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Going Places: Destinations |
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The Pyrenees Mountains, which straddle northern Spain and southern France, have been home to the Basque people for thousands of years. In fact, some researchers think the Basque people are descendants of Cro-Magnon man and may be the oldest known European culture.
But don’t get it twisted. The Basques are neither Spanish nor French, and they’ve fought long and hard to retain their own identity—even after being targeted by the fascist dictator Francisco Franco, which gave rise to a violent separatist movement known as the ETA in the late 1950s.
Today, Spain’s part of the Basque Country remains an autonomous region and is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. Here, mountain ranges cast their shadows over traditional fishing villages along the coast, and cities like Bilbao and San Sebastián play host to architectural marvels like the Guggenheim Museum and cultural events like the San Sebastián Film Festival. Read more in Vianessa Castaños’s Guide to Basque Country.
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The Basque Country feels almost cinematic: windswept coastlines, cliffside chapels, surf towns, and artsy cities. These are the places where you’ll feel it most. |
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San Sebastián: One of Europe’s most beautiful seaside cities, home to Playa de la Concha, Belle Époque architecture, and a world-famous food scene.
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Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Frank Gehry’s titanium masterpiece helped transform Bilbao into a global cultural destination.
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Gaztelugatxe: A dramatic islet connected by a winding 240-step footbridge, known to “Game of Thrones” fans as Dragonstone.
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Surfing in Mundaka: Coastal town famous for its powerful left-hand wave, drawing surfers from around the world.
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Tamborrada Festival: Every January 20, San Sebastián erupts into a 24-hour celebration of drumming, parades, and traditional costumes to celebrate its namesake patron saint.
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In English we call it the Basque language, but in Basque it’s Euskera, and it’s the oldest language in Europe. While a lot of mystery still surrounds the Basque culture, there are a few things to note about the language. Unlike Spanish, Euskera does not have gender. X, Z, and K show up frequently. And all the letters in every word are pronounced.
Hello: kaixo. Goodbye: agur. And a word you’ll see frequently—jatetxea—means restaurant.
–Vianessa Castaños, Going contributing writer, Guide to Basque Country
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Arrive hungry. The Basque Country is one of Europe’s great culinary destinations, where even the smallest bites come with big flavor. |
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Pintxos: The Basque answer to tapas—bite-sized creations usually served atop bread and skewered with a toothpick. The Gilda (anchovy, olive, and pepper) is said to have been invented here.
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Michelin-star dining: San Sebastián has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars in the world, including legendary restaurants like Arzak and Mugaritz.
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Basque cheesecake: Creamy, decadent, and intentionally burnt on top. The now-global dessert that originated in San Sebastián.
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Txakoli wine: A lightly sparkling white wine produced along the coastal hills near Getaria, often poured dramatically from a height.
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Sidra (Basque cider): Served in traditional cider houses alongside thick-cut txuleta steaks, with the cider poured (once again) theatrically, from barrel to glass.
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Marmitako: A traditional Basque fisherman’s stew made with tuna, potatoes, peppers, and onions. Hearty and comforting, it’s a coastal classic that reflects the region’s deep connection to the sea. Check our guide for where to get the best bowls.
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Why visit Basque Country in 2026 |
Basque Country sits squarely in Northern Spain, one of Going’s top picks for where to travel in 2026. A new nonstop to Santiago de Compostela and Northern Spain’s position along the solar eclipse path of totality in August make Basque Country an enticing option, and a less crowded alternative to other Spanish hotspots this summer peak season. |
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Marmitako: The symbol of summer |
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