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.
The Basque Country is a very safe destination for travelers with low levels of violent crime. The main risks are opportunistic pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and natural hazards on the rugged Atlantic coastline.
Current safety advisory
Low
Spain is rated Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) by the US State Department. The Basque Country specifically has no additional advisories and is considered one of Spain's safest regions.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Spain is a safe country for travel. Be aware of occasional pickpocketing in tourist areas and remain alert to your surroundings.
General Travel Advice
Spain is generally safe. Terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out; be vigilant in public places. Petty theft is the most common crime affecting tourists.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
The Basque Country is one of the safest regions in Spain — exercise the same common-sense precautions you would in any European city
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded pintxos bars, especially in the Parte Vieja (San Sebastián) and Casco Viejo (Bilbao) on busy weekend evenings
Use only licensed taxis or reputable apps like Cabify — rogue taxis are rare but unlicensed operators occasionally operate near tourist sites
Be cautious at night on isolated clifftop paths and coastal trails — the Basque coast can be treacherous with wet rocks and sudden waves
Respect red flag warnings on beaches — the Atlantic can produce powerful rip currents and sudden swells, particularly at surf beaches like Zurriola and Mundaka
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe requires advance reservations in summer — visiting without a reservation may result in being turned away at the car park
Mountain trails and coastal paths can be slippery, especially after rain — wear proper footwear and check weather forecasts before hiking
Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas; keep valuables in inside pockets or a money belt in busy pintxos bars
Road safety: The N-634 coastal road and mountain roads in the interior are winding and can be icy in winter — drive carefully
Emergency number 112 is free and available in English, Spanish, and Basque throughout the region
The Ertzaintza (Basque Police) are generally helpful to tourists; their tourist assistance number is 945 002 055
Swimming conditions vary significantly between beaches — La Concha is calm and safe while Zurriola and Laga can have strong currents
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the entire Basque Country
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, and theft
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unlicensed taxi overcharging
Unofficial taxis at Bilbao Airport may quote inflated fares — though this is rare in the Basque Country
How to avoid: Use the official Bilbaibus A3247 bus (€3) or book Cabify in advance; official taxis have meters
Distraction theft at pintxos bars
In very crowded Parte Vieja bars during busy evenings, organised pickpocket teams occasionally operate
How to avoid: Keep bags on your body (not hung on bar stools), use inside pockets for phone and wallet
Accommodation scams
False listings for holiday apartments in San Sebastián (high demand city) do occasionally appear on rental platforms
How to avoid: Book through reputable platforms and verify listings with multiple photos and reviews
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No vaccinations required for EU/standard Western countries. Routine vaccinations (tetanus, hepatitis A/B) recommended as standard practice.
- Water
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout the Basque Country
- Food
- Food safety standards are high throughout the region. Seafood is extremely fresh but those with shellfish allergies should be cautious in restaurants where cross-contamination is possible.
- Facilities
- Excellent hospital and clinic availability. Bilbao and San Sebastián have major hospitals. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is accepted for EU/UK citizens.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
The Basque Country is excellent for solo travelers. The culture is warm and sociable, especially in pintxos bars where it's completely normal to chat with strangers. Solo female travelers report feeling very safe. Take standard precautions at night in busy bar areas and never leave drinks unattended.
Female travellers
Very safe for female solo travelers — safer than many other European destinations. The Basque Country has a strong feminist culture and cases of harassment are rare. Standard precautions apply at night: stick to busy streets, use taxis rather than walking alone very late, and trust your instincts.
Families
An excellent family destination with very low crime. Beaches have lifeguards in summer. Children are welcomed in restaurants and bars throughout the region. Car seats are compulsory and widely available at rental companies.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Spain is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world, with same-sex marriage legal since 2005. The Basque Country is generally accepting and open-minded. Bilbao has a visible LGBTQ+ scene particularly in the Ensanche neighbourhood. San Sebastián is equally welcoming. Public displays of affection are generally accepted without incident.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 112 (general) / 092 (local Basque police / Ertzaintza)
- Medical
- 112 (emergency) / 944 007 000 (Hospital de Basurto, Bilbao)
- Embassy
- US Embassy Madrid: +34 915 872 200; UK Embassy Madrid: +34 917 146 300; Australian Embassy Madrid: +34 913 536 600
- Tourist Police
- Bilbao Police: +34 944 205 000; San Sebastián Police: +34 943 450 000; Ertzaintza tourist assistance: +34 945 002 055