Basque Country

JohnnyMustang22

Despite the current state of affairs I'm thinking about getting the ferry to Bilbao next spring for the Annual family holiday. We have a 1 year old so ferries to France with long drives are not an option. Pre kids, we've done a fair few road trips around France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy so Basque country is something new for us.

Our interests include good local food, wine, cycling/trekking/hiking but all within a pretty small radius.

We ideally would like to rent a decent holiday home on the outskirts of a small town/village which would give us access to local shops/restaurants while still being quiet.

It would be interesting to hear from anyone that has been there and knows the area well.

bigar

It is just outside official Basque country but I stayed a week in a Leitza. It is a small village in a mountainous area yet not too far from civilisation. It has an old centre with narrow streets and friendly locals. I went there for cycling and passed many hikers along the way. It is connected to San Sebastian, and the rest of the world, by a motorway 10 km away.

If this is something you like, I can highly recommend Hostal Musunzar for your stay.

otnomart

Have been there, although a few years back. Stayed in hotels so have no tips on holiday homes.

The Capital is called Vitoria-Gasteiz and is a small city really (population around 250K), city centre is walkable, architecture very pretty. It is inland and south of Bilbao.
For something smaller, I loved Lekeitio, which is a small fishing village about half way between Bilbao and San Sebastian. As it is a port, it should be still lively in the Spring (as opposed to holiday resorts). Have been there in the Summer though, so can't garantee that for sure.

Outside the Basque Country - but still not far - is Santander which is a great city, still small (population less than 200K) plenty of coastal walks on your doorstep.
And a bit further than Santander is the historic town of Santillana del Mar, inland, I remember there was a medieval market.

Food is great in both Basque Country and Cantabria.

ShatterProof

otnomart wrote: »

Have been there, although a few years back. Stayed in hotels so have no tips on holiday homes.

The Capital is called Vitoria-Gasteiz and is a small city really (population around 250K), city centre is walkable, architecture very pretty. It is inland and south of Bilbao.
For something smaller, I loved Lekeitio, which is a small fishing village about half way between Bilbao and San Sebastian. As it is a port, it should be still lively in the Spring (as opposed to holiday resorts). Have been there in the Summer though, so can't garantee that for sure.

Outside the Basque Country - but still not far - is Santander which is a great city, still small (population less than 200K) plenty of coastal walks on your doorstep.
And a bit further than Santander is the historic town of Santillana del Mar, inland, I remember there was a medieval market.

Food is great in both Basque Country and Cantabria.

Deba a few miles away is another lovely spot on the coast between the two ( Bilbao and San Sebastian)