Festival de la calle de san sebastían: Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián

Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian (SanSe) Annual Festival in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian (SanSe) annual festival in Old San Juan guide for entertainment, food, art, parking and logistics.

Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian (SanSe) is an annual festival in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This multiday annual festival features plenty of music, dancing, art, the best of the best street food, and many beverages.

Schedule of SanSe Events

The annual festival is a 4 day event starting the third Thursday of January through Sunday. Music, parades and activities kickoff Thursday late afternoon, with the larger crowds and parties on Saturday and Sunday.

There is delicious local street food near each of the music stages, surrounding each plaza, and throughout Old San Juan.

Characters representing Puerto Rico culture and folklore known as “Cabezudos” dance in the parades and pose for photos with festival attendees.

Location

More than just Calle de San Sebastian, SanSe activities are spread out in Old San Juan.

There is Live Music and Entertainment in Plaza Quinto Centenario, Plaza de Armas, Plaza Barandilla, Plaza Colon, and in the attached community of La Perla (made even more famous by Luis Fonsi in the Despacito video). Check out the “Fiestas de La Calle San Sebastián” official events page on Facebook for the schedule of music and entertainment.

Logistics

Ferry Boats from Cataño depart from Terminal de Lanchas de Cataño (4 km South of the Bacardi Factory and a great combo activity), operating from 7:30 am to 2 am for $1.00 per person. This 12 minute ferry ride is scenic and affordable! Booking information and schedules available on Puerto Rico Ferry website.

TREN URBANO / Rail service which normally has very limited service, is expanding service hours starting at 5:30 am for the 4 days of the festival. Round trip tickets available for $1.50 per person. Find the nearest train station, scheduled stops, and train schedule at the official TUTRENPR website.

Taxi and Uber services are operating as normal for pick-up and drop off with some limitations due to road closures in Old San Juan near the event activities. Uber surge pricing (higher fare prices) will likely be in effect the entire festival and especially in the evenings.

Scooters and bikes are NOT allowed on the streets of Old San Juan during the festival.

AMA (Metropolitan Bus Authority) is operating on lines T5, T9, T21, T53, Metrobus 1 and 2, operating regular hours until 8:30 p.m., and will arrive at the Covadonga terminal. Two additional routes are added with extended hours until 11 pm on lines T3 and E10. Bus routes, maps, schedules and pricing available on DTOP website.

There are various parking lots available including,

• San Juan Cruise Port Terminal parking lot
• Plaza de la Convalecencia / Plaza de Río Piedras near University of Puerto Rico (UPR) campus
• Hiram Bithorn Stadium / Estadio Hiram Bithorn – Bus service between the stadium parking lot and Old San Juan

There is no public street parking allowed in Old San Juan during the festival. Only residents of Old San Juan (with proof of residency) will be allowed to enter and park in designated areas.

What to Wear

January weather is a pleasant high 70’s (78 degrees F / 26 C). You will be walking around and standing for most of the activities, so comfortable shoes are a must during SanSe!

Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are highly recommended during the day. It may cool off a few degrees for the evening entertainment, with a slight, cool breeze from the water. There is always a slight chance of light rain throughout the weekend, but it usually only lasts a few minutes.

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Author JenPosted on January 15, 2023January 20, 2023Categories Activities, Caribbean, Puerto Rico, TravelTags Festival Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Festival, SanSe

San Sebastian Street Festival – Repeating Islands

January 21, 2023

Among many exciting events, the Agua, Sol y Sereno theater company, led by Pedro Adorno, will be offering one of their celebrated dance processions this evening for the SanSe celebration in Old San Juan. The parade will go along San Sebastián Street starting at 5:00pm (at the corner of the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School). Las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián [San Sebastian Street Festival]—also known as SanSe—began on Thursday, January 19 and will run through Sunday, January 22.

Puerto Rico Day Trips writes:

San Sebastián (Saint Sebastian) was a Christian who was martyred for his faith. There is a street on the north side of Old San Juan named in his honor.

The original “festival” (in the 1950’s) was organized by a priest at the San Jose Church, which is located on San Sebastián Street, to celebrate the feast day of San Sebastián. The annual feast-day festival lasted only a few years.

In 1970, the festival was restarted and it has been held annually ever since. It always occurs around San Sebastián’s feast day, which is January 20th. The festival is typically held on the third weekend of January, and usually runs from Thursday to Sunday. Always double check exact dates before making vacation plans around these dates as things have been known to change from year to year.

The San Se Festival has evolved over time, though it still is full of tradition and Puerto Rican cultural heritage. Mostly, it is a great big party, with people enjoying every aspect of it. It is attended by hundreds of thousands of people, who are very much part of the entertainment scene.

Folks lucky enough to have a birds-eye view line the colorful balconies along Calle San Sebastián, and on the rest of the parade route, watching and shouting to the throngs of people in the streets below. Everyone else hits the streets. It’s basically the Puerto Rican version of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, without the beads and breasts.

