'One of Spain’s most interesting regions' named among 'best destinations' to visit in 2024
The region is known for its beautiful beaches and unique cuisine.
País Vasco, or the Basque Country, is an autonomous region in Northern Spain, home to an array of beautiful beaches and unique modern architecture. It's here you'll find the thriving cities of Bilbao and San Sebastián, moving into Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a fishing town at the mouth of the Nivelle river, in southwest France’s Basque country.
The region has been named one of the "best destinations to visit in 2024" according to experts from Lonely Planet.
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According to goaskalocal.com: "Basque Country is one of the most interesting regions of Spain and everything here feels slightly (and sometimes very) distinct.
"The language, culture, cuisine, and even geography are simply different from everywhere else you'll go."
Though there are countless highlights of the region, Lonely Planet placed a spotlight on País Vasco as a foodie destination, describing the local gastronomy as "unmatched".
San Sebastián, located on the Bay of Biscay, is famous for its pintxo bars. A pintxo is a popular Basque style of eating, which began as small plates given out by bars and restaurants for customers to enjoy as a taster.
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Traditionally, they are small pieces of crusty bread topped with various different ingredients. Sometimes, you will find pintxos offered on skewers or toothpicks.
These dishes often make use of meat, fresh seafood, olives, and peppers. Lonely Planet also described the many wine tours of País Vasco as a highlight of the region.
"Basque cuisine is a cuisine of sensibility, with local roots, of great produce, both contemporary and investigative. And all within a sustainable ethos," Elena Arzak, joint head chef at three-Michelin-star restaurant Arzak in San Sebastián told Lonely Planet.
Bilbao, located along the mouth of the Nervión River, is the largest city in the Basque Country. The metropolis is famous for its iconic Guggenheim Museum, which is renowned for its architecture and contemporary art collection.
The city also hosts multiple cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Bilbao BBK Live Festival which showcases an avant-garde, eclectic musical programme.
Along its coastline, surf enthusiasts often make the pilgrimage to Mundaka to catch its "legendary left-hand wave". Surfing has converted into a regular practice in the coastal town, which is located in the province of Biscay.
