The Basque Country is full of magnificent places and things to discover. In this list, you will find original activities to enjoy all over the Basque Country. I hope you will be interested!
Bayonne Ferias
All through the city of Bayonne
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Organized at the end of July, the Bayonne ferias are a summer tradition.
For five days, walk through the streets of the city, stop in the Bayonne peñas, sing, dance, drink and meet people!
These parties are developed in a spirit of community, you must wear a red and white outfit, including a small red scarf tied around your neck.
Price: Free participation.
We like:
- the community spirit.
- the discovery of the city through a big party.
Website (in French)
Urban Escape Game
If you’re not a big party person but you want to fully discover Bayonne, an urban escape game is a great way to do it.
Your team must be made of 2 to 5 players, and you have one hour to solve many puzzles across the city.
Sounds fun, right?
Price: from €60 for 5 people
We like:
- Discover the city by solving puzzles.
- Strengthens bonds.
Book your urban escape game (website in French)
Surfing
Plage du Centre, 64210 Bidart, France
If there is one place you should learn how to surf, it is the Basque coast.
What better way is there to enjoy its beautiful beaches and majestic cliffs than by riding a surfboard?
Book a private lesson; all equipment will be provided, all that is left to do is enjoy the waves!
Price: 6 to 12 people, from €35
We like:
- Thrilling
- Magnificent landscape.
Book your surf lesson in the Basque Country
Underwater Vinification
5Bis Chemin des Blocs, 64500 Ciboure
I strongly recommend exploring this extraordinary wine-making concept.
Since 2007, Egiategia has been making its sparkling wine in underwater tanks, 15 meters deep.
The darkness, the thermal inertia and the agitation of the pressure of the tides offer new flavors.
The domain offers you a visit and a tasting of their unique wines on the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Price: Visit €25
We like:
- Unique wine-making technique.
- New flavors.
Learn more about Egiategia: underwater winemaking
Gourmet Tour in a VW van
6 Avenue de la Plage, 64200 Biarritz, France
This activity is great for food lovers.
It offers a discovery of the Basque region, far from the tourist crowds.
For half a day, you’ll travel through the Basque villages and meet the craftsmen who contribute to the culinary wealth of the region. Kintoa, Ossau-Iraty, craft beer, Espelette pepper…
The 70s VW van will take you to the best products.
Price: from €80
We like:
- 70s VW van.
- Far from the crowd.
- Gourmet getaway.
Basque pelota
597 Rue Berrua, 64210 Bidart
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Discover the Ona Pilota workshop.
Two Basque pelota world champions, the brothers Patxi and Jon Tambourindeguy, will teach you the tricks of the different disciplines of this unique sport (bare hand, pala, small chistera, large chistera, cesta punta, etc.) and teach you everything there is to know about creating and maintaining good equipment.
If you just want to look into the equipment craftsmanship and are simply curious about the sport, you can opt for a simple workshop visit.
Price: Between €25 and €110 (visits or training, prices vary per group and per discipline)
We like:
- Unique experience with world champion athletes.
Website (in French)
Verna Cave
Espace accueil Arrakotchepia, Quartier Calla, 64560 Sainte-Engrace
This cave is the largest underground space in the world, you mustn’t miss it!
It is located in the heart of the mountain, between Haute-Soule and Barétous.
You can choose between several forms of visits: you can hike, climb, or try your luck as a speleologist.
This geological site is an extraordinary experience.
Price:
From 10 to 68€; prices vary according to the route and the number of people
Full day for a group of 2 to 5 people 500€
We like:
- Huge underground space.
- Sports discovery adventures.
Treetop course
Pont d’Enfer, Route Zaldain, 64780 Bidarray
Vertiges de Bidarray is the highest Adventure Park in the Basque Country.
The course is divided between tree climbing and rock climbing.
This activity is really worth doing.
In addition to having fun, you will have a breathtaking view of the wild valley of Baztan and its famous river.
Price:
Price +12 years and adults: 27€/pers
Child rate 7-11 years old: 17€/pers
Children rate 3-6 years old: 10€/pers
We like:
- Incredible view of nature.
- Modern and secure.
- Great fun.
Bike ride
Saint-Jean de Luz
A 3-hour outing to discover the city and its surroundings in great detail.
Trails, forests, animals, panorama and typical villages: you will have time to admire everything from the saddle of your mountain bike or electric bike.
You can also book the ride for a whole day if you want to take your time and make the most of it.
Price: from €65
We like:
- Pleasant ride.
- Several different landscapes.
Witchcraft and contraband tour
Cité de l’Océan, 1 Av. de la Plage, 64200 Biarritz, France
Walk in the footsteps of Sorgin (“witches” in Basque) and Basque smugglers!
The purpose of this visit is to make you discover their customs and their sorginzelaia (“land of witches” in Basque).
