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TOP 1 GOLFE DE GASCOGNE PREMIUM BAY OF 1

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Basque Country general road map Carte routière générale du Pays Basque

The Basque Route TOP 3 TOP Experiences

PREMIUM BASQUE GOVERNMENT PREMIUM Ministry of Tourism, 10 8 6 The 10 essentials 1 PREMIUM Experiences Trade and Consumer Affairs

TOP 3 The Assembly Bizkaia Hermitage of www.basquecountrytourism.eus/the-basque-route/en

Bilbao San Sebastián Vitoria-Gasteiz House of Transporter San Juan de www.thebasqueroute.eus/en

1

Gernika Bridge Gaztelugatxe reserve Biosphere

heritage sites by UNESCO by sites heritage 3

1 2 3 4 5 6 world declared Resources 125 Tourist attractions Tourist

19 Regions

56 Towns 3 3

The essentials Cities 830

10 kms. 7 Stages

the Basque Country Basque the

En Route around around Route En · Route Basque The

Ten, a hundred or a thousand... there are many reasons why Basque Country is a not- is a combination of the avant-garde, elegance and This is a city to fall in love with. Beautiful, elegant and Vitoria-Gasteiz brings together large natural spac- If you want to say that you really got to the soul of this This was one of the most innovative constructions of its When you see this large islet, between Bakio and Bermeo, to-be-missed destination. tradition. You will be surprised by the spectacular scenery stately, San Sebastian is a setting second to none, es and wide pedestrian zones combined with an old town, visit the Casa de Juntas de Gernika (Assem- time, with a structure inspired by the Eiffel Tower. Today it don’t stop to think about it but just climb up, because the You will discover this when you meet the in which the great names of global architecture are fea- embellished by the sea. A stroll along La Concha is a quarter of great monumental interest. Proclaimed the bly House of Gernika), which, next to the municipal oak continues to surprise as it joins the two banks of the es- scenery is well worth it. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is warm and friendly people, find out about tured, designed around the Guggenheim Bilbao Mu- must, contemplating the beautiful buildings surround- ­“European Green Capital” in 2012, here you will dis- tree, has been the meeting place for the territories of Eu- tuary between Portugalete and Las Arenas, at the mouth deeply rooted among the arrantzales (fishermen): the her- their history, their costumes and traditions, seum. But Bilbao is much more: a charming old quarter ing the bay. From Monte Igueldo, which you can also cover a city designed for living. With 130,000 trees, it has skal Herria for centuries. The members of the assembly of the river. In 2006 it was declared a World Heritage mitage contains votive offerings from sailors rescued from filled with history, including the Mercado de La Ribera, reach by funicular, you have beautiful views of the city one tree per every two inhabitants. And the Green Zone, would meet under the shade of the tree for the Assem- Site by UNESCO. A crossing in its gondola or a walk the sea, painting of vessels about to sink... Ring the bell when you admire the art and architecture one of the largest markets in Europe, La Alhóndiga­ , and the Basque coastline. Sample the exquisite cuisine, about 40 m2 per inhabitant. By bike you can reach the blies of the Domain of Bizkaia, making it quite a symbol. across the upper deck is a must. three times to ward off evil spirits. And if drawn to the sea, that fill the cities and even more so when converted into a multi-purpose cultural centre, la Ría, which has received a total of 16 Michelin stars. World Anillo Verde (Green Belt): 47 km of tracks and path- This monumental complex of great political significance there are trips available by boat. Find out more. you talk about it over a good meal. perfect for strolling along the banks or for taking a boat Capital of the Pintxo, European Capital of Culture ways in a beautiful natural setting. In the city, visit the today celebrates events including the assumption of of- trip, and when it comes to celebrations, the Aste Nagu- 2016... the city is buzzing with events such as the Inter- Almendra Medieval, so-called because of its almond fice and swearing in of the Lehendakari. sia, Big Week, packed with entertainment for everyone... national Film and Jazz Festivals. shape, and which dates back to the year 1000. The re- Whatever it is, you will be pleasantly surprised. cently restored Santa María Cathedral nestles among beautiful renaissance palaces.

