What are the most beautiful villages in the Spanish Basque Country? Discover the hidden gems of the Euskadi region.
When we think of the Spanish Basque Country, we think of the unique character of Basque culture, the mountains overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, or why not wild ponies. But big cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian also come to mind. Their museums, pretty beaches and tapas evenings attract many visitors every year!
And yet, if you want to immerse yourself in the Basque soul, you’ll have to set off to discover its often little-known villages. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on what to see among the most beautiful villages in the Spanish Basque Country!
1. Lekeitio
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jon Chica
What makes Lekeitio one of the most beautiful villages in the Spanish Basque Country is above all its geographical location. Situated between the sea and the mountains, it boasts lovely views of the surrounding countryside. Make the most of your stay by taking a stroll along the coast.
To do so, head for the pretty Santa Catalina lighthouse or San Nicolas Island at low tide. But Lekeitio also boasts monuments worth a visit, such as the Basilica de la Asunción de Santa María.
2. Elciego
Photo credit: Shutterstock – funkyfrogstock
Head for Rioja Alavesa, a wine-growing region that combines vineyards, wineries and charming villages. Elciego is one of them! Here, wine takes center stage, and you can visit some of the region’s most prestigious wineries. You won’t want to miss the Marques de Riscal bodega, whose architecture is sure to surprise you!
However, Elciego is also worth a visit for its historical heritage. Churches and hermitages stand out against the mountainous landscape.
3. Balmaseda
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ondacaracola
Balmaseda was the first city founded in the historic territory of Bizkaia. This former commercial center has preserved its medieval heritage: the Romanesque bridge of La Muza, the San Sebastian hermitage, the monastery of Santa-Clara, etc.
You’ll also find a museum tracing the history of the region. Traditions are still alive and well in Balmaseda, which enjoys a quiet, old-fashioned atmosphere… One of the most beautiful villages in the Spanish Basque Country!
4. Elantxobe
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mimadeo
Elantxobe, one of the most beautiful villages in the Spanish Basque Country, is reached via a road with superb panoramic views. Peaceful, discreet and colorful, this coastal village makes a lovely stopover during your stay in Euskadi.
Take a stroll around the fishing port and up the narrow streets to admire the view of the coastline. Finally, take a detour to the region’s most unusual monument: a bus stop! Since the streets are too narrow, engineers designed a turntable to turn the bus around… We recommend that the curious take a look.
5. Labraza
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alberto Loyo
Located in the Rioja Alavesa wine region, the monumental complex of Labraza is an ancient fortified medieval hamlet. It is said to be one of the best-preserved bastides in the world! Situated on a hill, it offers a magnificent panoramic view of the region.
Its impregnable ramparts are hollowed out by a multitude of small houses. A visit takes you back in time!
6. Mundaka
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jon Chica
Mundaka is world-famous for its left-hand wave, one of the longest in the world! But this small fishing village doesn’t just attract surfers. Indeed, despite its fame, it has retained all its authenticity, with its pretty typical houses encircling the fishing port.
Mundaka has always played a key role in Basque history and mythology. Its name derives from the Latin munda aqua, meaning clean water. It is said to have been given by the crew of an exiled Scottish princess, perhaps the first inhabitants of the area…
7. Salinas de Añana
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alberto Loyo
To visit Salinas de Añana is to step back in time 6,500 years. The Salt Valley was home to one of the oldest salt factories in the world! This unique salt came from a sea that disappeared over two hundred million years ago… A unique historical and cultural landscape that you shouldn’t miss.
8. Getaria
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jon Chica
One of the most beautiful villages in the Spanish Basque Country, Getaria can be recognized from afar by the silhouette of the Getaria ratón. Once an inhabited island, this small hill is now home to a nature park with a rich biodiversity.
But above all, a visit to Getaria means discovering its charming fishing port, which conceals an important part of Basque history… It was here that Elkano, the first navigator to circumnavigate the globe, lived at the beginning of the 16th century. Getaria is also the birthplace of Balenciaga, and fashion enthusiasts can visit his museum.
9. Laguardia
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Matyas Rehak
The capital of the Alava wine region, Laguardia is a medieval village that ranks among the most beautiful in the Spanish Basque Country. It offers superb views over the fertile Ebro valley, dotted with vineyards and prestigious wineries.
Pass through the gates of Laguardia to discover its ramparts and narrow streets. These include fine medieval homes and a Romanesque church. Santa María de los Reyes is worth a visit for its magnificent polychrome portal, a 14th-century Gothic work of art.
10. Zumaia
The cliffs of Zumaia Photo credit: Shutterstock : Alberto Loyo
Zumaia enjoys an exceptional location on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Basque coastline. Its beaches, encircled by green mountains, offer languid cliffside landscapes. Don’t miss the chapel of San Telmo, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, overlooking the Atlantic.
Last but not least, the old town of Zumaia is not lacking in charm. It’s very lively at the height of the season! All this diversity makes it one of the most beautiful villages in the Spanish Basque Country.
11. Ea
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Euskalduna
If you’re looking for an unusual visit to one of the most beautiful villages in the Spanish Basque Country, Ea is the place to go. First of all, Ea is surrounded by an exceptional landscape. You’ll have the chance to feast your eyes on its beautiful beaches and superb coves.
But it’s also Ea’s architectural heritage that gives it all its character. In addition to a number of interesting monuments, Ea is criss-crossed by canals. They give it the air of Basque Venice!
12. Labastida
Photo credit: Shutterstock – leonardo2011
Visit Labastida once again in the Rioja Alavesa wine region. Lovers of wine and history can combine tastings and cellar visits with the discovery of its centuries-old architectural heritage.
Its narrow streets, dotted with beautiful mansions with large studded doors, offer many opportunities to marvel. Not forgetting the magnificent views over the Ebro plain and Mount Toloño. Labastida is located on a rocky outcrop.
13. Pasai Donibane (Pasajes de San Juan)
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alberto Loyo
This fishing village is located in Pasaia. It’s an unusual place, with small stone houses overlooking the harbor. They take on the air of floating houses, while adopting the Basque style with their multicolored half-timbering. Take a stroll down the narrow streets, which sometimes plunge into the water, and let yourself be amazed.
You wouldn’t expect to find such a historic heritage in this industrial region! Don’t miss the lively little square, home to many fine restaurants. But don’t stop there! As you continue on your way, you’ll come to a stroll that offers extraordinary views of the coastline.
14. Mutriku
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jon Chica
Discover Mutriku, yet another fishing village on this list of the most beautiful villages in the Spanish Basque Country! As you stroll along its steep streets, you’ll quickly become aware of its historical past. Indeed, although the village has industrial influences, there are many medieval buildings and inhabited caves.
One of the most emblematic monuments is the Halle aux Poissons, which faces the fishing port. It once housed the Sailors’ Guild. Finally, Mutriku boasts one of the most beautiful bays on the Basque coast. At low tide, you can stroll along las Sietes playas, which stretches from Gipuzkoa to Vizcaya.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Spanish Basque Country