Spain has always been a country in which tourism has had a great economic impact. In 2022, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), 11.6% of the national GDP came from this economic activity, as well as 9.3% of jobs across the country. These figures are due to the arrival of foreign tourists, but also to the movement of citizens within the country.
Among all the wonders it offers Spain, the Basque Country is, without a doubt, one of the most visited in the country. Bilbao or San Sebastian, as well as unforgettable landscapes such as San Juan de Gaztelugatxeconverted into Dragonstone by the creators of the Game of Thrones series, are some of the most visited places, although there are towns that should not escape the eyes of tourists.
Hondarribia (Guipzcoa)
Also known as Fuenterraba, it is located at the mouth of the Bidasoa River, a short distance from the border with France. It is one of the most picturesque places in the region due to its fishing districts, its colourfully painted houses and its terraces. It also has a walled town centre and several baroque palaces.
Toulouse (Guipzcoa)
The Oria River runs through the town where Xabi Alonso was born. In the pastTolosa was the capital of Guipzcoa due to its importance in trade between Navarre and the Cantabrian Sea.Its convent, its palace and its streets make the visit worthwhile. Of course, don’t forget to eat some good beans and enjoy the classic desserts of the place.
Getaria (Guipzcoa)
Speaking of famous Basques, the sailor Juan Sebastián Elcano was born in Getaria. It is therefore not surprising that the fishing and maritime atmosphere predominates. In the middle of the sea, a mountain called Ratn de Getaria due to its shape crowns a town that also has an attractive urban centre.
Mutriku (Guipzcoa)
The Basque Cudillero. Built on the side of a mountain and on the seashore, the town has a notable medieval origin and slopes that scare even the best cyclists. Despite everything, the church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the fishermen’s market make the visit worthwhile.
Mundaka (Vizcaya)
The enormous tower of its Santa Catalina church, just a few metres from the Mundaka bay, stands out on the skyline of the municipality. The meaning of the name, clean water, is a true statement of intent of what the visitor can find there. The marshes are located in the middle of the Urdabai Biosphere Reserve.
Lekeitio (Vizcaya)
Between a mountainous landscape emerges Lekeitio, a coastal town that has one of the most beautiful ports in the country. Its historic centre is also very attractive, as it preserves a Gothic basilica, palaces and walls standing.
Laguardia (lava)
Bordering La Rioja, Laguardia is a completely different town from the previous ones. In this case, its greatest attraction, apart from its streets, is wine tourism. The municipality is full of wineries and behind it rises the Cantabria mountain range. All this, together with the uniform brown colour of most of the interior of its wall, makes the place a beautiful site.
The Blind Man (Lava)
With less than 1,000 inhabitants, Elciego shares with Laguardia the interest in wine, since the Marqus de Riscal wineries are located within it. Its urban centre and the scandalous Marqus de Riscal hotel are located in the town centre. Riscal a Luxery Collection -which, it must be said, does not particularly fit in with the rest of the landscape-, make Elciego a place to visit.
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