To access these mystical lands, you have to hike in the forest, through the mountain (thre will be a small elevation gain).
There will also be caves along the way, and snack breaks.
Price: from €370/group (up to 6 people)
Photographic tour
Departure from Biarritz
For one day, a professional photographer will take you to visit emblematic places on the Basque coast, such as the old port of Biarritz, the fishing port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz or the superb art-deco architecture of Guéthary.
This professional will teach you the different techniques of “street-photography” or landscape photo throughout the ride.
Bring back professional-looking souvenirs!
Price: from 150€
We like:
- Learning photography with a professional.
- One day road trip.
Pas de Roland
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Named after the famous medieval hero Roland, this river is another magnificent canyon in the Basque Country.
Carved by the Nive, this landscape is breathtaking.
A riverside path runs along the cliffs, you are lulled by the lapping of the water as you pass under natural stone arches.
The most beautiful and relaxing walk!
Price: Free.
We like:
- Relaxing hike.
- Impressive rocky landscape.
Learn more about Pas de Roland (website in French)
Game of Thrones Tour
Departure from Biarritz, from the hotel of your choice
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As true Game of Thrones fans already know, much of it was filmed in the Basque Country.
How about exploring those filming sites where your favorite actors brought your favorite series to life?
Two towns are at the center of this visit: Guetaria (a medieval fishing village) and Zumaia (the Dragonstone Castle).
Price: from €493 for a group
Book your Game of Thrones private tour
Helicopter ride
Biarritz airport, Rue de Pitchot, 64600 Anglet
How about a sightseeing flight over Biarritz?
Discover the city in a unique way, by flying above it.
From the helicopter, you will have a view of the magnificent beaches of the coast and monuments such as Cathares castle.
Enough to make truly memorable memories!
Price: from €149 per person
We like:
- Unforgettable experience.
- Incredible view.
Book your helicopter ride (website in French)
Holzarte Bridge
To cross this bridge, you must not be afraid of heights!
This suspended bridge is 70 meters long and rises 150 meters above the Olhadubi Gorge: a magnificent canyon carved by the Olhadoko Erreka River.
Price: Free.
We like:
- Challenge your fear of heights.
- Visit a canyon from its heights.
Giant Zipline
Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle Lake
This activity is made for thrill seekers: a course in the trees, with a succession of zip lines.
And of course, the famous giant zip line, the longest in the Southwest of France (600m).
It’ll be like you’re flying through the forest!
Price:
2 hours of activity: €20
Under 12 years old: €15
Zip line park and a descent with the giant zip line: €30
We like:
- Great fun.
- Lake and forest.
Learn more about the Zipline Park
Kakuetta Canyon
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Renowned throughout Europe, this canyon bears the nickname “Basque Amazon” for its lush vegetation.
It was dug by the Gave de Saint-Engrâce and offers a magnificent playground for those who love rafting, canoeing and climbing.
Eight hiking circuits allow you to discover this canyon.
Don’t miss it!
Price: Free.
We like:
- Breathtaking lush nature.
- Turquoise water.
Learn more about Kakuetta Canyon
Scuba-diving
Tribord site, Quai de la Floride, 64700 Hendaye
After being equipped and briefed by scuba diving professionals, it’s time to dive into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean to discover its flora and aquatic fauna.
The Basque Country is a truly fantastic place to experience your first dive.
Price: Adults €50; children under 10 €42
Excursion with flippers: 20 €
“Level 1” training: €330
We like:
- Total silence.
- Aquatic creatures.
- Unique experience.
Book your underwater adventure (website in French)
Bardenas Reales
Spanish side of the Basque Country
You absolutely have to visit this park, even though it is in Spain. It is a kind of desert that extends over 40,000 hectares, and is reminiscent of landscapes right out of American westerns.
There are 700 km of marked trails that you can walk. I advise you to book a guide to learn more about its ocher rock formations and the fauna and flora of this extraordinary place.
Price: Free.
We like:
- Rare geological specificity in France or Spain.
- Desert landscape from westerns.
Learn more about the Bardenas Reales
Urkiola Natural Park
Spanish side of the Basque Country
If you are looking for love, you absolutely must tread the lands of this natural park.
Legend says that the sanctuary of Urkiola is a place of pilgrimage for singles.
You just have to touch the stone at the entrance of the sanctuary for love to manifest.
So, in addition to the incredible natural topography (set of limestone mountains on the Sierra de Aramotz), you will also enjoy the good graces of Urkiola, not bad, right?
Some trails are more difficult than others and some mountaineering skills will sometimes be required.
Along the way, you can also visit two caves: the cave of Mari, a goddess of Basque mythology, as well as the cave of Baltzola.
Price: Free.
We like:
- Basque legends.
- Varied levels of hikes.
- Two caves to visit along the way.
Learn more about Urkiola Natural Park
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
