BASQUE COUNTRY

The Basque Country lies in the north of Spain and basks on the Cantabrian coast.

The Basque people have preserved unique culture, the jewel of which is its language, Euskera, a pre-Indoeuropean tongue whose mysterious origin has never been established. Its folklore is autotoctonous too, and you may even watch particular sports like the so-called Basqueball ("pelota vasca").

The Atlantic Ocean meets the green slopes of the Pyrenees, making a rugged coastline and mountainous hinterland.

San Sebastián was, in the last century, one of the summer places most frequented by the Spanish aristocracy. It is a beautiful resort and cultural center which has preserved a rare cosmopolitan and distinguished air.
Bilbao, founded in the 14th century, is the Basque Country's largest city. It houses the Guggenheim Museum of modern art, which has achieved international renown. It also has a beautiful Old Quarter that boasts a Gothic cathedral and its City Hall building.
Vitoria, the capital of Euskadi is worth a visit due to its well-preserved historical center and its active cultural life with several festivals of international importance.

Today it is one of the most industrialized regions of Spain. Despite of that there are still many areas of almost untouched nature, notably the natural parks of Valderejo, Urkiola, Urdaibai and the magical landscapes along Guernica river. It is a great region for hiking, riding, golf and all sorts of mountain sports. Another attraction is the steep Cantabrian coast, but don't forget to bring your raincoat to protect yourself of the "txirimiri", the typical very fine rain.