[. . .] There are lots of live music shows, both traditional and contemporary. The musicians perform on stages around the Old City, but the main stage is at the Plaza del Quinto Centenario. But also expect music/dance to happen randomly & spontaneously throughout the streets, where people join in the song and dance. There are plenty of dance performances, both folkloric and modern, by professionals and party-goers alike. And all along the parade routes you will find food, drink, and artisans displaying/selling their works. [. . .]

Thursday Jan 19, 2023

5pm ribbon cutting and the traditional parade of people, pleneros and cabazudas

Friday Jan 20, 2023

4pm Mass honoring San Sebastián in Iglesia San José then a procession at 5pm from calle San Sebastián to Quinto Centenario

Saturday Jan 21, 2023

2pm traditional period dance in the Plaza de Armas

Sunday Jan 22, 2023

11 am procession from Plaza Colón along Calle San Francisco to the Cathedral of San Juan [. . .]

See full schedule at https://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/san-sebastian-street-festival/

For more on Agua, Sol y Sereno, see https://www.facebook.com/aguasolyserenopr and https://www.elnuevodia.com/entretenimiento/cultura/videos/increible-junte-boricua-da-inicio-a-la-sanse-2023-280764/

Also see https://radseason.com/event/san-sebastian-street-festival-old-san-juan-puerto-rico/,  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/san-sebastian-street-festival-2023-tickets-412390098887

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★ 14 Popular San Sebastian Tourist Attractions & Easy Day Trips ★

Sunny days spent on sandy beaches and evenings strolling through the quaint Old Town among the joys of visiting San Sebastian. This elegant city, located on the peninsula of the Gulf of Concha, is one of the most fashionable beach resorts in Spain. The expansive coastline stretches for several kilometers along a curvilinear coastline booked by the Urgull and Igueldo hills. San Sebastian delights visitors with its scenic beauty and delicious cuisine, but also surprises with its lively atmosphere and cultural attractions. Visit the royal palace and its splendid gardens, stroll along the seaside promenade for views of the city’s inspiring architecture, then wander along the atmospheric cobblestone paths in search of an authentic Pintxos , the Basque version of tapas. These tantalizing little bites include specialties such as olive olives, grilled shrimp, clams in a pepper-parsley sauce, pickled sardines, and salted cod cucumber.

See also: Where to stay in San Sebastian

1 Seaside elegance and beautiful La Concha beach

Seaside elegance and beautiful La Concha beach dynamosquito / photo modified

white sand beach Perfect Bahia de la Concha (Gulf of Concha) is the most iconic view in San Sebastian. With a wide beach and mesmerizing turquoise waves, this vast beach stretches for more than a kilometer. The beach, known as La Perla , overlooks the cityscape of San Sebastian and has an air of elegance. The sheltered location in the bay provides calm, gentle waters that are safe for swimming. Perla del Océano The swimming area is located on the site of the former royal bathing pavilion. nine0005

In addition to sunbathing and swimming, tourists will also enjoy walking along La Concha. A beautiful promenade with elegant railings and street lights, Paseo de la Concha surrounds the bay along the beach. A short walk from Concha Bay is the tree-lined Alameda del Boulevard , the center of San Sebastian life with many shops, restaurants and cafes. From here, tourists can explore the charming Old Town of San Sebastian.

2 Playa de Ondarreta

Playa de Ondarreta Ilkka Harmanen / photo modified

Ondarreta Beach is a busy beach that swells with holidaymakers during the summer. At Bahia de la Concha , the borders of Playa de Ondarta Monte Igueldo and the founding of the Palacio de Miramar. This beautiful sandy beach is a great place for sunbathing, walking, beach volleyball or walking along the promenade. The 100m coastline stretches for a kilometer, offering an impressive total area with plenty of sunbathing space. During the most popular months of June, July and August, classic striped beach cabanas, sun loungers and sun umbrellas are lined up on the shore. In winter, when the waves rise, the beach draws many bodyboarders and surfers. nine0005

Address: 48 Paseo de Miracona

3 San Telmo Museum

Museo de San Telmo C D _Fr / photo modified

The San Telmo Museum is an exceptional museum dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Basque country. The museum occupies the renaissance buildings of a 16th-century monastery at Old Town . Offering visitors an overview of Basque culture, the diverse collection is presented in different departments such as fine arts, history, archeology and ethnology. The Fine Arts Collection presents a wide range of paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures. Highlights include paintings by El Greco, Alonso Cano, Rubens, Demier, Moran, Ribera and Coello. Basque artists represented: Ugarte, Zubiar, Echague, Salaberria, Arteta and Zuloaga. The archeology department displays an extensive collection of coins, pottery and pre-Columbian artifacts, while the historical department presents a unique exhibition on the history of weapons from the 15th century to the present day. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, with free access on Tuesdays. nine0005

Address: 1 Plaza Zuloaga, San Sebastian

Official website: http://www.santelmomuseoa.com/index.php?lang=en

4 Parte Vieja (Old Town)

(Old Town)

The historic Old Town of San Sebastian is north of the Alameda del Boulevard stretching to Monte Urgull with the arcades Plaza de la Constitución at its centre. This square is lined with many beautiful balconies that once organized bullfights. Note the neoclassical architecture of the municipal library. Next to the Plaza de la Constitution is Pescaderia (Fish Market) and 16th century Iglesia de San Vicente . This Gothic church is San Sebastian’s oldest church and richly carved Reteblo dates from 1584.

