Five Basque Towns to Visit This Summer
When it comes to the Basque Country, Biarritz and San Sebastián are always the first places to come to mind — and while both are standout destinations in their own right, there is far more to discover across this region straddling the French-Spanish border. With its unique culture, cuisine and language, the Basque Country rewards those who dare to venture off the well-trodden tourist trail. Here, writer and current Biarritz resident Sophie Hay shares her five favourite towns to visit on your next trip to Euskal Herria.
May 5, 2026
Guides
BIARRITZ
Biarritz rose to prominence in the 19th century as a stylish escape for Parisians looking to escape the city. Today, it’s a buzzy surf town drawing surfers chasing their next wave, alongside a growing creative crowd from further afield. It’s a great place to start your trip, where you can spend your day bopping between the beaches, browsing the local market, Les Halles, for Basque
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