Tuesday 29 July 2008

The Basque Coast - a taste of the truly authentic

There are many reasons to enjoy the "Costa Vasca", the coastal area of the Basque Country: 252 kilometres washed by the Cantabrian Sea and dominated by intense shades of blue and green. Here, amidst the mountains, estuaries, cliffs and nature reserves there are broad beaches of fine, golden sand, the perfect setting for surfing, kayaking and sailing. There are also villages with maritime atmosphere, country mansions, monuments, museums...
On the Basque Coast, in northern Spain, there is lots to see. Why not explore the coast of Guipúzcoa and Vizcaya. The Cantabrian Sea meets mountains and meadows to form a beautiful landscape where nature plays the lead role. In this stunning setting you will find beautiful villages with picturesque streets and buildings - ideal for a pleasant outing. There are many places well worth discovering in this part of Green Spain. So, on this route there are cities, towns and villages not to be missed. In Guipúzcoa you will find the historic centre of Hondarribia; Zarautz, a paradise for surfing lovers; Getaria, with its maritime atmosphere; the unspoilt beaches between Zumaia and Deba; Donostia-San Sebastián, the stately capital of the province. In Vizcaya, meanwhile, there are other emblematic spots such as Bermeo and Lekeitio, very close to Urdaibai, a nature area with the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation, and to Mundaka, a real surfing sanctuary - the left-hander that breaks here is Europe's best and one of the best in the world; not forgetting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, where there are stunning views of the rugged Cantabrian coast.
This area is ideal for adventure sports such as: paragliding and hang gliding; hiking; water sports such as scuba diving, sailing, surfing and kayaking; and, of course, golf. Make the most of your visit to see the Vizcaya Suspension Bridge. It has the UNESCO World Heritage Designation and links the towns of Getxo and Portugalete, just a few kilometres from Bilbao. You should not, of course, visit the Basque Coast without trying the local gastronomy. It is exquisite and internationally renowned for its fish, seafood and meats, especially the “pinchos” - delicious miniature dishes. These are just a few of the ideas awaiting you in this part of the Basque Country. Be sure to visit the region's tourist offices, where they will help you plan your stay so that you can enjoy your visit to the full.

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