A favorite pastime in the Old Town is strolling through the quaint cobblestone streets in search of traditional Basque tapas. This atmospheric quarter is filled with authentic pintxo restaurants and is at its busiest in the evening when tourists and locals alike flock to the area. Pintxos are tasty little snacks rather than a full meal but are served in abundance with a lot of variety. Try these tasting gastronomic delicacies, from fried cod and pickled anchovies to crispy handmade croquettes. The experience is a Basque culinary adventure. nine0005

5 Miramar Royal Palace

Miramar Royal Palace

This Tudor-style English palace was designed in 1888 by the architect Sölden Worn of England, but was completed by Benito Olasagasti. Surrounded by beautiful sea views, the palace was built as a country house for the Spanish royal family. Several Spanish kings preferred this place for their summer holidays. The building is notable for its octagonal tower and half-timbered details. Pay attention to the coat of arms of the Habsburg dynasty on the facade. The relatively simple but elegant house has two floors for a private residence and a third floor which was used by the servants. Beautifully manicured gardens with great ocean views lead to the boardwalk along the Bahia de la Concha. nine0005

Address: 48 Paseo de Miracona

6 Monte Igueldo Scenic Views and Amusement Park

Monte Igueldo Scenic Views and Amusement Park

Head to Monte Igueldo for stunning scenery Igeldo. This steep mountain lies outside Playa de Ondarreta at the far end of the beach near the Royal Tennis Club. Tourists can take the funicular to the top. At the top of the hill stands 184 meters above the sea, offering sensational panoramas. Favorite attraction is Parc de Atración de Monte Igueldo amusement park. Families with children will enjoy the charming carousels and slides. Another observatory is with an observation tower. Climb the tower for great views of the city, Concha Bay and the hills of the Basque countryside. Mercure Monte Igueldo has a stylish restaurant with an outdoor terrace, ideal for the magnificent scenery.

7 Isla de Santa Clara

Isla de Santa Clara

Travelers can enjoy a delightful island getaway right in the city of San Sebastian. Declared Historic National Interest , Isla de Santa Clara is a tiny 30-meter island off the coast that combines the tranquility of nature with the conveniences of civilization. The island has cafes, restaurants, picnic areas and a post office. During the summer, from June 1 to September 30, a ferry departs from San Sebastian Harbor to the island every 30 minutes. The small beach of the island is surveyed by a lifeguard and is ideal for swimming. Hidden corners along the island’s coastline offer natural pools. Tourists can also take a scenic walk to the lighthouse and enjoy stunning views along the way. nine0005

8 Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro

Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro

This exquisite 18th-century Baroque church stands at the foot of Monte Urgull

0 in the center One of the most visited tourist sites in San Sebastian, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro was built on the site of an ancient Roman temple. The church has a magnificent Churrigueresco façade with a statue of Saint Sebastian in a niche and two towers. Step inside to admire the interior built on a rectangular plan with a semicircular apse. The sanctuary has impressive pillars and neo-gothic vaults. Guided tours of the Basilica are available. nine0005

Address: 46 Calle 31 de Agosto

9 July International Jazz Festival

July International Jazz Festival

For tourists visiting San Sebastian at the end of July, the International Jazz Festival is a must-see cultural event. Concerts are held at the Kursaal Center along with seven other venues in the city. Dedicated to high-caliber jazz and blues music, this top-notch festival features a wide range of musical styles and genres. The festival runs over six days with over 60 performances. Concerts at the Kursaal Center and Trinidad Square require tickets, while concerts at other locations such as Zurriola Beach and the terraces at the Kursaal Center are free. nine0005

10 Monte Urgull & Monte Ulía: Historic sites and nature walks

Monte Urgull & Monte Ulía: Historic sites and nature walks

topped by Castillo de la Mota , a huge 12th century fortress and a statue representing the Sacred Heart. The picturesque waterfront Paseo Nuevo gives sensational views of the rocky coastline stretching all the way to the Urumea River. Beyond the river Puente Zurriola (bridge), the promenade runs east towards Monte Ulia. Apart from Zurriola Beach, the expansive Parque de Ulía is a beautiful natural space that is ideal for hiking and picnicking.

