the Basque Country
Culture & Heritage

Explora la cultura de the Basque Country: Tradición viva

Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de the Basque Country a través de sus museos y monumentos.

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Vizcaya Bridge

Region
Spain
Region: the Basque Country

The Basque Country, or Euskadi, is a land of powerful contrasts and an unmistakable identity. It is a region that overlooks the Cantabrian Sea with a rugged and wild coastline, dotted with charming fishing villages and beaches that are paradise for surfers. Towards the interior, the intense green of its valleys and mountains hides traditional farmhouses ('baserris') and a deeply rooted culture. Its cities are an example of transformation and avant-garde: Bilbao has gone from being an industrial engine to a world reference for art with the Guggenheim Museum, while San Sebastián (Donostia) is the undisputed capital of haute cuisine, a gastronomic Eden where 'pintxos' are a way of life. Visiting Euskadi is discovering an ancient culture, a language (Basque) that is a linguistic treasure and a passion for food that can be felt in every bar and restaurant.

Languages: Spanish, Basque
the Basque Country
Cultura

Culture & Heritage

Discover the rich history, art and traditions of the Basque Country

The Basque Country, or Euskadi, is a land of powerful contrasts and an unmistakable identity. It is a region that overlooks the Cantabrian Sea with a rugged and wild coastline, dotted with charming fishing villages and beaches that are paradise for surfers. Towards the interior, the intense green of its valleys and mountains hides traditional farmhouses ('baserris') and a deeply rooted culture. Its cities are an example of transformation and avant-garde: Bilbao has gone from being an industrial engine to a world reference for art with the Guggenheim Museum, while San Sebastián (Donostia) is the undisputed capital of haute cuisine, a gastronomic Eden where 'pintxos' are a way of life. Visiting Euskadi is discovering an ancient culture, a language (Basque) that is a linguistic treasure and a passion for food that can be felt in every bar and restaurant.

UNESCO Heritage

Vizcaya Bridge

Known as the Suspension Bridge, it is an icon of the Industrial Revolution and the world's first ferry bridge, still in operation.

Altamira Caves and Paleolithic rock art of northern Spain

Several Basque caves (Ekain, Santimamiñe, Altxerri) are part of this complex, with important prehistoric cave paintings.

Caminos de Santiago de Compostela

Both the Coastal Route and the Inland Route cross Euskadi, with important milestones and a rich heritage associated with the pilgrimage.

Añana Salt Valley

Recognized as a World Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the FAO, a unique salt landscape in the world.

Festivals & Events

Aste Nagusia (Big Week) of Bilbao and San Sebastián

August.

The great summer parties. For nine days, the cities are filled with concerts, fireworks (the San Sebastián competition is very famous), street theater and an unbeatable festive atmosphere. The character of Marijaia is the icon of the Bilbao festival.

The Tamborrada of San Sebastián

January 20.

For 24 hours, the city resounds to the sound of drums. Companies of adults and children, dressed as cooks and soldiers, parade playing non-stop to celebrate the day of their patron saint, San Sebastian.

Festivals of La Blanca (Vitoria-Gasteiz)

From August 4 to 9.

The festivities of the Basque capital start with the spectacular 'Bajada de Celedón', a doll that descends with an umbrella from the church bell tower to a balcony, where it is incarnated as a person to start the party.

The Basque Country, or Euskadi, is a land of powerful contrasts and an unmistakable identity. It is a region that overlooks the Cantabrian Sea with a rugged and wild coastline, dotted with charming fishing villages and beaches that are paradise for surfers. Towards the interior, the intense green of its valleys and mountains hides traditional farmhouses ('baserris') and a deeply rooted culture. Its cities are an example of transformation and avant-garde: Bilbao has gone from being an industrial engine to a world reference for art with the Guggenheim Museum, while San Sebastián (Donostia) is the undisputed capital of haute cuisine, a gastronomic Eden where 'pintxos' are a way of life. Visiting Euskadi is discovering an ancient culture, a language (Basque) that is a linguistic treasure and a passion for food that can be felt in every bar and restaurant.

**Bilbao, the City of Transformation

** Admire Frank Gehry's iconic **Guggenheim Museum**, a building that changed the city forever. Afterwards, stroll through the Seven Streets of the **Old Town**, cross the Zubizuri de Calatrava Bridge and take the Artxanda funicular to enjoy the best views.

**San Sebastián (Donostia), the Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea

** Fall in love with the elegance of **La Concha Bay**, one of the most beautiful urban beaches in the world. Climb Mount Igueldo for a panoramic view, get lost in the Old Town from bar to bar and admire the Peine del Viento de Chillida.

**Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Green Capital

** Discover its 'medieval almond', one of the best preserved historic centers in the Basque Country, with the Cathedral of Santa María ('Open for works') as a jewel. Walk through its Green Belt, a set of peri-urban parks.

**The Bizkaia Suspension Bridge

** Cross the Nervión estuary between Portugalete and Getxo on this spectacular ferry bridge, a World Heritage Site and a symbol of the industrial era.

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Tips for Culture & Heritage

Aviso de Viaje

The weather in the Basque Country is very variable and can change quickly. It is advisable to always carry an umbrella or a raincoat, even in summer ('sirimiri' is a fine, constant rain). Parking in the center of San Sebastián and Bilbao can be very complicated and expensive; It is preferable to use public transportation. To eat pintxos, the usual thing is to order at the bar and eat standing up, moving from one bar to another.

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Country
Spain
Best time
**Summer (June-September)** is the most popular time, with mild and pleasant temperatures, ideal for enjoying the coast and the parties. **Spring and autumn** are perfect for urban and gastronomic tourism, with fewer people and beautiful light. **Winter** is colder and rainier, but ideal for living experiences such as the cider season ('txotx') and enjoying spoon-fed cuisine.

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