Discover some of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country and make the most of your visit to the community. You can even organize a car route to discover a good part of them.
Laguardia
Laguardia is the capital of the Rioja Alavesa and one of the most beautiful basque villages that you can visit. Its medieval historic center, with the Church of Saint Mary of the Kingsbuilt between the 12th and 15th centuries, the Church of St. John the Baptistbetween the 12th and 16th centuries, and the doors of its ancient walls They will not leave you indifferent.
You can’t forget the family wineries or caves, which extend into the basements of the houses of Laguardia, with numerous underground passages. You will find several wine cellars with wine tourism experienceswhere you can taste the wine and the best of the gastronomy from the area.
Otxandio
In the province of Bizkaiaan hour’s drive from Laguardiais located Otxandio. Walk through its main square, contemplate the Vulcan fountainthe town hall, listed as a national monument, the 19th century cultural centre and the Church of Santa Mariñefrom the 16th century. And don’t forget to stop by the Hermitage of San Martinsurrounded by a beautiful beech forest.
Please note that Otxandio is in a exceptional location If you want to practice hiking or adventure activities, since it is in the vicinity of the Urkiola Natural Park and the Gorbeia Natural Park.
Durango
About 18 kilometers from Otxandio is located DurangoIn this beautiful town you will be surprised by its architectural heritagesince its historic center is declared Monumental ComplexHere you will see the arch of Santa Ana, the baroque church of st annathe church of Santa Maria de Uribarri, the city hall and the paintings on its façade, and the Lariz Tower. To learn about the history of the town, it is best to visit the Etxezarreta Palacewhich houses the Museum of Art and History of Durango.
Lekeitio
If you head from Durango towards the coast on the BI-633 highway you will reach Lekeitioa fishing village which is surrounded by wonderful beaches and in front of which stands the Saint Nicholas IslandYou can reach it by taking a walk when the tide is low and also admire the Santa Catalina Lighthouse.
In Lekeitio the following stand out: Gothic Basilica of the Assumption of Our Ladywhich houses a Gothic altarpiece that is bathed in gold, and the civil architecture of its houses and palaces. One of the best times to get to know this Basque town is during its patron saint festivitiesdedicated to San Antolín, which take place between September 1st and 8th.
Ondarroa
The BI-3438 coastal road connects Lekeitio with another fishing village: Ondarroa. Some 14 kilometres separate both towns, so there is no excuse not to visit both if you are in the area.
Ondarroa will surprise you with its beautiful old town, where the Gothic church of Andra Mari and the town hall. But you will also love its old portnestled in the estuary of the Artibai River. In the area you can enjoy beaches such as Arrigorri and Saturraran. And remember that the patron saint festivities of Ondarroa, known as Andramaxakare celebrated between August 14th and 17th.
Getaria
The next stop on this tour of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country is Getariaan hour’s drive from Ondarroa, already in the province of Gipuzkoa. This seaside village It is an exceptional stop for fashion lovers, since here you will find the Cristobal Balenciaga MuseumBut we cannot forget its interesting heritage, such as the Church of San Salvadorthe houses on San Roque Street, the mansions and the Aldamar tower.
Don’t forget to try the typical txakoli leaving their vineyards and attending the fish auction in the port of Getaria.
Oñati
The monumental villa of Oñati It is another of those towns that you cannot miss in the province of Gipuzkoa. Its historic center It’s fabulous, and in it you will find the square of the Fueroswhere the town hall is located, numerous palatial housesmonuments and religious architecture such as the Church of St. Michael the Archangel. Don’t forget either the Bidaurreta Monastery and the Sancti Spiritus Universityfrom the 16th century.
Furthermore, in full Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park You can visit the Basilica of Arantzazubuilt in the 1950s on an impressive cliff. The complex is exceptional and is an ideal starting point for various excursions. hiking trails.
