Basque Country Interior Itinerary
The Basque Country Interior Road Trip is an unforgettable journey through some of the most picturesque parts of Spain. Starting in the city of Bilbao, this 228km route winds its way through the towns of Durango, Otxandio, Elorrio, Onati, and Tolosa, offering up stunning views and plenty of attractions along the way. The best time to take this journey is during the warmer months of the year, when the rolling hills and lush valleys of the Basque Country come alive with vibrant greens and blues. However, the excellent road conditions make it a great trip all year round.
The route is mostly a straight highway, with some curvy roads in between, making it suitable for drivers of all levels. It is estimated to take around two days to complete, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the local culture and cuisine. With a moderate budget, this road trip can provide a very high level of experience and memories. So, if you’re looking for a unique way to explore the Basque Country, the Basque Country Interior Road Trip is the perfect choice.
2
number of days
228 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Bilbao
Distance 228 km
Driving time 4.3 h
Pace: modest
59.4 kWh
Airports
BIO
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VIT
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Bilbao is an ideal starting point for an unforgettable road trip through the Basque Country. Located in the heart of the Bay of Biscay, this vibrant city will captivate you with its unique blend of architecture, culture and gastronomy. Bilbao's main airport, Bilbao Airport (BIO), is conveniently located and offers car rental services from various suppliers.
Once you have your car, you can start exploring the city and its surrounding area. A must-see is the iconic Guggenheim Museum, which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. The nearby Zubizuri bridge is also worth visiting, with its distinctive curved shape and glass walkway. For those looking to get a taste of the local culture, head to the Casco Viejo, the old quarter of the city, where you can find traditional Basque restaurants, lively bars and local craft shops.
After a day in the city, it's time to hit the road and explore the Basque Country. The Basque Country Interior Road Trip takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, from the rolling hills of the Basque Mountains to the stunning beaches of the Cantabrian coast. Along the way, you'll be able to sample the region's fantastic cuisine and experience its rich cultural heritage.
Whether you're looking for a short break or an extended road trip, Bilbao is an excellent starting point for your journey through the Basque Country. With its world-class attractions, vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, it's sure to be an unforgettable experience.
1
Bilbao
- Durango
Distance 34 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: fast
10.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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The road trip from Bilbao to Durango is a great opportunity to discover the beauty of Spain. The drive is only 34 km long and takes less than an hour, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the attractions of both cities.
In Bilbao, you’ll definitely want to visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, the world-renowned art museum. You can also take a stroll through the cobbled streets of Casco Viejo, the city’s old quarter.
When you reach Durango, you should visit the Church of San Pedro, a Gothic-style church built in the 16th century. You can also explore the ruins of the medieval castle of Durango, which is located in the city’s main square.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Durango - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Durango
- Otxandio
Distance 19 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
4.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Durango-Otxandio stage of your road trip! You'll be driving 19 km in less than an hour, so make sure to take in all the scenic views along the way. Be prepared for some steep ramps and winding roads, so pay attention to the road. You'll be passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Basque Country, so keep your eyes peeled for some amazing views.
When you get to Durango, take a stroll through the charming streets and visit the Durango Tower, a symbol of the town. Then, make your way to Otxandio and explore the beautiful churches, traditional Basque houses, and the beautiful views of the Urola Valley.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Otxandio - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Otxandio
- Elorrio
Distance 33 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: modest
8.5 kWh
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Embark on a road trip that starts in Otxandio, Spain and takes you to Elorrio, 33 km away. This trip is filled with beautiful sights and attractions, and can be completed in just under an hour. As you drive, keep an eye out for the steep ramps and winding roads that make this journey so exciting. Take in the scenic views of Arrasate, where you can find some of the most interesting places to visit. Go on a hike to explore the natural beauty of the region or visit the local markets for a unique cultural experience. There are also plenty of restaurants and campsites to choose from, so you can make the most of your trip. For more information about attractions and accommodation options along the way, check out the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip.
Elorrio - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Elorrio
- Bergara
Distance 14 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: modest
3.6 kWh
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Elorrio to Bergara? This 14 km journey will take you less than one hour and you will be able to enjoy some of the most scenic roads in the region. Start your journey in Elorrio, a small town known for its beautiful Basque architecture and the medieval castle of San Miguel. From there, you can take a short drive to Bergara, a charming town with its own unique charm. Don't miss the 15th-century Gothic church of San Esteban and the old quarter of the town. As you drive through the beautiful countryside, keep an eye out for the stunning views of the Pyrenees Mountains. Along the way, you can also make a stop at the ancient monastery of San Juan de Ortega and the beautiful waterfall of Txorierri. Finally, arrive in Bergara, a modern town with plenty of cultural attractions. Visit the impressive church of Santa María de la Asunción and the Museum of Natural Sciences for an educational experience. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Bergara - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - — Википедия
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5
Bergara
- Onati
Distance 13 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: modest
3.3 kWh
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Get ready for an amazing road trip from Bergara to Onati! This 13 km journey will take you less than an hour, and the scenic road will make the time fly. Along the way, make sure to check out the charming Iglesia de Santa María de Onati, a beautiful church built in the 16th century. Also, don't miss the quaint Plaza de San Juan, a stunning square in the heart of Onati. For a taste of local culture, be sure to visit the Museo de Arte Sacro, a museum dedicated to the art of the region. Finally, take a stroll through the picturesque Parque de la Villa, a lovely park with plenty of outdoor activities. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Onati - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - en.wikipedia.org
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6
Onati
- Tolosa
Distance 48 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: modest
12.5 kWh
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Start your road trip from Onati, Spain and explore the 48 km route to Tolosa. This journey will take you through Ordizia, a town known for its traditional Basque architecture. Along the way, you will be captivated by the stunning scenery and winding roads. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the rolling hills and lush landscapes. Don't forget to visit the Church of San Miguel in Ordizia, a religious building with a beautiful Baroque style. The route is also home to some of the best restaurants in the area, where you can enjoy delicious Basque cuisine. Make sure to take a break and explore the local culture and attractions. When you reach Tolosa, you will be welcomed by its famous market, where you can find fresh local produce and souvenirs. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Tolosa - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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7
Tolosa
- Azpeitia
Distance 26 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: modest
6.7 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip starting in Tolosa and ending in Azpeitia? This 26 km route will take you less than an hour to complete, so sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Basque Country.
