As every year, National Geographic has published the list of the 100 most beautiful towns in Spain, among which are 4 Basque localities, and we couldn’t agree more!
Mundaka
Surfer’s paradise
The small and picturesque town of Mundaka is located on the Basque coast, within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Mundaka boasts being home to one of the world’s longest left-hand waves, making it a famous surfing destination. Due to its location, it’s the perfect place to stop for a stroll on a day at the beach or exploring the reserve.
Even if surfing isn’t your thing, you might be interested in checking out the action on the water. In addition to watching the surfers, you can also enjoy beautiful views of Izaro Island, Mount Ogoño, and the estuary, the most emblematic area of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
Getaria
The town where two well-known historical figures were born
Getaria presents itself to the world as one of the best gastronomic spaces in the Basque Country. But not only for its gastronomy is Getaria known; this small coastal town of approximately 10 square kilometers in size and 2,700 inhabitants is also known for its Txakoli wineries (Basque’s white wine), its beaches, its history, and Mount San Antón, the famous mouse of Getaria.
Its charismatic fishing port, which saw the birth of 2 of the great figures in Basque history, Juan Sebastián Elkano and Cristóbal Balenciaga, encourages us to enjoy the essence of the sea. A town strategically located 25 kilometers from Donostia, San Sebastián. In the heart of the Basque coast, surrounded by cliffs and Txakoli wineries, opens its doors to enchant us with each and every one of its tourist attractions.
Hondarribia
The fishing village
If you decide to visit only one town in the Basque Country, it should probably be this one. Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía in Spanish) is a colorful fishing village rich in both architecture and gastronomy. It’s without a doubt, a feast for the eyes and the stomach.
In recent years, Hondarribia has experienced an incredible boom in its culinary scene. This is due to young chefs who, after studying under the tutelage of famous Basque chefs such as Martin Berasategui and Pedro Subijana (see Michelin Star Restaurants), have taken their knowledge and settled in Hondarribia. And the quality of their new gastronomy is undoubtedly on par with that of San Sebastián – the other Basque mecca for gourmets.
In addition to its impressive gastronomic scene, Hondarribia is also home to a very well-preserved Old Town surrounded by a medieval wall, the only one in the province of Guipuzcoa. The Old Town is full of beautiful Basque-style houses, most with wooden balconies painted in a range of colors. There are also plenty of baroque buildings that only add to the charm of the Old Town. With its labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, the Old Town is begging to be explored.
Laguardia
Perfect for wine-lovers
One of the greatest charms of Laguardia is that cars are not allowed in the walled area, making it irresistible to stroll around.
In Laguardia, wine has been one of the main economic supports for several years, so it’s no wonder that wineries make up its urban landscape, although you may not see it at first glance. One of Laguardia’s great peculiarities is that the entire subsoil is a veritable maze of wineries and cellars. Many of them can be visited either through the wineries themselves, or through shops, hotels, or even the tourist office, inside which there is a beautiful cellar. For all these reasons, Laguardia is a perfect destination for wine tourism in Rioja Alavesa.
Discover the Unique Charms of the Basque Country
From the surfing paradises and gastronomic delights to the vibrant festivals and historical landmarks, the Basque Country offers an array of unmatched experiences. Whether you’re riding the waves in Mundaka, indulging in the culinary delights of Hondarribia, or exploring the wine cellars of Laguardia, each town has its own story to tell and beauty to reveal.
At Basqvium, we understand that every traveler is unique, and we’re passionate about creating tailor-made experiences that cater to your individual preferences and interests. By visiting our website, you can explore a variety of curated experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the culture, taste, and natural beauty of the Basque Country. From private tours of Txakoli wineries to guided walks through historical sites and personalized sightseeing experiences, we have something for everyone.
Don’t just take our word for it—come and see for yourself why the Basque Country is a destination like no other.
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