Spain Basque Country

The pearl of the Cantabrian coast in Northern Spain, San Sebastian (officially known as “Donostia- San Sebastian”) spreads out in a crescent shape around the charming Bay of Biscay La Concha, about 12.5 miles from the French border. Once just a small fishing village in the Basque Country, San Sebastian became a resort following the construction of the Miramar Palace in 1889, attracting visitors from near and far.

The city of Bilbao is the capital of the Biscay province, and, located at the mouth of the Nervion River, is one of the five largest ports in Spain. Though it is the economic center of the heavily industrial Basque Country, Bilbao has abundant natural beauty with parks, lush landscapes, and proximity to stunning coastlines. It is also known for its outstanding architecture and dining scene and, in recent years, has become a vibrant, revitalized city.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital city of the province of Alava and of the autonomous community of the Basque Country in northern Spain. Vitoria-Gasteiz is a multicultural city with strengths in the arts, commerce, education, healthcare, architectural conservation, aeronautics, vehicle industry, oenology and gastronomy. It is the first Spanish municipality to be awarded the title of European Green Capital (in 2012). The old town holds some of the best preserved medieval streets and plazas in the region and it is one of very few cities to hold two Cathedrals. Vitoria-Gasteiz's vicinity is home to world-renowned wineries such as Ysios (by Santiago Calatrava) and Marques de Riscal (by Frank Gehry).

Hondarribia is a town situated on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth, in Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Spain. The border town is sited on a little promontory facing Hendaye over the Txingudi bay. A service boat makes the trip between the two cities. The town holds an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle. In addition, Hondarribia features a beach across the Bidasoa from the touristy housing estate Sokoburu in Hendaye, alongside a mountain called Jaizkibel providing a hilly backdrop to the town. The town harbours the San Sebastian Airport, which serves domestic flights.

Laguardia is a town and municipality located in the north of Spain. It has a population of 1500 inhabitants. The site of a 10th-century castle, of which two towers remain, the present village has medieval walls dating back to the 15th century surrounding the houses and old cobble stoned streets. The village has many tunnels dug out of the rock, used for storage of the local Rioja wine, some of which can be visited.