Northern Spain is full of places to visit, but a road trip through the Basque Country has it all: gastronomy, tradition, history and even a unique attitude to life.
If you are looking for a different type of getaway and you fancy touring some lovely fishing villages, the Basque coast is a great option. Most towns are very well connected by road (and very close), so you can organise a road trip that links ports, historic towns and viewpoints with endless views of the sea.
Below, we propose a route that starts in the province of Guipúzcoa and goes through some of the most iconic towns and villages until it reaches the border with France. Take note.
Getaria, the starting point of this road trip through the Basque Country
Our road trip through the Basque Country begins in Getaria, a small town with a lot of history, sea and gastronomy. This fishing village was the birthplace of Juan Sebatián Elcano, the first man to circumnavigate the world, and it still preserves that adventurous spirit in its streets.
The fishing port is one of the busiest in the area. But if we were to highlight just one thing about Getaria, it would be its gastronomy. In the restaurants near the port you will find fresh grilled fish (especially turbot), washed down with a good glass of txakoli, the local white wine.
What's more, The Mouse of Getaria—a hill that juts into the sea in the shape of a mouse—is one of the most photographed parts of the Basque coast.
Zumaia and the flysch of the Basque coast
Heading east along the coast you reach Zumaia, a place that has gained international renown for its impressive geological formations, better known as flysch. These are cliffs that extend for several miles and whose layers of rock tell a story millions of years old.
This natural spectacle has served as the setting for films and TV series like Game of Thrones. And in this road trip through the Basque Country, you can walk down the paths that run along the cliffs with the sound of the Bay of Biscay in the background.
Bermeo, the true soul of fishing villages
The road trip through the Basque Country continues to Bermeo, one of the most traditional fishing villages found along the coast. Founded in the 13th century, it has been the main port of the Bay of Biscay for centuries and still maintains strong links with the sea.
You can stroll through the port, take in all the seafaring essence of its colourful houses, boats and the daily life of fishermen. And from Bermeo you can visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, another of the iconic spots in the Basque Country. It is an islet crowned by a hermitage that can be accessed via a climb of more than 200 steps. But we can say with certainty that the views are worth it.
Lekeitio, with a boat load of charm
The next stop is Lekeitio, another of the most beautiful fishing villages in the Basque Country. It is located in a privileged natural area that for centuries was a large whaling port, and that history is still very present. In addition, you can visit:
The harbour, perfect for a stroll, with bars and restaurants serving fresh fish.
The island of San Nicolas, just off the coast. You can walk there when the tide is low.
The basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, in Gothic style, which offers a brutal contrast to the marine environment.
Hondarribia, last stop on this road trip through the Basque Country
The trip ends in Hondarribia, one of the most charming cities in the region. It is situated on the border with France, on the shores of the bay of Txingudi, with a walled old town and a lively fishing district.
The old town still has cobblestone streets, houses with colourful balconies and a wall that tells the stories of its past. But the soul of Hondarribia lies in the Marina neighbourhood, with bars and taverns where you can try some of the best pintxos in Guipúzcoa. From the promenade, you can enjoy stunning views of the mouth of the Bidasoa and Hendaye.
It is the perfect finishing touch to this road trip through the Basque Country, which starts with renting a car with OK Mobility at Bilbao Airport. It is the best way to travel at your own pace through some of the most beautiful fishing villages in northern Spain, make as many stops as you want and soak up their charm.
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