The Basque Country pairs San Sebastián's pintxo bars in the Parte Vieja with Bilbao's Frank Gehry Guggenheim, and the surf at Mundaka and the cliffs of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe along the Bay of Biscay.
Highlights
San Sebastián
Bilbao
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Getaria
When to Visit
May-Jun
Coast warming for swimming, Bilbao BBK Live festival in early July aside, and Basque pintxo bars at peak with txakoli vintage opening.
Jul-Aug
San Sebastián Jazz Festival fourth week of July, Aste Nagusia in Bilbao mid-August, and La Concha beach packed but the pintxo bar scene runs all summer.
Sep
San Sebastián International Film Festival third week of September, surf swells building at Mundaka, and the new Basque cider season opening with txotx.
Oct-Apr
Atlantic winter coast wild and rainy, but the pintxo bars in San Sebastián and the Guggenheim interior stay year-round, with Mundaka surf at peak November-March.
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