Basque Country, Spain: Towns to Explore on Foot

The Basque Country is an autonomous community in northern Spain where two languages, Spanish and Basque, shape daily life and where a strong tradition of self‑government meets a celebrated food culture. It is worth visiting for its lively cities, green wetlands and the chance to experience a distinct cultural identity that lives in language, education and everyday rituals. Neywo offers a free audio guide for the region, covering 7 cities, 216 narrated places and 15 walking tours.

Key sites to explore

Plaiaundi Ecology Park

Where the Bidasoa River meets the Bay of Biscay, Plaiaundi Ecology Park protects a 24‑hectare coastal wetland. Spring draws visitors interested in its varied flora, while migratory birds attract birdwatchers throughout the year. The park highlights the quieter meeting of land, river and sea and reminds visitors that this landscape is linked to places far beyond the Basque Country.

Álava

Álava is one of the three provinces that make up the Basque Country. Its provincial capital is Vitoria‑Gasteiz, which houses the Basque Parliament, the Basque Government and the residence of the regional president.

Biscay

Biscay is another of the three provinces, with Bilbao as its capital. Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country by population and its port connects the region with the sea.

Gipuzkoa

Gipuzkoa completes the trio of provinces; its capital is San Sebastián. The city serves as the administrative centre for this province and is known for its coastal setting and cultural life.

Vitoria‑Gasteiz

As the de facto capital of the Basque Country, Vitoria‑Gasteiz hosts the Basque Parliament, the Basque Government and the official residence of the regional president. The city blends historic architecture with green spaces and a growing culinary scene.

Bilbao

Bilbao stands out as the most populous city in the Basque Country. Its port links the territory to maritime routes, and the city has become a cultural hub, famous for contemporary architecture and vibrant neighbourhoods.

San Sebastián

San Sebastián, the capital of Gipuzkoa, lies on the Bay of Biscay and is renowned for its beaches, festivals and gastronomic traditions. The city offers a mix of historic quarters and modern attractions that reflect the Basque love of food and celebration.

Bilbao port

The port of Bilbao provides a direct connection between the Basque Country and the sea, supporting trade and travel links with the rest of Europe.

Pasaia port

Similarly, the port of Pasaia offers maritime access for the region, complementing Bilbao’s role in linking the Basque Country to Atlantic routes.

Explore Basque Country with Neywo

Download Neywo to discover the Basque Country at your own pace. The app provides free audio guides for 7 cities in the region, with a total of 216 narrated places organised into 15 walking tours. Each story plays automatically when you reach a site, so you can explore without a group or a fixed schedule. Narration is available in 11 languages, letting you hear the history, culture and legends of each place in the language you prefer. Whether you are strolling through the streets of Bilbao, enjoying the pintxos bars of San Sebastián or watching birds at Plaiaundi, Neywo turns every step into a story.