Beautiful green landscapes, high cliffs, wild horses, and plenty of culture: this is the Basque Country. The region, located partly in France and Spain, is high on our list for a return visit! Travelling through the Basque Country was very easy for us, especially with the convenience of camper travel. There are many free camper pitches, a lot to do over short distances, and you’ll find delicious tapas here! Let’s tell you all about it! We’ve made a list of our favourites in the Spanish region of the Basque Country.
First, let’s give a bit of background about the Basque Country. This area is rich in history, and many inhabitants of the Basque Country wanted—and still want—to be independent of Spain. Moreover, they have their language, Basque, and culture, which they are proud of. The largest population lives in the cities; therefore, the inner area is sparsely populated. As a result, there is a lot of nature and open landscape, perfect for those who enjoy nature and hiking. It’s full of trails and birdwatching opportunities!
The Basque Country: A Green Treasure
Our favourite way of travelling is day by day, especially with the camper. We mainly stay at free places and prefer to explore sites in nature, small towns, and hidden gems. We’ve tracked our route via Polarsteps, and now it’s time to share it with you!
Hondarribia
Just over the border from France, you will find the mountain landscape next to the coastal town of Hondarribia. This town is known for its tourist attractions, thanks to its wide beach. Here, you’ll find colourful houses and plenty of dining options. After just a 10-minute drive through the mountains with sharp bends, you will arrive at a beautiful nature reserve, perfect for nature and hiking, full of trails, picnic spots, and old ruins.
Despite being a busy area among tourists and locals, it feels calm; indeed, there is a lot of space, and you can feel the sea breeze while enjoying the most beautiful views of the nearby cities. We stayed here for a few days with fellow campers, fully embracing the van life.
San Sebastián
San Sebastián is one of the largest cities in the Basque Country. It is, without a doubt, a seaside paradise where many surfers like to stay. Here, you will find history, nature, lovely shops, and restaurants, as well as many events, such as the film festival. This was one of our favourites!
Take the time to stroll through the small streets, enjoy a nice meal at one of the many tapas bars, and walk along the boulevard, where you’ll find beautiful cliffs and beaches. It’s just lovely here, making it a great stop during your travel in Spain.
Motako Gaztelua
Coincidentally, we came across this imposing part of the city. Initially, we thought we were walking to the old town of San Sebastián, but it turned out to be an old castle from the 12th century. The castle is free to visit, and from here, you’ll find a beautiful view of the city. Additionally, the hike to the area is gorgeous, making it a great option for nature and hiking enthusiasts!
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Gautegiz Arteaga
Do you like walking and nature? If so, then this place is perfect! The village is located in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1984. This is the only one in the Basque Country. What makes this place so special? The variety within the different biospheres makes this area ideal for various species to thrive.
This place is ideal for birdwatching, and you will find several hides here where you can observe birds and other wildlife. There is also the Urdaibai Bird Centre, which was unfortunately closed when we visited (due to the low season). Nevertheless, there are several places to park your camper, allowing you to enjoy walking and breathing in the fresh air on the beaches, perfect for those who love van life.
Bakio
Bakio is both a municipality and a seaside city. The municipality is known for the uninhabited island called Gaztelugatxe, which you see in many magazines.
Bakio City
We visited this city because of its convenient location next to Gaztelugatxe. It is an ideal place to do your laundry and do some shopping. Although we didn’t find the centre particularly special, the coastline is beautiful, with long beaches and large cliffs, making it a perfect spot for travel in Spain.
Gaztelugatxe
Gaztelugatxe is THE hotspot of Bakio, and perhaps of the entire Basque Country. We always find it difficult to determine whether a place is worth visiting, especially when it is such a huge tourist attraction. However, this place is 100% worth it! We visited the island in the low season, so it was very quiet, and we didn’t have to register in advance to visit the location (in high season, you do need to do that, but it’s free). I would recommend going early in the morning; with all the steps, it’s nicer when it’s a bit cooler!
At the top of the island, about 80 meters above sea level, is the small hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This is why the location is named after it. You can visit the church at the top, and there is even a possibility to BBQ on the island. Wear good shoes and take your time; it’s a peaceful route to walk, ideal for anyone who enjoys nature and hiking.
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Vitoria-Gasteiz
A city that we unfortunately skipped but heard nice stories about is Vitoria-Gasteiz. This is the capital of the Basque Country. Notably, there are almost as many trees as people in the city, which makes it the greenest city in the Basque Country! The old historic town is well worth a visit; it is located on a hill and has a medieval touch. Here, you will find small streets with nice shops and restaurants. Furthermore, you’ll see a lot of street art in the city, so take your time to admire the beautiful paintings on the buildings.
Wrapping Up Your Basque Adventure
The Basque Country is truly a region that captivates all the senses—from the lush, green landscapes to the fascinating history, delicious food, and warm-hearted locals. A perfect camper destination. Whether you’re soaking in the views from the cliffs, wandering through charming villages, or indulging in mouthwatering tapas, there’s something for everyone.
For us, the convenience of camper travel made it even easier to experience all the beauty this region has to offer. And while the Basque Country is stunning in its own right, don’t forget that Spain has much more to explore—especially its stunning northern regions. If you love the green, wild landscapes and cultural treasures we’ve described, you’ll want to continue further through Green Spain. This area offers even more breathtaking coastlines, charming villages, and hiking trails that will leave you in awe.
So, whether you’re planning your next camper adventure or just dreaming of a getaway, let the Basque Country—and the beauty of Green Spain—be the inspiration for your next journey. Safe travels and happy exploring! 🌿✨
