It’s no secret that Spain will always be one of the most recommended holiday destinations in Europe, but the Basque Country, in the North of Spain, generally tends to go unmentioned.
It isn’t as well-known as holiday destinations such as the Balearic islands and the Costa Brava, and that’s what makes it the perfect place to take your children for a family holiday! There will be fewer tourists, and there is so much history and art that you can show your children for a more educational trip.
From the UK, the Basque Country is easily accessible as you can fly directly to Bilbao or even get there by ferry. If you’re coming from the mainland of Europe, you can arrive to the Basque Country by train; this can be cheaper and is a great way to show your kids more of Spain on the journey there!
1. Taste Some of the Most Exquisite Food in Spain
San Sebastián is a city on the North coast of Spain on the Bay of Biscay and has numerous Michelin Star restaurants that provide you with a beautiful evening if you want something fancier.
A really good place is Bernardo Etxea, a restaurant specialising in seafood close to the Bay of La Concha. This is a wonderful restaurant where you can experience the divine Basque cuisine and taste local seafood.
If you are looking for something less fancy, you can go for a pinxto in one of the bars. This is a simple snack available in any bar in the city, where you can taste a Spanish tortilla or toast topped with sardines for a very affordable price. This is perfect for if you have a day packed full of activities and need a quick bite to eat on the go!
2. Pleasant Weather
As the Basque Country is located in the Northernmost part of Spain, the weather is generally cooler and there is more rain. This means that visiting in the school holiday season is perfect because the hot weather is more tolerable. You can enjoy a day full of adventures but also enjoy the sun at the beach without being too hot; it’s a win-win situation!
3. See Incredible Pieces of Art in the City of Bilbao
Bilbao has many art museums that you can visit with your children to give them a more educational experience. Of course, there is the infamous Guggenheim Art Museum, a building that is a symbol of modernism due to its unique architecture by Frank Gehry. It’s a museum suitable for people of all ages, and even if you aren’t an art lover it’s still an interesting day out because you get to see the spectacular building design!
There is also the Fine Arts Museum which provides a wider selection of modern and classical art, and numerous other cultural and historic centres where your children can learn and have fun at the same time.
4. Endless Playgrounds for Children
In the Basque Country, wherever you go there will be a playground nearby. Even when you go to the pinxto bars and enjoy a relaxing warm drink, there is usually a play area outside where your children can entertain themselves on the seesaws and the climbing frames. The playgrounds are usually full of other children, so your kids can have the opportunity to socialise with other little ones from Spain or maybe even other parts of the world!
5. Towns in the Basque Country
Although there are multiple well-known cities in the Basque Country, you shouldn’t confine yourself to the metropolitan areas. There are so many towns and villages out in the countryside that surrounds the cities, and you won’t be disappointed with their beauty and what they have to offer!
Some of the best towns to visit include Pasai Donibane which is on a stunning part of the coast, or Laguardia which is a town surrounded by walls where there are lots of vineyards that have been there since the tenth century.
6. The Impressive beaches of Northern Spain
The coast of the Basque Country varies; in some areas you will find huge cliffs, and in others, beaches with dramatic waves that are perfect for surfing. In general, the beaches are much less busy than other beaches in Europe which makes it much more relaxing for you while your children go off to play in the sand.
Playa de Laga is a great place to take surfing classes which is a fun activity for you and your children. There are also plenty of bars around for you to relax in after a tiring day lying in the sun – what a life!
7. Affordable Accommodation
The accommodation is typically cheaper in the Basque Country in comparison to the rest of Spain because tourism isn’t as high there. There are so many hotels that you can choose from whilst taking your budget into account, and they are all really good value.
A popular hotel to stay at is the URH Palacio de Oriel in Santurtzi (Santurce); it has 4 stars and stunning coastal views, and its facilities make it perfect for taking children. Outside you’ll find a small playground, and the room sizes are more than suitable for families. Santurtzi, the town in which it is located, is a wonderful place for a holiday as it is surrounded by the impressive Mount Serantes and is home to the San Jorge Church which was built a very long time ago in 1075.
8. San Sebastián: A Stunning City with So Much to Do
San Sebastián is known for its beaches full of gold sand and its incredible hilly landscape and is definitely a place you should take your kids to visit. You can have an adrenaline-filled day out at the Mount Igueldo Theme Park or opt for something more relaxing like visiting La Concha, San Sebastian’s tranquil beach that has pleasant views.
For a more educational trip, take your kids to the Eureka Science Museum where they can engage in interactive activities and learn so many new facts about life!
9. San Juan de Gatztelguxte
Are you a fan of Game of Thrones? If so, the Basque Country is the perfect holiday destination for you! It is home to San Juan de Gatzelgutxe which is a small island off the coast of Bilbao, where the Game of Thrones Dragonstone is found. Once you arrive there, you can hike down a steep cliff and then climb a whopping 240 steps to reach it at the top by the chapel!
10. The Vizcaya Bridge
The Vizcaya Bridge is a transporter bridge that goes from the town of Portugalete to Las Arenas and crosses the Nervión river. In 2006, UNESCO declared it a world heritage site as it is the most ancient transporter bridge in the world.
It may not sound glamorous, but once you get to the top of the bridge and witness the insane views yourself, you’ll be so impressed!
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