Gastronomy
Pintxos, tapas and Michelin-starred restaurants: San Sebastián ranks among the world’s top three gastronomic cities
Wine region · France
Basque Country
The Gastronomic Capital of Europe: San Sebastian's pintxos, txakoli and unique Basque culture
Region
About the region
The Basque Country is a unique region on the border of France and Spain with the oldest culture in Europe. San Sebastián is considered the gastronomic capital of the world with a record concentration of Michelin stars.
It combines the Atlantic coast, green mountains, traditional pintxos bars and contemporary art from the Guggenheim Museum. Basque cuisine is a philosophy and a way of life.
Txakoli and cider
Unique Basque drinks: sparkling white wine Txakoli and traditional cider from a barrel
Culture
Guggenheim Bilbao, Basque language, pelota and ancient traditions
Coast
Atlantic beaches, surfing in Biarritz and picturesque fishing villages
What to see
Main attractions
From pintxos bars to the Guggenheim Museum
Click a marker or card: they are linked.
CitiesSan Sebastián
Gastronomic capital of the world with La Concha beach
- La Concha Beach
- Old Town
- 16 Michelin stars
GastronomyPintxos bars
Traditional bars with miniature culinary masterpieces
- Old Town
- Gastro tours
- Txakoli
CultureGuggenheim Museum
Frank Gehry's architectural masterpiece in Bilbao
- Contemporary art
- Architecture
- Sculptures
CoastBiarritz
Elegant resort and capital of European surfing
- Surfing
- Casino
- Beaches
GastronomyCider houses
Traditional Basque cider houses with txotx ritual
- Txotx ritual
- Steak
- Traditions
CitiesBilbao
Industrial city turned cultural capital
- Casco Viejo
- Guggenheim
- Pintxos
CoastSaint-Jean-de-Luz
Picturesque fishing port of the French Basque Country
- Port
- Beach
- Macarons
CultureGuernica
Basque Holy City with Tree of Guernica
- Tree of Gernika
- History
- Peace Museum
GastronomyTxakoli
Vineyards of unique Basque wine
- Getaria
- Tastings
- Ocean views
Towns and villages
Towns and villages of the Basque Country
From gastronomic San Sebastian to coastal fishing villages, every place is unique
Town
San Sebastián
Gastronomic capital of the world with 16 Michelin stars, famous La Concha beach and hundreds of pintxos bars in the Old Town.
- La Concha Beach
- Old Town
- 16 Michelin stars
- Pintxos bars
Town
Bilbao
Basque cultural capital with the Guggenheim Museum, historic Casco Viejo and famous pintxos tours.
100 km from San Sebastian
- Guggenheim Museum
- Casco Viejo
- Ribera Market
- Pintxos tours
Town
Biarritz
An elegant French resort on the Atlantic coast - the capital of European surfing with magnificent beaches and a casino.
50 km from San Sebastian
- Grande Plage
- Surfing
- Casino
- Les Halles Market
Town
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
A picturesque fishing port in the French Basque Country with charming streets, a beach and famous macarons.
35 km from San Sebastián
- Fishing Port
- Beach
- Macarons
- House of Louis XIV
Village
Getaria
Coastal village with txakoli vineyards, fresh seafood and Cristóbal Balenciaga's house museum.
25 km from San Sebastian
- Txakoli Vineyards
- Grilled fish
- Balenciaga Museum
- Port
Village
Hondarribia
A beautiful Basque village on the border with France with fortified walls, colorful houses and pintxos bars.
20 km from San Sebastian
- Fortress walls
- Colorful houses
- Pintxos bars
- View of France
Traditions
Traditions and culture
The Basque Country carefully preserves unique traditions - from the txotx cider ritual to the ancient Euskera language
Txotx - cider ritual
A unique Basque ritual of tasting cider straight from huge barrels. Shouting "Txotx!" - and the cider flows in a thin stream.
- Season: January–April
- Cider pours straight from the barrel
- Traditional Steak and Omelette
- Group tasting
Pelota - Basque sport
An ancient ball game played against a wall, now a symbol of Basque identity. Played on fronton courts across the region.
- There are more than 10 varieties
- Pelota courts in every village
- International tournaments
- Fastest ball in sports
Aste Nagusia – Big week
Bilbao's main festival in August: concerts, Basque sports, giant puppet parades and fireworks.
- August, 9 days
- Giant dolls
- Pelota competitions
- Night fireworks
Txakoli grape harvest
Autumn grape harvest festival for Txakoli in Getaria, with tastings of new wine and Basque cuisine.
- September–October
- Getaria Vineyards
- Tasting young txakoli
- Traditional treats
Tamborrada - drum day
The main festival of San Sebastián: thousands of citizens in historical costumes beat drums for 24 hours straight.
- January 20
- 24 hours of music
- Historical costumes
- Children's and adult parades
Basque - Euskera
The oldest language of Europe of unknown origin. Today Basque is experiencing a renaissance: schools, radio, literature.