11 Playa de la Zurriola: Surfers Beach

Playa de la Zurriola: Surfers Beach

department stores and art galleries. Playa de la Zurriola attracts surfers from all over the world because of its challenging waves and surf. This beach is also a favorite place for sports lovers who come here to play beach volleyball, football and beach tennis. nine0005

12 Aquarium-Sea Palace

Aquarium-Sea Palace Baptiste Lafontaine / photo modified

The San Sebastian Aquarium is conveniently located next to the harbor at the end of Bahia de la Concha. A popular attraction, it is filled with colorful species from tropical fish to sharks. The aquarium also houses an oceanographic museum with exhibits featuring ship models, navigational instruments, and documents. The highlight of the museum is the oceanarium, an underwater exhibition space. The path passes through a transparent tunnel with a 360-degree view of the swimming fish, sharks and sea turtles in the aquarium. nine0005

Address: Plaza Carlos Blasco de Imaz, San Sebastian

13 Parque de Aete: Public park and cultural venue

Parc de Aete: Public park and cultural venue Urco Dorronsoro / photo5 modified 9000

19th century Aete Palace Dukes of Bailen was built on the site of the Camino de Santiago, where medieval pilgrims stopped on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The aristocratic palace once housed distinguished visitors, including Queen Victoria. Today, the palace grounds are used as a public park and venue for cultural events. Designed by French landscape architect Pierre Ducasse, this beautifully manicured park features a peaceful pond, caves and rushing waterfalls. Hundreds of different trees and plants thrive in an idyllic setting of pristine nature. The park is a delightful place for tourists to explore on a sunny day, especially in spring and summer when the blooming flowers are in full bloom. nine0005

For those looking for another retreat in nature combined with gourmet cuisine, continue on to Restaurant Akelarre at 63 Paseo Padre Orcolaga (a short drive from Aete Park). This top-rated gastronomic restaurant boasts three Michelin stars and stunning sea views from the dining room. The special menú degustación (tasting menu) allows guests to taste a variety of Basque specialties. Foodies will be interested to know that San Sebastian also has two other three-star Michelin restaurants, although the other two are on the outskirts of the city: Restaurant Martin Barastegui and Restaurant Arzak .

14 Pastor Catedral del Buen

Catedral del Buen Pastor Emmanuel DYAN / photo modified

The largest church in San Sebastian, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, is located outside the busy city of Cale9090 de San Martin . This neo-Gothic cathedral was designed by the Basque architect Manuel de Echaves in 1880 and completed in 1897. With its 75-meter tower, this inspiring building is an important landmark in the city. The cathedral was built of sandstone from Monte Igueldo. Huge structure covers an astounding surface area of ​​1915 square meters. Visitors marvel at the spaciousness of the interior, which has a symmetrical Latin cruciform formation with three naves and a transept. The richly ornate sanctuary has stained glass windows by Juan Bautista Lazaro and the high altar features statues of Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Virgin Mary), Saint Antonio, Saint Teresa and Sagradado Corazon (Sacred Heart).

Address: Plaza del Buen Pastor

Where to Stay in San Sebastian for Sightseeing

The top attractions are in the San Sebastian cemetery in the old town and along the crescent of beaches that wind around the bay. Across the river, the lively Gros Square is within walking distance of the old center and close to a less sheltered beach popular with surfers. Calle 31 de Agosto, in the center of the old town, is lined with places to enjoy the magnificent array of pinsos that San Sebastian is famous for. Here are some highly rated 9 hotels0010 in San Sebastian:

• Luxury Hotels : Hotel Maria Cristina is located along the river in the old town and just around the corner from Calle 31 de Agosto. This is a great hotel with impeccable service and an excellent restaurant. Hotel Villa Soro is a 15-minute walk from the Old Town and 10 minutes from the galleries and shops in Gros. It is in a famous old house with free parking and bicycles. Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra is a majestic Belle Epoch hotel with balconies overlooking the beach, just a few minutes from the old town. nine0240
• Mid-Range Hotels – Right on the waterfront, close to the old town, the historic Niza Hotel has balconies overlooking the sea. NH Collection San Sebastian Aranzazu is located on a hill, directly above Ondarreta Beach, next to Miramar Palace. It offers chic, modern rooms and good bus links to the old town. A 15-minute walk from the old town and the beach, Astoria 7 has film studios on a street surrounded by shops and restaurants. nine0240
• Cheap Hotels: On the river, about 15 minutes’ walk from the old town, the Record Hotel has free parking. Zaragoza Plaza Hotel is one block from the beach and within walking distance of attractions, shops and the train station. The family-run Hotel Parma is located on the edge of the old town, directly across the river from Zurriola Beach. The hotel offers sea views.

Day trips from San Sebastian

Hondarribia

Hondarribia

A light 23 km train from San Sebastian, Hondarribia is a charming little fishing village and seaside resort. The city is entered through the 15th century Puerta de Santa Maria Wandering through the picturesque narrow streets of the old town leads to the discovery of many historical sights, including houses with coats of arms on the facade. Important Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion . In this Gothic church, the marriage of Louis XIV of France and Infante Maria Teresa of Spain was consecrated. nine0005

For those who want to live like a king for the night, stay in the X-XII centuries Palacio del Rey Carlos V, which has been converted into a luxurious Parador de Hondarribia Hotel. For more beautiful coastal views, head to Plaza de Armas which overlooks the mouth of the river and the lighthouse on Cabo Higuera to the north. Hondarribia is also known for its gastronomy and boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants, Restaurant Alameda and Maison Eguiazabal .

