Bilbao. 1 hour 15 minutes from Iriarte Jauregia Hotel.
Bilbao is a vibrant, dynamic city that has undergone a remarkable urban transformation in recent years. What was once an industrial city is now a benchmark for contemporary architecture, a city marked by the genius of great architects and designers: Frank Gehry, Norman Foster, Arata Isozaki…
A good way to explore the city is by tram, making a stop at the can`t-miss Guggenheim Museum , the
Arriaga Theatre , “the seven streets” of the old town and the Mercado de la Ribera.
Other top city sights include the Museum of Fine Arts , a walk through Doña Casilda Park, shopping, a coffee at any of the countless terraces and a meal at the city’s range of dining options.
Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. 1 hour 30 minutes from Iriarte Jauregia Hotel..
This is the Basque Country’s largest wetland, an ecologically rich natural area. For bird lovers, we recommend a kayak tour to see the marsh’s migratory birds.
The area is also home to the Santimamiñe , which feature stunning cave paintings, and the Bosque de Oma, a pine grove with colourfully painted tree trunks by Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola.
Gernika. 1 hour 15 minutes from Iriarte Jauregia Hotel.
This is the town –the scene of tragedy and suffering caused by the 1937 bombing– that inspired Pablo Picasso’s most emblematic painting.
The city was completely destroyed, but two of its most important symbols, La Casa de Juntas and the Tree of Gernika, can be visited today. Visitors can also check out the Peace Museum or shop for local products at the traditional Monday market.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo. 1 hour 30 minutes from Iriarte Jauregia Hotel.
Climbing the 241 steps leading to the top of this island is worth the effort. Once you get to the chapel the landscape is extraordinarily beautiful.
If you cannot leave your car next to the bridge that connects to the steps, park on the main road and walk the 1 km to the steps.
Pamplona. 1 hour from Iriarte Jauregia Hotel.
The city that annually transforms into the epicentre of one of the greatest parties in the world, “Los Sanfermines”, is actually a quiet town that is worth a visit any day of the year. Walk between the walls of the citadel in the park, stroll the streets of its old town, visit the cathedral or have a coffee in Plaza del Castillo.
The Côte Basque. Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Biarritz. 50 minutes from Iriarte Jauregia Hotel.
Beautiful beaches and charming towns.
Enjoy the beach, shop on the vibrant Rue Gambeta in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and try the rich macarons at Maison Adam you can also stroll along the harbour to the Roca de la Virgen, see sea lions at the Biarritz aquarium or treat yourself to a delicious cake at the Pâtisseire Miremont in Biarritz.
Sara, Ainhoa and Ezpeleta. 1 hour 20 minutes from Iriarte Jauregia Hotel.
It is impossible to take a bad photo in these lovely towns in the French Basque region, whose well-kept white houses with red, blue and green accents, small churches, and hand-ball courts are a treat to behold.
Zugarramurdi. 1 hour 30 minutes from Iriarte Jauregia Hotel.
Historically associated with witches, Zugarramurdi is a village nestled in a stunning natural environment. Its main attraction is its magical and mysterious cave, the scene of pagan rituals until the seventeenth century. Eleven women accused of witchcraft were burned at the stake during the Inquisition.
Vitoria. 1 hour from Iriarte Jauregia Hotel.
While Vitoria is not as well-known as San Sebastián and Bilbao, this city has an extensive range of attractions for visitors.
Take a walk through the old town and visit a unique museum with one of the top five card collections in the world, visit the restoration works of the Gothic-style Santa María catehdral, inspiration for Ken Follet’s The Pillars of the Earth, tour the Artium modern art museum, experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s squares and streets first-hand and snack on delicious pintxos paired with delicious local wine.