Basque Country Travel Guide
Spain
Gourmet guide
The Basque Country is the epicurean heaven, The whole Gipuzkoa region, is touted as one the world’s gastro capitals.
The food market in Bilbao is a bastion of gastronomy in a city that takes eating very seriously. The market dates back to the 19th century but, unlike so many traditional European markets that have fallen into disrepair, Bilbao’s Mercado showcases Basque Country cuisine at its very best.
First thing in the morning until last thing at night, the vendors in the Mercado de la Ribera serve out some of the best pintxos in Bilbao.
Let’s not forget that San Sebastian itself is arguably Spain’s most famous city for food. It boasts more Michelin stars per square metre than anywhere else in Europe (only beaten by Kyoto in Japan), which makes it a food lovers Mecca.
Old town Parte Vieja’s pintxos establishments are legendary, locals even belong to food societies to meet and discuss the vagaries of who’s serving what with what! Each bar tends to have a signature dish or especialidad de la casa to be precise, be sure to find out what this is before ordering!
It’s amazing what delicious concoctions appear at the end of a cocktail stick in San Sebastian; from Gilda (pickled anchovy, olive and pepper) to Txuleta (grass fed beef, cooked rare) through to mussels and cheeses. Loosen your belts and head out to the old town.
Wine guide
San Sebastian and Bilbao are within a comfortable driving distance of excellent vine growing areas such as Bizkaia, Getaria and Araba. They are also close to the Navarra region famed for its light rose wines, usually produced by local, family run bodegas. Cresting La Concha bay in the Cantabrian Sea, a relaxing wine break in San Sebastian boasts excellent tasting opportunities alongside walks on the beach and outstanding cuisine.
A Basque Rioja
The Denominación de Origen Calificada for the Rioja label originates a little further to the south along the Rio Ebro, yet San Sebastian in particular produces its own version of a Rioja. The Rioja Alavesa grape is grown at altitude in chalky soils and is famed for having a full bodied, yet soft and fruity taste.
Navarra wines
You’re also likely to taste fabulous Navarra wines during a wine-enthused break in the Basque Country. It’s a grape trying to standalone from its big brother Rioja and indeed has its own Denominación de Origen. Again, these vineyards are tended at higher altitudes on the slopes of the lower Spanish Pyrenees and create amazing rose wines, or locally speaking ‘rosados’, of course.
Txakoli wines
Perhaps the most famous wine closest to San Sebastian or Bilbao is the rather Basque sounding Txakoli, a semi-sparkling dry white wine. A perfect accompaniment to pintxos whilst kicking back in a buzzing bar on a balmy summer evening.
Basque Country Gastronomic Tours
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