Where to stay to explore the Spanish Basque Country and Navarre?

Hello,

After a road trip in Quebec in 2025, we’re looking for a destination this year (around September 20th to October 10th) where we can settle in 2 or 3 spots and explore the area without having to drive 200 km every day to see something. I’ve had my eye on northeastern Spain for a while, and I thought of the Basque Country and its hinterland (Rioja? Navarre?) to avoid too many kilometers from Belgium. Bilbao and San Sebastián seem like must-sees, and beyond that, we love the vibe of small ports, medieval old towns (like Onati), hiking in beautiful landscapes, and cycling on greenways. I also spotted the Bardenas Reales, but it might be too far from a home base—unless we make it an extra stop... Based on this, can you recommend where it’d be interesting to set up base? Have a great evening, Claire

its hinterland (Rioja? Navarre?)

Hi there,

Why not consider staying in Santander instead?

Hi Claire, It’s your lucky day—I know the area really well since I live nearby! 😊 San Sebastián is indeed one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, but word’s out! The old town is packed with tourists (even in winter now!), but there are plenty of other interesting neighborhoods around where you’ll practically be the only French speakers (DM me when you’re there). The most important thing is to book accommodation in a good location WITH parking. Parking is a nightmare all over the Basque Country unless you don’t mind paying 25 € a day (in which case, underground parking will work for you). There are lots of great spots around San Sebastián: Hondarribia is a must-see, the Jaizkibel Pass (great hikes), Pasaia, and the whole coast up to Bilbao—really beautiful and wild (more cliffs than beaches). Inland (where you’ll be almost the only tourists 😜), there’s Tortosa and Azpeitia, which I love. Bilbao is similar to San Sebastián, especially when it comes to parking. I have a soft spot for the stretch after Bilbao up to Santander—way fewer French tourists, very rural, and absolutely stunning in my opinion. The Picos de Europa park isn’t far—it’s a must for hiking lovers. I’ve only been to La Rioja once for 5 days. It’s nice, but mostly if you’re a wine fan. The Bardenas Reales are also really pretty, but better for a separate trip to Aragón paired with the gorgeous Sierra de Guara. Okay, I’ve thrown a lot at you all at once! Don’t hesitate if you have any other questions! 😊 Christelle

I'm also really tempted by Cantabria (unless I'm mistaken, Santander is part of it), but it means adding extra kilometers to get there. That said, if it's worth it more than the Basque Country, why not? Don't hesitate to share any suggestions you might have. For me, the most important thing is having enough to see and do around the base locations.

Hi Christelle, I’ll look at your suggestions carefully. We spent a family vacation in the French Basque Country in 2016 and took a quick trip to Hondarribia—I really loved it. We also did a gorgeous hike along the cliffs, which made me want to go back.

Even if it means adding a few extra kilometers, it might actually be worth going beyond Bilbao. What I really want is to limit the number of bases and avoid driving too much once we’re settled.

Hi Claire,

I meant Santander rather than La Rioja or Navarre.

Otherwise, I think Navarre is better than La Rioja. Olite is a lovely medieval town in Navarre, but it might be a bit far. There’s also Javier Castle, and Pamplona isn’t bad either!