The Basque Country (Euskadi) is an autonomous community in northern Spain nestled between the Cantabrian mountains and the Bay of Biscay, celebrated worldwide for its extraordinary gastronomy, avant-garde architecture, and fiercely proud cultural identity. Home to Bilbao's transformative Guggenheim Museum and San Sebastián's legendary pintxos bars, the region blends industrial heritage with breathtaking coastal scenery and lush green valleys. With more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere on earth, the Basque Country offers travelers a uniquely sophisticated yet deeply authentic Spanish experience.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
Hotel María Cristina
San Sebastián's legendary Belle Époque landmark hotel, a Luxury Collection property that opened in 1912 and remains the city's most prestigious address. Film stars, royalty, and heads of state choose this hotel during the San Sebastián Film Festival.
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
Bilbao's premier design hotel, positioned directly opposite the Guggenheim Museum with spectacular architectural views from many rooms and the rooftop terrace. Designed by Javier Mariscal with a bold contemporary aesthetic.
Parador de Hondarribia
Set inside a medieval castle that once housed Emperor Charles V, this parador is one of Spain's most atmospheric hotels. Stone-walled rooms, a magnificent terrace overlooking the Bidasoa estuary, and a Michelin-recommended restaurant.
Marqués de Riscal Hotel
Frank Gehry's second masterpiece in the Basque Country — a dramatic titanium ribbon hotel rising from the vineyards of Laguardia in Álava province. The hotel sits above the historic Marqués de Riscal winery and includes the Francis Paniego restaurant (one Michelin star).
Hotel Villa Magalean
A superb luxury boutique hotel in Hondarribia's historic centre, created from a meticulously restored 17th-century manor house. Just 14 rooms and suites, each individually designed with antiques, artwork, and modern luxury amenities.
Hotel Londres y de Inglaterra
Facing La Concha beach directly with the best sea views of any hotel in San Sebastián, this grand hotel has been welcoming guests since 1949 and retains its Belle Époque elegance.
Akelarre Hotel
Pedro Subijana's legendary three-Michelin-star restaurant high on Monte Igueldo above San Sebastián now also has 22 stunning rooms and suites with panoramic Atlantic views. An unmatched combination of world-class gastronomy and luxury accommodation.
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
Arzak
Three Michelin stars since 1989; Juan Mari and Elena Arzak's legendary restaurant is the spiritual home of New Basque Cuisine and one of the world's great restaurants.
Mugaritz
Consistently in the World's 50 Best Restaurants, Andoni Aduriz's Mugaritz challenges every boundary of what a meal can be — a 20+ course artistic journey.
Azurmendi
Three Michelin stars; begins with a tour of the greenhouse and ends with an extraordinary tasting menu by Eneko Atxa. A complete sensory experience in the Bizkaia hills.
Etxebarri
Victor Arguinzoniz's wood-fire grill restaurant in the mountain village of Axpe is frequently ranked the world's best restaurant. Transcendent simplicity.
Martin Berasategui
Three Michelin stars; Martin Berasategui's precision and classical Basque approach produce dishes of extraordinary elegance at his Lasarte-Oria restaurant.
Restaurante Elkano
One Michelin star in Getaria village; the ultimate grilled turbot experience at one of Europe's finest seafood restaurants.
Exclusive experiences
Bespoke and once-in-a-lifetime activities.
Private Yacht Charter along the Basque Coast
Charter a private sailing yacht or motor yacht from Bilbao, San Sebastián, or Hondarribia to explore the dramatic coastline, visit coastal villages, and anchor for swimming in hidden coves.
Helicopter Transfer: Bilbao to San Sebastián
Fly by private helicopter between Bilbao and San Sebastián (20 minutes versus 1.5 hours by road), with stunning aerial views of the Basque coastline. Available from companies operating from Bilbao Airport.
Private Winery Tour and Harvest Experience
A private tour of a premier Rioja Alavesa or txakoli winery with the winemaker, including barrel tasting, vineyard walk, and an exclusive lunch prepared by the estate chef.
Bespoke Michelin Dining Tour (3 days)
A curated 3-day gastronomic tour of the Basque Country's Michelin-starred restaurants, designed by a specialist food concierge. Includes reservations at Arzak, Mugaritz or Etxebarri, and Azurmendi, plus luxury hotel accommodation.
Private Guggenheim VIP Tour
A private guided tour of the Guggenheim Bilbao with the museum's specialist art historians, including access to normally restricted areas and early opening before regular visitors arrive.
Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa at Marqués de Riscal
The world-renowned Vinothérapie spa at the Marqués de Riscal Hotel in Laguardia offers wine-based beauty treatments, including the signature crushed Cabernet scrub and barrel bath, in a spectacular Frank Gehry setting.
Spas & wellness
World-class spa retreats and treatments.
Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa (Marqués de Riscal, Laguardia)
The original wine therapy spa in Europe, with signature grape-based treatments in a spectacular vineyard setting
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao Spa
Contemporary spa adjacent to the Guggenheim Museum with full range of treatments and relaxation facilities
Hotel María Cristina Spa & Wellness
The Belle Époque landmark's wellness facilities in San Sebastián with sea-inspired treatments
Akelarre Spa
Exclusive spa at Pedro Subijana's three-Michelin-star restaurant hotel above San Sebastián with panoramic Atlantic views
Luxury transport
Travel in style.
- Car
- Private chauffeur services in Bilbao and San Sebastián from €60/hour; full day from €400–600
- Air
- Helicopter transfers between cities and to private venues from €800–2,000 per flight
- Airport
- VIP lounge at Bilbao Airport; private transfer to city centre with Cabify Black from €45