Time to talk about Pais Vasco/Basque Country! (My Trip to the North of Spain, Part 3)

I visited 3 towns/cities in Pais Vasco (Basque Country, an autonomous community up North in Spain) in August, and I haven’t gotten around to talk about it yet. Time flies and there’s a lot going on all the time. But Pais Vasco deserves a spot on my blog so here goes!

The jewel of the Basque coast is without a doubt San Sebastian, or Donostia (the name of the city in Euskera/the Basque language). Everyone I know who’s been there has told me it is oh, so beautiful. 

And I agree!  

San Sebastian is beautiful all over the place. Back in the day it was a popular place for royalty and wealthy people, and the architecture really reflects that this is a city of money. 

In fact, it’s one of the most expensive cities in Spain.

The city beach is long and gorgeous!

(And crowded in summer!)

San Sebastian is full, I mean really full of pintxo-bars and the city is renowned for excellent quality. Wherever you go, there are pintxo-bars. If you wonder what on earth is a pintxo, have a look here.

Pais Vasco is on the way of some of the routes of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. We saw many, many "pilgrims" everywhere we went in Pais Vasco, Asturias and La Rioja. I am so fascinated by it, and the people I know who have done it (by foot or bike) all say it's one of the most incredible experiences they have ever had. The landscapes, the people they meet, the spiritual journey it is for many. 

 Every time I saw someone on their way, or street signs telling us we were in fact on the route, I got a bit of a chill, a good vibe. I would love to do it myself one day. 

How to spot a 'pilgrim'? Backpacks, good walking boots, sticks, and the characteristic 'concha de Santiago', the shell, as seen on the backpacks of the people in the picture.

The shell is also on street signs, and even on floor tiles on the way; 

Apart from San Sebastian, we also visited Zarautz, a beautiful little seaside town just about 

half an hour from San Sebastian. 

Cosy. Tranquil. Great pintxos & wine. And a beach that made my jaw drop... 

The weather wasn't that nice, but I think that was just another blessing, as there weren't a lot of people at the beach this morning. Just beautiful. 

We spent the most time in San Sebastian. The rest was mostly beach and food-related. In fact, the only picture I have from the third town we visited, Getxo, is a beach. Sorry about that. But the town itself was pretty too, maybe a bit posh? Anyway, the beach was lovely.
Playa de Arrigunaga; golden sand, beautiful cliffs with a picturesque old windmill on top. 

Conclusion: Pais Vasco really has gorgeous beaches, delicious food and wonderful wine. 

Hereby recommended!
Have you ever been there? Or have you done the 'Camino de Santiago'? Tell me about it!

If you are interested, you can read about Asturias on My Trip to the North part 1 here,
and La Rioja on My Trip to the North part 2 here.