Basque Country by motorhome: 7 stages for a perfect route

Travelling through the Basque Country by motorhome is one of those experiences that hook you from the first bend. Here, the intense green of the mountains collides head-on with the salty blue of the Cantabrian Sea, while the smell of grilled fish and fresh txakoli greets you in every harbour. Euskadi has an excellent network of natural areas and fishing towns that look like they came out of a fairy tale, made to be enjoyed without hurry.

If you are after a getaway where freedom of movement is the real star, this seven-day itinerary will take you to the best-kept secrets of the Cantabrian coast. Get the engine ready, check the levels and let yourself go with the rhythm of the north.

1 Hondarribia: a colourful seafaring welcome

We start the route in Hondarribia, just a few kilometres from the French border. Its walled old town keeps an unrivalled medieval charm, but the real love at first sight comes when you walk through the La Marina district.

The traditional fishermen’s houses, with wooden balconies painted in bright reds, blues and greens, make for a uniquely photogenic scene. It is the perfect place to sit on a terrace on San Pedro street and try the first pintxos of the trip.

For a quiet overnight stay, there is a parking area designated for motorhomes very close to the beach and the marina.

2 San Sebastián: urban elegance and La Concha Bay

Less than thirty kilometres to the west, the road leads you straight to San Sebastián (Donostia). The elegance of its Belle Époque architecture contrasts with the fury of the sea at the famous Comb of the Wind (Peine del Viento), a sculpture by Eduardo Chillida set into the rocks.

Strolling aimlessly along La Concha Beach at sunset is a real visual treat. Afterwards, head into the Old Town for dinner at legendary bars where local produce is the undisputed king.

The city has motorhome areas well connected by public transport, so you can reach the centre without moving the vehicle.

3 Zarautz, Getaria and Zumaia: the sanctuary of the Flysch

The coastal road linking these three towns in Gipuzkoa is simply legendary. In Zarautz you will find the longest beach in Euskadi, an absolute paradise for surf lovers.

As you continue towards Getaria, the landscape narrows around a mouse-shaped hill (San Antón). This fishing town, birthplace of the navigator Juan Sebastián Elcano and the designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, smells inescapably of grilled turbot.

The cherry on top of this stretch is Zumaia and its imposing flysch cliffs. Walking beside the Hermitage of San Telmo, perched above the sea abyss, will take your breath away.

4 San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Bermeo: Biscayan mysticism

We enter the province of Bizkaia to visit one of the most striking spots on the peninsula: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This rocky islet, linked to the mainland by a winding stone bridge and 241 steps, crowns a hermitage steeped in legend.

Very close by lies Bermeo, a fishing town with a deep seafaring character where the old harbour fills with life every morning. Its cobbled alleys hide traditional taverns that are perfect for trying some rabas (fried squid) or a good plate of cod.

Remember that to reach the stairs of Gaztelugatxe you must book your free online ticket in advance, as the daily capacity is strictly protected.

5 Mundaka and the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve

The journey continues into the natural heart of Urdaibai. Mundaka is known worldwide for one of the best left-hand waves on the planet for surfing, drawing athletes from all over the globe.

But beyond surfing, climbing up to the Atalaya viewpoint gives a fantastic panorama over the estuary. Close by, inside the valley, you can make a cultural stop to visit the renovated Oma Forest, a place where art and nature talk to each other through tree trunks painted by Agustín Ibarrola.

6 Bilbao: avant-garde and tradition on the estuary

The big city of the route surprises with its ambitious urban transformation. The iconic Guggenheim Museum, clad in titanium by Frank Gehry, presides over a riverside walk that invites you to stroll without hurry.

Cross the Zubizuri Bridge and head straight into the Old Quarter (the famous Seven Streets). Visit the bustling Ribera Market, considered one of the largest covered municipal markets in Europe, and enjoy a pintxos crawl around the lively Plaza Nueva.

For a safe overnight stay, the city has equipped areas and dedicated car parks connected directly to the metropolitan tram.

7 Vitoria-Gasteiz and Rioja Alavesa: the grand finale

To close the route, it is best to leave the coast and head south into Álava. Vitoria-Gasteiz welcomes you with one of the best-preserved Medieval Almonds (Almendra Medieval, the old town) in the north of the peninsula. Its Cathedral of Santa María, famous for inspiring international literary alliances, can be visited through a fascinating guided restoration programme.

If time allows, go a little further down to Rioja Alavesa and park among centuries-old vineyards. Villages such as Laguardia or Elciego, home to the avant-garde winery designed by Frank Gehry, are the perfect finishing touch to an unforgettable trip.

Traveller’s note: In Euskadi the regulations clearly distinguish between parking and camping. You may spend the night inside the vehicle as long as you do not put out any exterior items (such as awnings or unfolded tables). Always respect the natural environment and use the authorised service areas.

Are you ready to drive the Basque coast on four wheels, or would you rather start by planning the first stop in Hondarribia?