- Europe’s only language isolate
- Older than Indo-European languages
- Inscriptions and place names everywhere
- Basque-language schools — ikastolas
Gastronomy
Gastronomy of the Basque Country
From legendary pintxos to burnt cheesecake, the cuisine that has taken the world by storm
Producers
Producers and workshops
Visit Txakoli wineries, traditional cideries and unique artisan workshops
Txakoli Winery
Txomin Etxaniz
Getaria’s oldest winery, overlooking the ocean. It produces benchmark txakoli from the Hondarrabi Zuri grape.
WhereGetariaExcursionsMon–Sat 9:00–18:00PriceFrom 15€
Txakoli Winery
Ameztoi
Family-owned winery since 1820, famous for its sparkling txakoli and stunning views of the vineyards.
WhereGetariaExcursionsBy appointmentPriceFrom 12€
Basque cider house
Petritegi Sagardotegia
A traditional Basque cider house with a txotx season from January to April, when cider flows straight from enormous barrels.
WhereAstigarragaExcursionsJan–Apr: Mon–SunPriceFrom 30€ (menu)
Legendary confectionery
La Viña
Creators of the legendary "burnt" Basque cheesecake that became a global phenomenon. The recipe is kept secret.
WhereSan SebastiánExcursionsDaily 10:00–22:00PriceFrom 5€
Basque cider house
Zapiain Sagardotegia
Family cider house from the 17th century, where you can not only taste cider, but also see the entire production process.
WhereAstigarragaExcursionsJan–Apr + by appointmentPriceFrom 25€
Shipbuilding workshop
Albaola: the Sea Factory
A unique shipyard where historical Basque whaling ships from the 16th century are handcrafted using traditional techniques.
WherePasaiaExcursionsTue–Sun 10:00–18:00PriceFrom 10€
Useful information
Txakoli wineries require reservations one to two days ahead Cider houses open in txotx season, January–April, and by appointment outside the season Most producers sell products on site Cider houses offer a full menu: cider, steak, cheese and omelette
What to bring home
What to bring from the Basque Country
The best souvenirs and gifts that will preserve the taste and atmosphere of travel
Wine · From €12
Txakoli from Getaria
Authentic Basque white wine from vineyards overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in an elegant bottle
Tip: Look for Txomin Etxaniz or Ameztoi, the best producers
Getaria Wineries
Food · From €18
Basque cheesecake
Legendary “burnt” La Viña cheesecake from San Sebastian in a gift box
Tip: Delivery can be arranged; keeps for 3 days
La Viña, San Sebastián
Crafts · From €30
Basque beret – txapela
Traditional handmade black beret - national symbol of the Basques
Tip: Original txapela berets are made in Tolosa by craftsmen with a century of history
Shops in the Old Town
Wine · From €8
Basque cider in a bottle
Natural apple cider from Astigarraga - the taste of traditional txotx at home
Tip: Pour from a height for the right flavour!
Cider makers, supermarkets
Food · From €10
Canned food from Getaria
Premium canned tuna, anchovies and sardines in olive oil from fishing villages
Tip: Getaria anchovies are Europe’s finest
Fish shops of Getaria
Crafts · From €20
Irun Ceramics
Hand-painted ceramics with traditional Basque designs and symbols
Tip: Painted ceramic plates make excellent gifts
Craft shops
Wine · From €18
Rioja Alavesa
Elegant red wine from the Basque part of Rioja - Tempranillo with a mineral character
Tip: Look for wineries in Laguardia and Elciego
Rioja Alavesa Wineries
Food · From €15
Idiazabal Cheese
Traditional sheep's cheese from the Basque mountains - lightly smoked, nutty and protected designation
Tip: The older it is (añejo), the fuller the flavour
Markets, cheese shops
Crafts · From €25
Wooden pelota
Authentic Basque pelota (pelota ball) handmade from wood and leather
Tip: Different sizes are available for different forms of pelota
Sports shops
Food · From €8
Piperada in a jar
A ready-made sauce of Basque peppers, tomatoes and onions: the base for piperade and dozens of other dishes
Tip: Ideal for preparing a quick Basque dinner
Delicatessens
Crafts · From €40
Model farmhouse — baserri
Miniature models of traditional Basque farmhouses made of wood and stone
Tip: Every model is unique and handmade
Souvenir shops
Food · From €15
Jamón shavings
Vacuum-packed fine shavings of Iberian jamon - the perfect gastronomic souvenir
Tip: Look for jamón labelled bellota, from acorn-fed pigs
Delicatessens
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At San Sebastián’s La Bretxa market, cider houses, wineries and old-town craft shops Wineries arrange delivery Bilbao Airport has duty-free local wines and cider Look for DO, Denominación de Origen, labels on wines and cider, a guarantee of origin
Where to stay
Where to Stay in the Basque Country
The best hotels in the region - from Belle Époque palaces to eco-hotels at cider houses
Luxury · San Sebastián ★★★★★
Hotel Maria Cristina
The legendary Belle Époque hotel on La Concha Bay, where royalty and international film stars have stayed.
