ASADOR BEDUA Asador Bedua Zumaia stands beside the Urola River, just outside Zumaia, in a beautiful old house with a long history. The building was once part of a medieval riverside trading area, where iron from the nearby Iraeta forge was brought down to the old Bedua quay for transport. The restaurant itself began around 1948, when the great-grandmother of the present family started serving simple food to visitors arriving from Zumaia by boat or bicycle. Her potato tortilla

CASA JULIAN In 2026, we revisited Casa Julián Tolosa, this remarkable, easily overlooked little restaurant, now famous on TV, located in the Basque countryside town of Tolosa, which is 28 km inland from San Sebastián. Tolosa is a town and municipality in the Basque province of Gipuzkoa, northern Spain. It sits in the Oria River valley, which runs through the town. When you arrive at the restaurant and step inside, you might initially feel like you’re in the wrong place. You’l

HOTELA M&UGA We stayed for three nights in the Basque Country town of Elorrio at Hotela M&UGA. The town stands out for its unique medieval and modern heritage. In 1964, it was declared a Medieval Heritage Site. It is set in a green valley, with the river Zumelegi running down its centre. Strolling through the streets lined with palaces and ancestral houses, crafted from stone and intricately carved masonry dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, is truly delightful. We ch

RESTAURANTE ELKANO One Michelin Star Getaria is a picturesque fishing village in the Basque Country known for producing designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, the mother of Plácido Domingo, and Juan Sebastián Elcano, who was the first mariner to circumnavigate the globe. You can stroll along the old streets to the harbour, where you will see the fishing fleet passing by various shops selling their goods. There are stunning little beaches here. Perched at a crossroads overlooking th

AZURMENDI Three Michelin Stars Chef Eneko Atxa Azurmendi was the youngest Spanish chef to obtain 3 Michelin stars in 2012. You will understand why when you visit this subtropical glasshouse, which overlooks the beautiful Basque countryside and is located 25 minutes from Bilbao. Azurmendi operates as a self-sustaining ecosystem focused on sustainability. It is environmentally friendly, utilises renewable energy sources, recycles all generated waste, collects rainwater, and

If you’re dreaming of a trip that combines stunning coastlines, mouth-watering food, and a culture that’s as unique as it is welcoming, then the Basque Country should be at the top of your list. I’m here to share the essential tips you need to make your journey smooth, fun, and full of those “wow” moments. Whether you’re wandering the charming streets of San Sebastián or exploring the rugged beauty of the countryside, these tips will help you get the most out of your adventu

CHEZ ALBERT Before our summer trip to San Sebastián, we ventured over the border into southwestern France, although still in the Basque Country, to the elegant seaside resort of Biarritz. The town has been a popular resort since European royalty began visiting in the 1800s. It’s also a major surfing destination, with long sandy beaches and surfers. A symbol of Biarritz, the Rocher de la Vierge is a rocky outcrop topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary, accessible via a footbrid

RESTAURANTE ARTEAGA LANDETXEA Michelin Bib Gourmand During our three-night stay in the Basque Country town of Elorrio, the friendly duo of Niko Moreno and Maider Ugarriza of Hotela M&UGA organised a seven-seater taxi to take us to Restaurante Arteaga Landetxea for lunch. The restaurant was a twenty-minute drive away from Elorrio to Arrasate (Gipuzkoa). It is a restored historic farmhouse in the heart of the stunning Basque Countryside. Maider Larrañaga and Igor Ezpeleta

CASA JUAN PEDRO Before our summer trip to San Sebastián, we ventured over the border into southwestern France, although still in the Basque Country, to the elegant and stunning seaside resort of Biarritz. The town has been a popular resort since European royalty began visiting in the 1800s. It’s also a major surfing destination, with long sandy beaches. A symbol of Biarritz, the Rocher de la Vierge is a rocky outcrop topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary, accessible via a foo

If you’re anything like me, the idea of diving into a new culinary world is as thrilling as booking a spontaneous trip. And when it comes to food adventures, few places rival the Basque Country. Nestled between Spain and France, this region is a treasure trove of unique flavours and dishes that will make your taste buds dance. Today, I’m taking you on a mouth-watering journey through some of the most iconic and lesser-known delights of Basque Country cuisine. Ready to feast y