The 12 most beautiful towns in the Basque Country

If there is a point on the map of Spain that deserves a thorough visit, that is the Basque Country, which has many of the most beautiful towns in the country. The work of nature is perfectly complemented by human action, and together they have created the most beautiful landscapes you can see. These are the
12 most beautiful villages in the Basque Country that you have that you cannot miss on your next trip to the North.

Hondarribia (Guipuzcoa)

On the border with France is one of the most outstanding places in the Basque Country. This is Hondarribia, a town that combines the essence of the port with aristocratic elegance, because in the 19th century it was one of the obligatory stops for the haute bourgeoisie. Its streets collect charm and history, and it stands out for its particular painted houses and old fishermen’s homes.

Mundaka (Vizcaya)

If what you want is to see a miracle of nature, you cannot miss the Mundaka marshes. This coastal town is formed at the mouth of the estuary that is responsible for the creation of these treasures. Mundaka combines nature, modernity and tradition in its streets. From its Gothic church to its marina, this town will not leave any visitor indifferent.

Tolosa (Guipuzcoa)

Tolosa is located on the banks of the Oria River, a town that gathers centuries of Basque tradition and culture in its enclaves. This town not only stands out for its many tourist attractions and the beauty of its streets, it also stands out for its gastronomy. The Tolosa beans or its deep-rooted pastry tradition are weighty excuses to justify a visit to this town.

Bermeo (Vizcaya)

It is not surprising that Ernest Hemingway himself wanted to stop by Bermeo on his visits to Spain. And it is that this town brings together all the attractiveness of a coastal town with a medieval redoubt that with manifestations of enormous patrimonial and artistic value. In addition, it has the Convent of San Francisco, a Gothic jewel that can boast of being the oldest in the province.

Elciego (Álava)

Elciego is a mandatory stop for wine lovers, because the Marqués de Riscal wineries are located in this town. But beyond this great attraction, Elciego has many other things that make it one of the most beautiful towns in the Basque Country, such as its curious urban center or the church of San Andrés.

Laguardia (Alava)

Along the same lines as the previous destination, Laguardia also stands out, mainly, for its wineries, but it has a medieval past that can still be witnessed if you walk through its streets. This town knows its appeal and knows how to make the most of its potential, which is why you can taste its best wines while you stroll through the historical jewels that dot its streets.

Lekeitio (Vizcaya)

Lekeitio is the perfect destination if you want to enjoy a vacation destination that stands out for its beauty. This coastal town has one of the most beautiful ports in Spain and an old town that will take you to a setting worthy of a story. All this is sheltered between green hills and islands that put the definitive point to the enclave.

Getaria (Guipuzcoa)

If the Basque Country knows anything about it, it is to manage to unite in its towns the essence of fishing with the historical past that make them up, and that is exactly what happens, also in Getaria. This town located at the foot of Mount San Antón has tradition and trend, and it is that you can visit its medieval buildings as well as learn more about fashion in the museum dedicated to Cristóbal Balenciaga.

Ayala Valley (Álava)

To enjoy outdoor activities and see first-hand the charm of the nature of the forest, nothing like spending a few days in the Ayala Valley. There you will be able to dedicate time to activities such as hiking, which will allow you to see first-hand its natural landscapes, and at the same time enjoy one of the most beautiful medieval complexes in the country.

Labastida (Álava)

A stone door welcomes one of the most special stately towns in the Basque Country. It preserves the traditional architecture of the area that is reminiscent of years gone by despite the passage of time, and its streets are full of buildings that deserve you to stop at each one and contemplate their majesty.

Ondarroa (Vizcaya)

If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy at any time of the year, Ondarroa is your place. Not only is it another of the wonderful fishing villages of the Basque Country, it is also a heritage jewel. Its historic center combines with the picturesqueness of its houses, painted in unique colors that create a beautiful landscape in any season.

Balmaseda (Vizcaya)

What was the first Villa de Vizcaya continues to preserve that historical charm but without being oblivious to the passage of time. The visitor who has the luxury of strolling through its streets will find the essence of tradition in the 21st century, collected in museums and monuments that recall the greatness that this town has enjoyed since then.