- View of La Concha
- Restaurant
- Spa
- Belle Époque
From 450€4.9 · 567 reviews
Coast · San Sebastián ★★★★★
Akelarre Hotel
Design hotel with three Michelin stars on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- 3 Michelin stars
- Ocean Panorama
- Design
- Pool
From 380€4.8 · 423 reviews
Boutique · San Sebastián ★★★★
Villa Favorita
Elegant boutique hotel on La Concha seafront with sophisticated rooms overlooking the main beach.
- Beach view
- Restaurant
- Waterfront promenade
- Center
From 280€4.7 ·312 reviews
Cider · Astigarraga ★★★★
Petritegi — Eco Hotel Rural
Eco-hotel at a family cider house: rooms among apple orchards and cider straight from the barrel in the restaurant.
- Cider house
- Apple orchards
- Eco-design
- Restaurant
From 150€4.6 · 189 reviews
Boutique · San Sebastián ★★★★
Lasala Plaza Hotel
Historic 18th century building in the Old Town with rooftop pool and harbor views.
- Rooftop pool
- Old Town
- 18th century
- Harbour view
From 220€4.8 · 378 reviews
Luxury · Biarritz ★★★★★
Hôtel du Palais
Napoleon III’s oceanfront palace: a symbol of the French Basque Country’s elegance, overlooking the Grande Plage.
- 19th century palace
- Ocean view
- Guerlain Spa
- Michelin
From 500€4.9 ·645 reviews
Coast · Getaria ★★★
Hotel San Nikolas
Cozy hotel in the port of Getaria with sea views and the freshest fish in the restaurant opposite.
- Port view
- Restaurant
- Txakoli nearby
- Center
From 110€4.5 · 256 reviews
Boutique · Bilbao ★★★★
Hotel Tayko Bilbao
Industrial-design hotel on the banks of Nervion overlooking the Guggenheim and the river.
- View of the Guggenheim
- Design
- Restaurant
- Casco Viejo
From 180€4.7 · 334 reviews
Cider · Astigarraga ★★★
Casa Rural Irigoien
Traditional Basque village house (baserri) overlooking the apple orchards and cideria next door.
- Baserri
- Apple orchards
- Traditional style
- Breakfast
From 95€4.8 · 201 reviews
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Book two to three months ahead in high season (June–September), or four months ahead for festivals San Sebastián is an ideal base, Biarritz for elegance, Getaria for authenticity and txakoli Average €150–350 per night; palace hotels cost more (€400–500). Winter discounts up to 20%
· reviews
Route Examples
Route Examples
Ready-made routes for independent travel through the gastronomic Basque Country
- Day 1
San Sebastian and pintxos
Arrival at Bilbao airport, transfer to San Sebastian. Walk along La Concha beach and evening pintxos tour of the Old Town.
- Day 2
Txakoli and the coast
Getaria vineyards overlooking the ocean, txakoli tasting, grilled fish lunch at the port and a walk through the picturesque village.
- Day 3
Bilbao and Guggenheim
Transfer to Bilbao, Guggenheim Museum, lunch in Casco Viejo and pintxos tour of the historic quarter before departure.
Don't want to plan it yourself?
Join our guided tour with a food expert, comfortable transportation and exclusive access to wineries and cideries.
Basque Country food tourExperiences
What awaits you
Immerse yourself in the gastronomic culture of the Basque Country
Pintxos tour
Gastronomic tour of the best pintxos bars in San Sebastian
Txakoli and cider
Tastings at Getaria wineries and traditional cider houses
Michelin-starred restaurants
Dinners at the legendary restaurants Arzak, Mugaritz, Akelarre
Guggenheim Museum
Tour an architectural masterpiece and contemporary art collection
Atlantic Coast
Biarritz beaches, surfing and picturesque fishing villages
Cooking class
Cooking pintxos and Basque dishes with a local chef
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers to popular questions about tours to the Basque Country
When is the best time to visit the Basque Country?
The best time is from May to October. Summer is ideal for the beaches, autumn for gastronomy and the txakoli harvest. Cideries are open in winter (January-April).
What are pintxos?
Pintxos are the Basque version of tapas, miniature culinary delights on a skewer. There are hundreds of bars in San Sebastian where you can try different pintxos with a glass of txakoli.
What is Txakoli?
Txakoli is a unique Basque white wine, slightly sparkling and refreshing. It is poured from a height to saturate it with oxygen. The best vineyards are in Getaria.
Should you book Michelin restaurants in advance?
Definitely! Restaurants Arzak, Mugaritz, Akelarre need to be booked 2-3 months in advance. We will help with booking as part of the tour.
Is it possible to visit both the Spanish and French parts?
Yes, this is the perfect combination! The Spanish part (San Sebastian, Bilbao) and the French part (Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz) complement each other.
Art Wine Guide
Ready to discover the Basque Country?
Contact us and we will create the perfect food tour just for you
- +33 6 12 34 56 78
- info@artwineguide.fr