Carretera del Jaizkibel

Carretera del Jaizkibel

This beautiful scenic route starts 25 kilometers from San Sebastian and less than three kilometers from Hondarribia. The road passes along the mountainous Jaizkibel sandy ridge at an altitude of 584 meters, where the pilgrimage church Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe stands. Hotel Provincial de Jaizkibel offers quiet, comfortable rooms and great countryside views. nine0005

Getaria

Getaria

About 25 kilometers from San Sebastian, Getaria is a worthy excursion. On the way there, enjoy a beautiful scenic drive. Starting from Zarautz (22 kilometers from San Sebastian), the magnificent road Cornisa Cantábrica (Cantabrian Corniche) runs along the rocky coastline. The fishing port of Getaria is located on a picturesque headland with its harbor protected by the fortified island of San Antonio. The port of the city is below the 13th century Gothic The Church of San Salvador and the harbor promenade are lined with tempting seafood restaurants.

Monastery of San Ignacio de Loyola

Monastery of San Ignacio de Loyola

In the Monastery of San Ignacio de Loyola, located in the Urola Valley, about 40 km from San Sebastian, there is college. The monastery was built between 1689 and 1888 according to the design of Carlo Fontana, a student of Bernini. The splendid baroque church in the monastery has an impressive 65 meter high dome by Joaquín de Churriguera and is considered one of the finest in Spain. The noble sanctuary dazzles visitors with its vast space and decorative marble inlays. A masterpiece of Baroque art, the main altar features a statue of Saint Ignatius. nine0005

Map of San Sebastian – Attractions

Basque Country – detailed guide: travel, attractions, hotels, food, shopping, leisure

Author Pablo González Reading 16 min Views 82 Published 10/13/2017

Content

• 1 Briefly about the region
• 2 Geographic features
• 3 Climate
• 0240
• 5 Why go
  • 5. 1 When to go
• 6 Cultural features
• 7 What to see
• 8 The main places and the city of attractions
• 9 Vitoris
• 10 BILBAO
• 12 Shopping (What and where to buy)
• 13 Where to live
• 14 Tour plan, tours for 1-3-7 days
• 15 What and where to eat
  • 15.1 Cuisine
• 16 Best tours by reviews0240
• Tour plan, tours for 1-3-7 days
• What and where to eat
• Cuisine
• The best excursions according to reviews

Briefly about the region

The Basque Country is an autonomous region of northern Spain with an area of ​​23 sq. 7 km. It is adjacent to Cantabria, Castile and Leon in the west, with Navarre and France in the east, with Rioja in the South, and its northern part is washed by the Bay of Biscay.

The Basque Country or Basque Country is a land of original culture dating back more than one millennium, which the Basques themselves call Euskadi or Euskal Herria – “Land of the Basque-speaking”. nine0005 Photo: Nature of the Basque Country

The Basque Country is a mountainous and picturesque region. Despite the fact that this region is the center of Spanish industry and agriculture, there are many attractions and attractions for tourists.

The Basque Country combines the cultural and slightly pretentious city of Bilbao, the youthful and sporty San Sebastian, where surfers from all over the world hang out all year round, and the Costa Basque coast with countless small port towns and amazing natural landscapes. Each guest will be able to discover their own Basque Country, because this is a very diverse region. nine0005

You can see the city of San Sebastian right now on this author’s video:

All of Spain loves holidays, but this is especially noticeable in the Basque Country. All year long, one carnival is replaced by another festival or celebration of a particularly revered saint.

On January 20, all those who love rhythm gather in San Sebastian, as Tamborrada begins – a procession of drummers through the central streets. Hundreds of groups of musicians, dressed in the brightest clothes, pass one after another, beating out incendiary rhythms. nine0005

At the end of June, rock lovers come to the capital of the region – one of the largest rock festivals in Spain is held here. Literally two weeks later, the genre changes dramatically in Vitoria and the jazz festival begins. And at the end of August, it is desirable to be in the Big Week of Bilbao, when the townspeople celebrate the day of the city for nine days.

Geographical features

Photo: Posalagua Cave in the Armagnon Natural Park

The Basque Country is the most striking jewel in the crown of northern Spain. Two realities coexist here at once: heavy industry is developed and forests, colorful bays and bays reign, amazing villages have been preserved. nine0005

Landscapes and landscapes of the Basque Country are as unique as the Basques themselves – emerald evergreen hills, mighty mountains and picturesque rocky bays.

There are 14 natural parks in the Basque Country with well planned trekking routes of varying difficulty. For example:

• The Gorbea Natural Park invites you to climb the mountain of the same name, from where stunning landscapes open up;
• The natural park of Armagnon attracts tourists with the cave of Posalagua with its amazing stalactites; nine0240
• Urdabay Biosphere Reserve pleases with picturesque views, etc.