Urdaibai Cristóbal The Sanctuary Laguardia Biosphere Balenciaga of Loiola Reserve Museoa 7 8 9 10 The Basque Route · En Route around the Basque Country There are many ways to get to know and feel Euskadi. Each one of them has been designed to be travelled in one As many as landscapes hidden in its three historical or more days, always depending on your pace and desires, territories. The Basque Route invites you to immerse and to learn in depth about as many aspects of Euskadi yourself in the Basque land, to discover its secrets and as possible. Some combine sea and mountain; forests most succulent dishes, pintxos and wines; the most and beaches; museums and fish grills. Others, lakes and sought-after viewpoints, charming villages, hidden cities, plains of dry land and wine-growing areas. All hide beaches, a handful of amazing museums, three capital contrasts, and all come with some surprise that you did not cities that will leave you breathless (and #hashtag-less expect to find in this corner next to the Cantabrian Sea. to describe them), and a few genuine experiences that Fasten your seatbelt, drive carefully, and as we say here will make you feel as if you had eight (or more) Basque before enjoying a good meal: On egin! Enjoy your meal! surnames. Hopefully you will grasp the essence of Euskadi in some parts of this route. Thanks to its ecological value, this is a UNESCO This is the first museum in the world exclusively devoted When the tower-house in which Ignacio de Loyola was In the heart of Alavesa you will find Laguardia, one Biospere­ Reserve belonging to the Natura 2000 Net- to a dress designer, and the international importance of born was handed over to the Jesuits in the 17th centu- of the most beautiful spots in the area. work. The diverse scenery is made up of sea, mountains, Cristóbal Balenciaga certainly deserves it. On a rotat- ry, they built a monumental complex around the tower. Here you will find a unique medieval walled village where sand dunes and marshes, not to mention the beautiful ing basis the museum exhibits much of the nearly 1500 It is now a key part of religious tourism in the Basque the absence of cars will take you back into the past. Of beaches and coves that can also be visited by boat. The pieces from its collection. You can understand why he Country. The are several buildings, including the Basíli- note in the enclosure is the Church of Santa María de zone is an important stopover for migrating birds which is a legendary figure. ca, worth visiting, if you enjoy art or religious passion. los Reyes, with a magnificent polychrome portico from can be watched from the Urdaibai Bird Centre. The town of Getaria, , where the museum is the 17th century. Underfoot, the village is riddled with cel- located, is also known for being the birthplace of Juan lars. Visitors are invited to experience the wine culture,

Sebastián Elcano, the first man to successfully sail the driving force behind the area’s economy. www.thebasqueroute.eus/en

around the world. www.basquecountrytourism.eus/the-basque-route/en Disclaimer: The Basque Route is a recommended route on the existing Basque road network. Driving on notes the route is at your own risk. Basque Country Tourism does not assume any liability for structural changes, diversions, signposting, special events and safety regulations on the route.

Hermitage of Hermitage of Hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe 6 San Juan de Gaztelugatxe 6 6 San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Urdaibai Urdaibai

Elantxobe 1h50’ Urdaibai

Getxo Biosphere Biosphere Cristóbal Bizkaia Cristóbal Bizkaia Reserve Lekeitio Bizkaia Biosphere identity. of Oma Cristóbal Reserve Balenciaga Museoa Pasaia Transporter Balenciaga Museoa

Transporter 55’ 7 Transporter Reserve

Euskadi, a country Balenciaga Museoa 7 1h40’ 30’ Bridge 7 Bridge 25’ Bridge badges their off show to proud Euskadi, of people 5 55’ The Assembly 5 The Assembly 8 30’ 5 8

House of Geopark 1h45’ The Assembly

4 1h 10’ 8 House of Zarautz 15’ 15’ 4 15’ 4 and history the know to get to opportunity the you Pozalagua 35’ Gernika San Sebastián 1h 25’ San Sebastián House of to enjoy without 2 Gernika 2 Gernika 2

1h25’

1h25’ Encartaciones Pagoeta offer traditions deeply-rooted and culture rich A 30’ 1 1 50’ 1 San Sebastián

