Northern Spain Travel Guide: Bilbao, Pamplona, San Sebastian & Elciego
Spain easily ranks in our top five countries to visit, and Northern Spain—especially the Basque Country—is one of our favorite regions. From national parks and quaint villages to vibrant cities, incredible beaches, and legendary cuisine, this area offers something unforgettable for every traveler.
We've explored Northern Spain several times, and each trip has left us wanting more. Here are some of our favorite destinations and experiences that make this region extraordinary.
Elciego: Wine, Architecture, and Timeless Basque Traditions
Elciego is a charming village in the Basque Country’s Álava province. It’s most famous for the Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a stunning creation by Frank Gehry—best known for designing the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
The hotel's 120-hectare vineyard produces exceptional Rioja wines from grape varieties such as Tempranillo, Albariño, Viura, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. We stayed at the hotel and dined at its two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Restaurante La Luna, while enjoying panoramic views of the rolling vineyards.
We also toured the Marqués de Riscal winery and saw firsthand the artistry that has gone into Rioja winemaking for centuries. The combination of world-class wine, cutting-edge architecture, and authentic Basque culture makes Elciego a must-visit stop.
Bilbao: Where Architecture Meets Culture
Bilbao has transformed from an industrial hub into a cultural and architectural powerhouse. Today, it’s celebrated for its sustainable urban planning, thriving food scene, and world-class museums.
The crown jewel of the city is the Guggenheim Museum, Frank Gehry’s titanium masterpiece that helped revive Bilbao and put it on the global cultural map. Strolling along the banks of the River Nervión, you’ll pass striking landmarks such as La Salve Bridge, the Puente Euskalduna, and the Puente Pedro Arrupe.
👉 Bring Bilbao home with our Vintage Guggenheim Museum Travel Print—a stunning way to relive this remarkable city.
Outside the city, we ventured to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a dramatic island with 241 winding steps that connect it to the mainland. Game of Thrones fans will recognize it as "Dragonstone." We also visited Getxo, a seaside suburb just 20 minutes from Bilbao, known for its pintxos bars, seafood restaurants, and stunning limestone cliffs.
Pamplona: Tradition, Energy, and the Running of the Bulls
While many know Pamplona for the legendary Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín Festival, this city is far more than its most famous event. We visited during a quieter time, and it allowed us to appreciate its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant culinary scene.
Walking through Plaza del Castillo, we could almost feel the energy of the festival, even in its off-season. We explored local markets, enjoyed hearty Navarrese cuisine, and admired the city’s rich history. Whether you’re there for the adrenaline of San Fermín or simply to enjoy its culture, Pamplona is worth a stop.
🎨 Celebrate this iconic city with our Vintage Pamplona Running of the Bulls Print—a bold tribute to one of Spain’s most thrilling traditions.
San Sebastian: A Foodie’s Paradise
San Sebastian (or Donostia) is pure culinary heaven. Known for its world-renowned Basque cuisine, this coastal gem boasts more Michelin stars per capita than nearly any other city on Earth—second only to Kyoto.
We indulged in pintxos crawls, hopping from one bar to the next, sampling small plates that showcased the region’s creativity and passion for food. From fresh seafood to rich, slow-cooked meats, every bite was unforgettable.
No trip to San Sebastian would be complete without a visit to Playa de la Concha, one of Europe’s cleanest and most picturesque beaches. After a day of exploring, we strolled the promenade and soaked in the stunning ocean views.
Why Northern Spain Belongs on Your Bucket List
From Elciego’s vineyards to Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim, Pamplona’s traditions, and San Sebastian’s culinary brilliance, Northern Spain has it all. Each city offers a unique way to experience the Basque Country’s culture, history, and hospitality.
If you’ve never been, make Northern Spain your next adventure. And if you have been—well, you already know why it’s worth going back.
