia, instead.

I'll probably base in Bilbao and in Santiago de Compostela. I am a city kind of guy, so I'd rather day trip to the beach rather than base in a beach city.

I've already ordered a guidebook and I am waiting for it. When I get it, I know I'll have a better perspective.

Castellanese.

Egbert

I wouldn't stay in Bilbao when San Sebastian is right there.

kimhe

Bilbao is great, but San Sebastián is arguably one of the nicest cities in Europe. The food capital of Spain, great culture, architecture, atmosphere, surrounding landscapes etc.

The article "A different kind of Spain" gives you an idea of the city and the region: http://marshlands.blogstream.com/

mikelg

You may want to take a look at my blog as a local, www.blogseitb.us/basquetourism, I´ve just added a new post on the Rioja wine region...

Castellanese

Thanks Mikelg... Thanks also to Kimhe and Egbert for your San Sebastián thoughts. I'm planning to travel next year's June, so that's gives me a good perspective of what are the highlights in the Basque Country.

Nepenthe

ttt