Astigarraga

Ezkio-Itsaso 30’ 1h45’ The Sanctuary Bilbao 60’ Bilbao Bilbao cuisine... going far Loizaga Tower 9 9 9 Tolosa of Loiola

35’ Oñati 1h15’ Legazpi The Sanctuary excellent the architecture, avant-garde of glamour Durango The Sanctuary 45’ 1h30’

You will never find so many delightful wonders of Loiola Goierri of Loiola 1h35’ Elorrio Gorbeia the quarters, old medieval beautiful the in hidden Arantzazu Quejana 1h10’

in such a small area. 45’ 45’ heritage the experiences: of range broad a provide

Here are some suggested routes to help you Gorbeia Urkiola 1h35’ Aizkorri- Aizkorri- Aratz Aratz capitals Basque three the of nature singular the

plan your trip better, depending on the length of 1h 10’ your visit or the area in which you are staying. Aralar environment, urban an prefer you If flysch... the Orduña

1h45’ Try not to miss the countryside and inland 3 3 3 visiting by earth the of history the study or surfing

45’ 45’ heritage, enjoy the sea breezes, taste the well- Vitoria-Gasteiz Valderejo Vitoria-Gasteiz go paradises, green beautiful in environment the

Vitoria-Gasteiz Salt Salt

Salt known wines of Rioja Alavesa and the renowned Valley Valley into melt cuisine, haute of secrets the discovering Valley txakoli. Enjoy avant-garde architecture or stroll 60’ 60’

down the medieval streets of our cities. by start can You trip. your during discovering

If you have your own transport, that’s great, but enjoy will you that nuances of full country a Izki attractions, thousand a of country the in are You if not, the public transport system is perfectly structured to ensure you don’t miss a thing. 10 10 10 Laguardia

45’ Estimated journey time by car Laguardia 45’ Estimated journey time by car Laguardia 45’ Estimated journey time by car Elciego

TOP Basque pelota and the sea TOP Family tour of the Valdemar TOP Steak and Basque Pelota TOP A pinch of salt TOP Sailing on the TOP Traditional Basque 1 3 Wineries in Oyón 5 in Donostialdea 7 in the Salt Valley 8 Urdaibai estuary 10 cookery workshop Enjoy a display and a competition of Basque in Pasai Donibane pelota, a boat trip and a tasting of conserves Enjoy the winery and wine tasting with an aperitif Enjoy two of the things Visit a place unique in the world, a natural salt Sail on the Urdaibai estuary in the Biosphere Re- and Txakoli. on a tour with your kids, while they help the young the are most serve, accompanied by a guide who is also a landscape for over 6,500 years, and find out Discover the secrets of the most famous Count of Valdemar to find lost magic grapes. passionate about, food storyteller, plus a snack and traditional Basque all about what is one of the world’s finest salts dishes in with top chefs and and sport. This is an ex- music live. according to experts and top chefs. enjoy freshly prepared food on a terrace perience you are not likely beside the sea. to forget: a Basque pelo- TOP ta match and a visit to a traditional Basque EXPE house, or sagardotegi, to RIEN eat a delicious steak. CES

TOP Txakoli matched with TOP Shepherd for TOP The Flysch route TOP Cider and the sea, with lunch 2 Idiazabal cheese in Goierri 4 a day in Urkiola 6 in Zumaia 9 at a cider house on the way These have been created to offer a unique out of San Sebastián experience specific to our region. There is a A wonderful combination of two exclusive products The shepherd Patxi Solana invites you to share his everyday Guided boat trip from Zumaia along the coast; wide range on offer: rural, culinary, sporting, of the Basque Country made just 5 kilometres from life in one of the most stunning landscapes in the Basque see the spectacular Flysch cliffs and stop in the Discover the link bet- nature-based... One of them is bound to be one another: Txakoli wine and Idiazabal cheese. Country, the Urkiola seaside town of Mutriku. ween whaling and right for you. Find out more and choose your nature park. cider and taste the experience. cuisine linked to this, visiting museums, ta- king a boat trip and having a meal at a cider house.