The autonomous community of the Basque Country is constituted by three provinces: Álava, whose capital is Vitoria-Gasteiz; Guipúzcoa whose capital is San Sebastián / Donostia; and Vizcaya, whose capital is Bilbao.
This beautiful community comprises a small and densely populated territory, with very significant industrial, fishing and commercial activities. Its landscapes with low mountain ranges that serve as a dividing line between the rivers of the Cantabrian basin, offer nuances of beautiful greens.
These rivers, short and brave, with frequent waterfalls near their source, and those of the Mediterranean basin, with long river courses that flow into the Ebro, in turn separate the two types of climate enjoyed by the region; the Atlantic and the continental Mediterranean.
The Basque coast offers spectacular landscapes that alternate abrupt areas with wide sandy beaches. Its Atlantic climate is temperate with moderate temperatures, which are acontinentalizandose to the south, in the region of La Rioja alavesa. Another characteristic is its typical “txirimiri”, or very fine rain, to which the landscapes are so green.
Despite being a territory of great industrial development, it still preserves authentic natural paradises, such as the Valderejo and Urkiola natural parks, with an evocative landscape and the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a magical enclave around the Guernica estuary.
Traveling through the Basque Country involves crossing several mountain passes with an impressive landscape. And it is precisely this one of its extraordinary attractions, to practice in these places the hiking, routes on horseback, or sports related to the mountain.
Its unique history has shaped the specific character of the Basque country, from the mystery that surrounds its origins, to its conversion into one of the economic engines of the peninsula as a result of the industrial development of the 19th century.
The richness of its traditional culture derives from its strategic location from where the intrepid Basque sailors reached the distant coasts of Newfoundland and Greenland; This situation allowed the settlement of different peoples, although with a different degree of penetration, since Romanization was a phenomenon that occurred almost exclusively in its southern part.
During the Middle Ages it was an obligatory stop on the Camino de Santiago (Top!), Which gave it great cultural and monumental splendor. Product of its history are also its governing institutions, in force for centuries, and that continue to this day. And its own language, Euskera, the only non-Romanesque language of the peninsula and probably the oldest on the European continent.
The Basque Country has a very peculiar folklore, which is manifested in its popular festivals, as well as in its totally native sports, such as the well-known game of Basque Ball. Its cuisine, of the most reputable in the peninsula, is famous for its richness and variety, highlighting as typical dishes hake cocochas, marmitaco and other extraordinary recipes of fish and seafood.
SAN SEBASTIÁN
The aristocratic coastal city that was already famous as a noble summer resort since the 19th century, still retains its cosmopolitan and exclusive atmosphere. Its beautiful architecture and excellent beaches even today make it a privileged vacation destination.
BILBAO
The largest city in the region and industrial and commercial center of the first order, it has a beautiful old town where its Gothic cathedral stands out. The biggest attraction in Bilbao, however, is the Guggenheim Museum of Contemporary Art, built in 1997 by architect Frank O. Gehry. With its spectacular titanium, glass and stone façade, it is considered one of the masterpieces of avant-garde architecture of the 20th century.
VITORIA-GASTEIZ
The capital of Euskadi is a beautiful city, quiet, clean and maintained, with a beautiful old town very well preserved. Its active cultural life has achieved a great reputation with international festivals of great importance.