Climate

The Basque Country has a mild and humid climate, with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius in summer and 7 degrees Celsius in winter. Even in winter, it is possible to meet a surfer here. This is the rainiest region of the Kingdom of Spain, so be prepared for weather surprises.

How to get and move around

Photo: Detailed map of the Basque Country

Why go

The Basque Country is a mountainous region that invites tourists on a variety of routes through the mountains and the coast. Here you can see a special culture and hear a unique language, visit unusual museums, and also taste the best cuisine in the kingdom.

When to go

We advise you to visit the Basque Country from May to June, when the weather is excellent and warm with the least rainfall in this rather rainy region. In July, you can get to the international jazz festival in San Sebastian. nine0005

Cultural features

The Basque language is considered one of the oldest in Europe, and it has no similarities with any of the European languages. Some even believe that the Basques have a connection with the Georgians, since their language has about 200 similar roots.

Due to isolation, in the Basque Country there are still outlandish folk traditions and legends, carefully transmitted by word of mouth by bards. The main musical instruments are the tambourine and a type of accordion called the trikitisha. A feature of Basque folk dances is the beautiful throw of the legs. Basque sports are also interesting – lifting heavy boulders or cutting logs. nine0005

The center of Basque culture is the province of Gipuzkoa, where Basque stone buildings (Vera de Bidasoa village) and folk traditions have been preserved. The locals sing and dance, as they did centuries ago, and will be happy to teach this to tourists.

What to see

The Basque Country attracts a lot of attention from tourists from all over the world, providing a huge variety of activities: from sightseeing and architectural monuments to active sports and walks in natural parks. nine0005

We have compiled the top 10 most-most places that you must see with your own eyes:

Cathedral of St. James in Bilbao is one of the central buildings in the city. As is often the case, the modern building stands on the site of previous churches that were destroyed or dismantled. Bilbao is part of the pilgrimage route of St. James, so there are always a lot of believers here.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is one of the most unusual buildings not only in the city, but in all of Spain. The flow of tourists increased significantly after the grand opening of this building for visiting all comers. nine0005 Photo: View of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

The new Cathedral of the Immaculate Virgin in Vitoria is a decoration of the historic part of the city. This Neo-Gothic building is one of the largest cathedrals in Spain. It was called new to distinguish it from the already existing “old”.

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in San Sebastian – in addition to the beautiful decorations, visitors are attracted by a huge organ, which for a long time bore the honorary title of the largest organ in the country. nine0005 Photo: Facade of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in San Sebastian

Miramar Palace in San Sebastian is a chic English-style mansion located just a few meters from the amazing beach. This is a true example of luxury. It was built as the summer residence of the royal family, and many of the rooms have retained the original design and furnishings. The rest of the premises were regularly rebuilt to meet the new requirements of the time.

Bay de la Concha in San Sebastian are endless beaches along the sea bay in the shape of a shell. In the neighborhood of the beach, long embankments are built here, passing one into another.

Photo: Beautiful Bay de la Concha in San Sebastian

Chavarri Palace in Bilbao – Another original building is located near the famous Guggenheim Museum. This eclectic building impresses with its variety of forms. Initially, this palace was built for the personal needs of the financial magnate Salazar, but since the middle of the 20th century, the Government of the Basque Country has been sitting here. nine0005

Basque Museum of Modern Art in Vitoria – since the beginning of the 21st century, this museum has delighted its visitors with beautiful masterpieces of contemporary Spanish and foreign artists. In addition to exhibition halls, there is a large library, an archive and a separate educational center for those who study art.

Photo: Basque Museum of Modern Art in Vitoria

Casa del Cordon in Vitoria is a unique building in the Gothic style, built by a wealthy merchant in the 15th century. Many famous people of Spain lived in it. Now it houses an information center dedicated to the culture and original forms of creativity of the Basque people. nine0005

Maria Cristina Bridge in San Sebastian – this iron bridge was opened at the beginning of the 20th century, uniting the two banks. It is richly decorated with huge obelisks and gilded sculptures, many of which are reminiscent of Paris’ famous Pont Alexandre III.

Main places and cities of sights

Photo: Cathedral of Santa Maria

Main sights of the Basque Country:

1. In Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Cathedral of Santa Maria of the 14th century is interesting, where the impressions are complemented by paintings by Rubens. And in the suburbs you can see the pearl of the Romanesque style of the 11th century, the Temple of the Virgin Mary de Estibalis; nine0240
2. Bilbao is famous for the Guggenheim Museum of Contemporary Art and the glass bridge that leads to it;
3. The city of Costa Basca is famous for its beautiful and sometimes even dramatic landscapes. Here you can also find traces of ancient settlements;
4. Between Portugalete and Las Arenas, you can experience a special experience on the Biscay Flying Ferry Bridge. Its extraordinary flying gondolas run every 8 minutes;
5. Among the little-known places are the Salinas de Anana salt mines, where ancient Roman technologies are still being developed; nine0240
6. Not far from San Sebastian in Mundaka, there is a bird sanctuary where millions of migratory birds find shelter.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

