Basque Country regional information

07-06-2024

In this article, we cover the “basics” you need to know before traveling/cycling to the Basque Country. Among other topics, you'll learn about the various ways to get there, things to see and do, and more…

For general travel tips, we recommend you check out:

If you plan to arrive from the French side of the Basque Country, including getting to Biarritz, check out our blog on:

Getting To The French Pyrenees

How to get there: Air, train & bus service to the Basque Country

Whether you arrive by air or by land, the region is very well serviced by train and by international airlines. To learn more about travel to and from the area, do make sure to check the following article:

How to get to the Basque Country

If you wish to travel by train with your bike to the Basque Country, please read the following articles:

When is the best time to visit?
In our opinion, the best time to visit the Basque Country depends on your preferences. Summer (June to August) has the warmest weather, which is perfect for beaches and exploring outdoors, but can be crowded in popular destinations as being the peak of tourist season. While you may expect a little more rainfall in Spring and Fall, it can be extra fruitful as harvest and greenery blooms, with milder temperatures creating a very pleasant biking environment.

The Terrain:
The Basque Country offers a mix of coastal beauty, mountainous terrain, and lush countryside, making it very picturesque with its varied landscape. Especially on a bike tour, where you will get to get different types of scenery with each destination, explore terrains from the coasts to the mountains, as well as enjoying urban areas with the wonderful backdrop of mountains and greeneries.

What to see and do?
Apart from the beautiful terrain, the Basque Country has more to offer, including attractions in cities, cultural landmarks, quaint villages and coastal towns. When in urban areas, visit museums like the Guggenheim Museum, surround yourself with bustling markets while sampling pintxos, get lost at a park and visit different cities' old towns. When visiting the coastal areas, check out the picturesque sea port while trying some local seafood restaurants.

Gastronomy
The gastronomy of the Basque Country is a fusion of traditional and contemporary, with a focus on premium ingredients and innovative cooking methods, with an abundance of Michelin star restaurants to dine from.

Popular Dishes:

Pintxos (tapas)
Bacalao a la Vizcaína (Cod Bilbao-Style)
Marmitako: a hearty fish and potato soup
Txangurro (crab)

Wine and liquor:

Txakoli (sparkling white wine)
Basque Cider (Sagardoa)

Local Markets:

La Ribera Market (Bilbao): The largest covered market in Europe
San Martín Market (San Sebastián): fresh ingredients and local delicacies.

Weather and climate in the Basque Country
The Basque Country enjoys all year round, moderate temperatures and substantial rainfall due to its mild, oceanic environment. Summers (June to August) are warm and pleasant, with average highs about 22–27°C (72–81°F). While spring and autumn can be more unpredictable and rainy. Winters (December to February) are moderate and damp, with temperatures rarely falling below 5°C (41°F).

Monthly Weather Chart:

Source

List of links:

Tourism:
https://www.vitoria-gasteiz.org/we001/was/we001Action.do?idioma=en&accionWe001=ficha&accion=turismo

https://tourism.euskadi.eus/en/

https://www.eke.eus/en/kultura/basque-country

https://www.spain.info

For more information about your travel necessaries check out our blog post Cyclomundo's Comprehensive Travel Tips and feel free to email us any further tips, suggestions, or questions at info@cyclomundo.com.