On your way from Tolosa to Azpeitia, make sure to take a break and visit the beautiful Baroque-style Church of San Esteban in Tolosa. You can also take a stroll around the old town of Tolosa and admire its historical buildings.
As you drive closer to Azpeitia, you will come across the Sanctuary of Loyola, a pilgrimage site dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola. Here, you can explore the church, the monastery and the magnificent gardens.
Once you reach Azpeitia, take some time to explore the old town and visit the Church of Santa María. It is a great example of Basque Gothic architecture.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Azpeitia - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
Azpeitia - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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8
Azpeitia
- San Sebastián
Distance 43 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
12.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable 43 km road trip from Azpeitia to San Sebastián! This stage of your journey will take you less than an hour to complete and will offer you a chance to explore the best of both these cities.
Start your day by visiting the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria in Azpeitia, a 12th-century Romanesque-Gothic church. Then, take a stroll in the picturesque San Miguel Park, a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city.
Continue your journey to San Sebastián. Here, you can explore the impressive Mount Urgull, a hill with a castle and a chapel, offering you a stunning view of the city. After that, head to the old part of the city, the Parte Vieja, where you can explore the bustling streets, traditional restaurants and lively bars.
To end your day, take a stroll along the La Concha beach and admire the stunning views of the city from the promenade.
Make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your trip!
San Sebastián - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - pxhere.com
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San Sebastián
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San Sebastián is a beautiful city located in the Basque Country in northern Spain. It is the perfect ending point for the Basque Country Interior Road Trip, a great journey that takes travelers from Bilbao to San Sebastián.
San Sebastián is known for its beaches, which offer great opportunities for both swimming and sunbathing. The city is also home to one of the best urban beaches in the world, La Concha Beach. The city has plenty of other attractions to explore, such as the old town, La Parte Vieja, which offers a great mix of old and modern buildings. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters.
For nature lovers, San Sebastián offers plenty of opportunities to explore. The nearby mountains offer great hiking and mountain biking trails, while the city has numerous parks and gardens to explore. The city is also home to numerous traditional Basque dishes, such as pintxos, which are small snacks served in bars.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is located in Bilbao (BIO). From there, it is a short drive to San Sebastián.
San Sebastián is the perfect ending point for the Basque Country Interior Road Trip. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and plentiful outdoor activities, it is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Basque Country Interior at a glance
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Start:
Bilbao
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End:
San Sebastián
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Distance:
228 km
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Stay:
2 days
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Getting there:
Bilbao Airport (BIO),
Vitoria/Foronda Airport (VIT)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Revised Overview:
Embark on an enchanting 228km journey through the heart of Spain's Basque Country, where the Basque Country Interior Road Trip unveils a tapestry of verdant valleys, rugged mountains, and historical towns. Starting from the cosmopolitan city of Bilbao, renowned for its art and architecture, to the charming streets of Tolosa, this route is a celebration of nature intertwined with a deep-rooted cultural legacy.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Bilbao: Not only home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum with its striking titanium curves but also a hub for gastronomy, with Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional pintxos bars.
- Durango: A historical gem, Durango's quaint ambiance is punctuated by its Gothic churches and Renaissance palaces, emanating an old-world Basque spirit.
- Otxandio, Elorrio, Onati: These picturesque towns are nestled in the lush Basque countryside, offering a glimpse into traditional life and architecture, with Oñati housing the breathtaking Sanctuary of Arantzazu perched on a hillside.
- Tolosa: A gastronome's delight, Tolosa is renowned for its Saturday market where local farmers and artisans sell their produce, and for its alubias de Tolosa, a local bean delicacy.
Best Time to Go:
While the Basque Country shines during the warmer months of May to September, providing a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and sightseeing, the region's mild climate makes it a year-round destination. Autumn brings vibrant foliage and harvest festivals, while spring offers blooming landscapes and fewer crowds.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Basque Country is one of the oldest and most culturally distinct regions in Europe, with its own language, Euskara, predating most European languages.
- The route can comfortably be covered over a weekend, but with numerous hiking trails, historical sites, and culinary experiences, an extended stay can be rewarding.
- The journey is well-suited for those with a moderate budget, offering a variety of accommodations from rural farmhouses to boutique hotels.
- The drive combines the allure of coastal scenery with the mystique of the interior highlands, making it a holistic experience of Basque Country's diverse landscapes.
A good choice for:
The Basque Country Interior Road Trip stands as a timeless adventure through a region brimming with natural splendor and cultural richness. It's an invitation to forge unforgettable memories as you traverse winding Roads, explore quaint villages, and indulge in the Basque way of life.
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