Photo: The capital of the Basque Country – Vitoria-Gasteiz

The capital of the Basque Country bears the double Spanish-Basque name of Vitoria-Gasteiz. It was founded in 1181 on the site of the village of Gasteiz by the efforts of the monarch Sancho IV the Wise, who surrounded the village with a fortress wall.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is bordered on all sides by natural parks and leads in the number of museums – weapons, maps, archeology, natural history, modern art, etc. The atmosphere of a medieval city is everywhere here – a fortress wall and majestic Gothic temples. nine0005

Bilbao

Photo: Cruise port in Bilbao

Bilbao is the largest Basque city, as well as its industrial center and port of national importance. The symbol of the city is the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Solomon Guggenheim Foundation. This museum is visited annually by about 1.5 million people. The 55-meter structure itself is a masterpiece of modern art – to some it resembles a huge flower, a miracle bird or a spaceship of the future. The glass bridge over the Nervion River, which leads to the Museum, is also noteworthy. nine0005

What to do in the Basque Country

Photo: Chavarri Palace in Bilbao

It is difficult to get bored in the Basque Country even for experienced tourists who are difficult to surprise. Here and sports, and art, and unusual buildings and monuments. It’s hard to resist such variety.

We have compiled the top 20 things to do while traveling this region:

1. Enter the Bilbao Cathedral and become part of the great pilgrimage route of many believers.
2. Walking through the halls of the Museum of Modern Art in Vitoria – at first, the eyes run up from such a variety of forms, combinations of lights and colors. nine0240
3. Look into the Casa del Cordon in Vitoria, built more than 500 years ago – a strict Gothic building with amazing interiors inside. This is an incomparable feeling of involvement in the great events of the past that happened to the people who lived in this house.
4. Take a selfie on the Maria Cristina Bridge in San Sebastian – all around are gorgeous views of the river and banks.
5. Swim on the beach of the Bay de la Concha in San Sebastian – there is almost always calm clear water without excitement. nine0240
6. Take a boat ride to Santa Clara Island in San Sebastian – if you have time at high tide, you can even swim there.
7. Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, an amazing building in modern style that attracts the attention of all tourists in the Basque Country.
8. Feel like royalty as you walk through the vast halls of Miramar Palace, the summer residence of the Spanish dynasty.
9. Lost among the huge New Cathedral of the Immaculate Virgin in Vitoria – you feel like a grain of sand in an endless universe. nine0240
10. Hike Mount Urgull in San Sebastian, from where you can see the whole area. For the most persistent will get a visit to the castle on top as a reward for their efforts.
11. Get inspired by Rubens’ paintings on the walls of the Temple of Santa Maria in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital.
12. Visit one of the best and oldest patisserie in Spain, opened in 1886 by Manuel Goya (in the capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz).
13. Relax on the luxurious beaches of charming San Sebastian. nine0240
14. Taste the region’s best pintxos and Basque tapas at San Sebastian’s coastal pintxos bars.
15. Taste chaholi wines in Costa Basca, which are not found anywhere else – neither in Spain nor in Europe.
16. Walk through the mysterious labyrinths and feel like an ant in front of a huge spider at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
17. Climb Mount Gorbea or visit the outlandish stalactite caves of Posalagua.
18. Take a ride on the gondola of the extraordinary Biscay Flying Bridge. nine0240
19. Go to the province of Gipuzkoa and learn crazy Basque dances.
20. Look into the colorful town of Hondarribia, right on the border with France.

Photo: Idiazabal smoked cheese

The Basque Country is a colorful and quite original region, where there are souvenirs that are unlike gifts from other Spanish provinces. We have collected 5 best souvenirs from the Basque Country:
1. Chapela – the original black beret worn by many men.
2. Icurinha – the flag of the Basques. Sold almost everywhere. nine0583 3. Lauburu – a cross formed by four commas. This symbol did not originate here, but it is surprising that it has become very widespread here. With this symbol, you can buy everything: from a plate on the wall to jewelry.
4. Chakoli – delicious local wine, which is served in all cafes and restaurants. It’s a sin not to bring with you as a keepsake.
5. Idiazabal – fatty smoked sheep’s milk cheese.

Where to live

Photo: One of the best hotels in Bilbao Sercotel Hotel Gran Bilbao

The Basque Country welcomes guests and tourists from all over the world with great hospitality, as you can see for yourself by staying in any of the hotels in the region.

