Colors of Basque Country - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle
The Basque country has its name for a reason. This territory, which has been populated with a unique ethnic community since ancient times, still has its traditions and customs. By the way, the Basques do not only live in the North of Spain but also in the South of France – in Lapurdi, Bas-Novara, and Zuberoa. Although the Basque country, as an ethnic enclave, is a part of two other countries, it still remains certain autonomy of language, cultural background, and mentality. If your hobby or job has something to do with linguistics, try to make a contact with the locals. Many consider the Basque language to have word-forms, that remain unchanged since Paleolithic.
What to buy in the Basque Country? If you prefer world-famous brands, there is a good news for you – from the beginning of June till the end of September, and from the 7th of January till … Open
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The Big Week Festival in the middle of August is the time of festivity, when you can feel the positive and carefree atmosphere. The same, as during Piratas de Donostia and Carnaval festivals. On the third week of July, San-Sebastian welcomes Jazzaldia, the biggest European jazz festival, that hosts the world famous stars. There is also an International Film Festival. In Enrique and in Balmaseda, in June, you may find yourself in the medieval times – the local people dress in the style of the past centuries and serve the food, inspired by ancient recipes. Don’t forget, that the Basques just love cooking. There are so-called “culinary clubs”, where male friends gather together to cook and discuss the latest news in politics and culture. The biggest culinary festivals are San-Sebastian Gastronomika and Idiazabal Cheese Contest. It seems, that the atmosphere of carefree fun never leaves this welcoming country, where people love entertainments, dances, and good food.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Basque Country and surroundings
Reference information
Cathedrals and basilicas near Basque Country
♥ Iglesia San Prudencio de Armentia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, 19.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Catedral de Santiago Apóstol, Bilbao, 42.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Catedral de El Buen Pastor, San Sebastián, 61 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Asuncion, Castro Urdiales, 69.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Monasterio de San Millán de Suso, San Millán de la Cogolla, 75.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Monasterio de San Millán de Yuso, San Millán de la Cogolla, 76.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Iglesia San Prudencio de Armentia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, 19.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Catedral de Santiago Apóstol, Bilbao, 42.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Catedral de El Buen Pastor, San Sebastián, 61 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Asuncion, Castro Urdiales, 69.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Monasterio de San Millán de Suso, San Millán de la Cogolla, 75.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Monasterio de San Millán de Yuso, San Millán de la Cogolla, 76.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
Survived castles around Basque Country
♥ Castle 'Walls of Vitoria-Gasteiz' Araba, 16.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Tower of Doña Otxanda in Vitoria-Gasteiz' Araba, 16.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Tower of Mendoza' Araba, 21 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Castle of Ocio' Araba, 26.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Tower of Zamudio' Biscay, 40.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Tower of los Varona' Araba, 43.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Castle of San Vicente de la Sonsierra' La Rioja, 48.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Walls of Vitoria-Gasteiz' Araba, 16.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Tower of Doña Otxanda in Vitoria-Gasteiz' Araba, 16.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Tower of Mendoza' Araba, 21 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Castle of Ocio' Araba, 26.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Tower of Zamudio' Biscay, 40.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Tower of los Varona' Araba, 43.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Castle of San Vicente de la Sonsierra' La Rioja, 48.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
Unique landmarks in Basque Country and around
Guggenheim Museum
From the series “Top 16 Most Amazing Buildings of the Planet”
Check on the map: Distance from Basque Country center - 44 km.
In the Spanish city of Bilbao is one of the most remarkable buildings in the world, the site of the world famous Guggenheim Museum. The huge building of the abstract form was built on the banks of the Nervión River and preserves the valuable collection of the works of Solomon Guggenheim. Some of the museum rooms are used for the exhibitions on which the modern painters present their paintings. …
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Mundaka Beach
From the series “Top Beaches for Surfing on Huge Waves”
Check on the map: Distance from Basque Country center - 49 km.
Mundaka Beach is the perfect place to surf in Spain. It is located in the northern part of the country. This beach is the only one in Europe where there is a so-called "left wave". The picturesque stretch of coast is easily accessible. It is suitable for surfers of various levels of training. There are areas with small waves here. It will be comfortable for beginners to train on them. Professionals will not be bored either. Some areas of the beach are great for extreme wave riding. …
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Saudi Arabia to Open 38 Hotels in Diriyah
Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022. Read this
25.04.2024
Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022. Read this
25.04.2024
Colors of Basque Country in photos
Search for popular touristic sites on Basque Country map
Cityguide on traditions, mentality and lifestyle of people in Basque Country. Learn the best periods to visit Basque Country to discover its soul - authentic festivals, events and celebrations. We will also reveal the interesting habits, attitude towards the world and to tourists in Basque Country.