We have selected the top 5 hotels according to the reviews of experienced travelers:

1. NH Bilbao Deusto (Francisco Macia, 9 | Deusto, 48014 Bilbao) – convenient location, within walking distance of most attractions in the historic part of the city. Polite staff and high level of services provided.
2. Sercotel Hotel Gran Bilbao (Avenida Indalecio Prieto, 1, 48004 Bilbao) is an excellent hotel with large rooms equipped with everything you need for a quality stay. nine0583 3. Sercotel Coliseo (Alameda De Urquijo 13, 48008 Bilbao) – spacious room, excellent soundproofing, close to the city center.
4. NH Canciller Ayala Vitoria (Ramon y Cajal, 5 | City Center, 01007 Vitoria-Gasteiz) – five minutes walk from the main tourist sites, there is a park nearby. Friendly staff and comfortable rooms.
5. Sercotel Boulevard Vitoria (Calle Zaramaga, 3, 01013 Vitoria-Gasteiz) – the rooms are always clean and tidy, the bathroom has all the bath amenities. There is a large supermarket nearby. nine0005

Tour plan, tours for 1-3-7 days

Photo: Nature and landscapes of the Basque Country

The Basque Country is becoming more and more popular among tourists every year: infrastructure is developing, new restaurants and cafes are opening, hosting hotel guests, and the authorities come up with various entertainment to attract interest in this region. We tried to embrace the immensity and put together a week-long trip to the Basque Country:

Day	Morning	Lunch	Evening
1	Bilbao. Moya Square. Chavarri Palace	Museum of Fine Arts	Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park. Euskalduna. Maritime Museum. You can dine at Restaurante Guria (Don Diego López Haroko Kale Nagusia, 66), where we recommend trying their cod dishes.
2	Guggenheim Museum. We recommend planning a half-day visit, as there are many halls, plus a landscaped and original area around the museum. nine0609		After the museum at sunset, it’s nice to walk along the mouth of the river along the beautiful embankment. You can end a busy day at San Mames Jatetxea (Raimundo P. Lezama s/n (Estadio San Mames. Puerta Nº 14), which is located in the stadium building.
3	Bilbao Cathedral	Museum of Basque Art	Walk along the old streets of the city. Among the countless bars and restaurants, we advise you to pay attention to Restaurante en Bilbao Bar Baster (Posta Kalea, 22), where there is an excellent cocktail menu and a variety of tapas. nine0609
4	Vitoria. Cathedral	Historic quarter. Museum of lighting torches.	Archangel Michael Catholic Church. Refresh yourself in the excellent Basque restaurant Restaurante Arkupe (Mateo Benigno de Moraza Kalea, 13), where you can try local traditional dishes.
5	Plaza de España.	Museum of Contemporary Art Artium.	Museum of Archeology. After a scientific day, you should go to the restaurant Querida María jatetxea (Santa Maria Plaza, 2), where it is tasty and quite inexpensive.
6	San Sebastian. Miramar Palace	Funicular up the mountain. Lighthouse.	Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. Bridge of Santa Cristina. At Restaurante Ibai (Calle de Getaria, 15) you can have a great dinner in a great atmosphere.
7	Buy on the beach.	Go to Santa Clara Island. nine0609	Visit the aquarium.

What and where to eat

Photo: Beef steak with bone

Basque cuisine is very diverse: it has a lot of fish and seafood dishes due to the seaside location, and at the same time, the locals know how and love to cook meat and vegetables .

We have collected 5 of the most original traditional Basque dishes:
1. “Chuleton de Vaca” – beef steak with bone. You can choose any level of roasting, but in any case, it will be unsurpassed in taste. nine0583 2. Fish baked in the oven is a special delicacy and a treat for dear guests for a holiday or a family celebration.
3. Dried cod – local chefs demonstrate the amazing ways of preparing dishes from this special ingredient. The taste is specific, but therefore unforgettable.
4. Idiazabal cheese is a rather fatty sheep’s cheese. It is stored for a long time, so you can safely take it with you as a gastronomic souvenir.
5. Marmita de bonito – a fish dish made from tuna, potatoes, onions, tomatoes and peppers. In the Basque Country, they even organize competitions for the preparation of this treat. nine0005

Cuisine

Photo: Seafood in Spain

In the Basque Country, you will be served delicious food wherever you go – seafood and meat. According to one of the San Pelegrino ratings, two of the ten best restaurants in the world are located in the Basque Country – these are Mugaritz and Arzak, and San Sebastian is the world leader in Michelin stars (four restaurants).

Basque cuisine is characterized by minimal use of hot spices, and the whole emphasis on the taste of the products themselves. The most popular dishes are marmitaco (tuna stew) and the amazing creamy goshua dessert. nine0005

The Basque Country also has its own wines, the slightly sparkling wines of Txakoli.

The best excursions according to reviews

Sometimes, to understand the region, it is not enough to walk everywhere on your own with a guide in your hands. Professional guides know special places hidden from tourists, tell informative stories and breathtaking legends.

We have collected 5 of the most popular excursions in the Basque Country:
1. Mysteries of the Basque Forest – thicket, medieval castles, cliffs, small fishing villages, where time seems to have stopped forever. Participants will be able to feel the strength and power of this region, which is not in vain called the Country. nine0583 2. Stroll through the elegant San Sebastian – a haven for the most sophisticated layers of the Spanish aristocracy.