Destinations > Spain > Basque Country & Navarra

Basque Country & Navarra

This region bordering France at the north-eastern corner of Spain harbours a culture proud and defiantly independent culture. The Basque language is spoken here as well as in parts of neigbouring France and the region's independant spirit extends to strong support for a separatist movement.

The Basque Country and Navarra is a popular region for budget travellers. San Sebastián has been a long established spot on the backpackers trail and every July Pamplona is transformed into party-central as thousands of travellers visit for the annual Fiesta de San Fermín (running of the bulls) festival.

Bilbao (Bilbo)

Bilbao (Bilbo in Basque) has long been an industrial city of little interest to the budget traveller, however the recent addition of the spectacular Museo Guggenheim has spearheaded the city's renaissance.

With a spectacular building and an impressive collection of contemporary art, the Museo Guggenheim is the city's big attraction. However the nearby Museo de Bellas Artes is also worth a visit.

The Casco Viejo neighbourhood across the river from the train station is the place to head to at night. This region is home to the city's main concentration of bars and restaurants.

Practical Information

Bilbao Tourist Information Centre

Paseo del Arenal 1, Bilbao

Tel (94) 479577057

American Express/Viaca

Calle Alameda Recalde 68

Tel (94) 444 4858

INTERNET ACCESS

easyInternetcafé

Avenida Mazarredo 65 bis, Bilbao

Metro Plaza Moyoa

Website www.easyinternetcafe.com

Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-3am, Sun 10am-11pm

Coming & Going

Bilbao is well connected to the rest of Spain and there is also a variety of bus and train services to France and ferries to Portsmouth in the UK.

Long-distance buses use two different bus stations. Buses to Barcelona and Madrid depart from the bus station located at Avenida de la Autonomía 17. Bus to destinations closer to Bilbao including San Sebastián and buses to destinations in France depart from the Termibus station near San Mamés metro station.

Three railway companies operate trains between Bilbao, San Sebastián and other parts of the Basque country: EuskoTren, FEVE and the national rail operator, Renfe. It would be best to stick with the Renfe trains if you're travelling with a rail pass, otherwise you may be able to get a better deal by shopping around.

Renfe (website www.renfe.es) trains run to destinations throughout Spain with direct trains to Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid and destinations in Galicia. Renfe services use Abando station.

EuskoTren (website www.euskotren.es) operate regional train services from Atxuri station with services to San Sebastián and Hendaye on the French border.

FEVE (website www.feve.es) trains depart from Corcordia Station and run along the north coast stopping at Santander, Oviedo and Ferrol.

P&O Ferries (website www.poferries.co.uk) to Portsmouth in the UK depart from Santurtzi which is located 14km from the centre and conveniently situated on the Renfe suburban rail line. There are two sailings a week and the journey takes around 30 hours. The ticket prices can be quite confusing as fares vary depending on the season. Because the fares are subject to change, it's best to check the P&O web site (www.poferries.co.uk) for the latest prices.

Local Transport

Bilbao has a comprehensive transport network comprising a metro, trams, buses and three different suburban train systems.

The Cercanías (Aldirikoak in Basque; website www.renfe.es/cercanias/bilbao/index_horarios.html) suburban train network operated by Renfe is comprised of three lines. The Santurtzi line is the busiest with trains every 10 minutes, while the Orduña line only has a half-hourly service. The fare structure is broken into a zone system with central Bilbao in zone one. Like other suburban rail networks operated by Renfe, fares are cheaper on weekdays. Single tickets start at €1.05 for trips within zones one and two and are priced at €1.15 for trips to zone three.

EuskoTren operates two suburban train lines with trains running every 15-20 minutes.

The narrow gauge FEVE (Ferrocarriles de Via Estrecha; website www.feve.es) railway operates a suburban line between Bilbao and Balmaseda.

Bilbao's metro (website www.metrobilbao.net) is probably the most useful of the rail services. The metro runs through the city centre and connects with the beaches to the north-west of the city.

Metro tickets are priced according to a zone system. Single tickets cost €1.15 for one zone, €1.30 for two zones and €1.40 for travel in three zones. A day pass is available for €3, which covers travel in all zones.

Although there are four different rail systems, each service doesn't seem to acknowledge the others on their network maps although Urban Rail have a combined network map on their web site (www.urbanrail.net/eu/bil/bilbao.htm).

Accommodation

Albergue Bilbao Aterpetxea

Carretera Basurto Kastrexana 70, Bilbao, 48002
Bus 58, 80
Tel 944 270 054

San Sebastián (Donostia)

San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is a popular destination for backpackers. This seaside resort city has a strong Basque culture plus beaches and great atmosphere. Parte Vieja (the old town) is party central with an extremely dense concentration of bars.

Attractions in San Sebastián include the interesting Museo de San Telmo, the usual assortment of churches and spectacular views from Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo.

Practical Information

San Sebastian Tourist Information Centre

Boulevard Reina Regente s/n, San Sebastian

Tel (943) 48 11 66

Coming & Going

San Sebastián has good bus and train connections to France and destinations throughout Spain.

Most buses depart from the bus station near Plaza de Pio XII with most bus lines maintaining ticket offices nearby along Avenida de Sancho el Sabio.

San Sebastián is served by both Renfe and EuskoTren rail services. Both companies operate services to Hendaye on the French border where you can change for the French SNCF rail network.

Renfe trains depart from the main train station on Paseo de Francia on the eastern side of the river. You'll use this station if you're travelling with a rail pass or visiting destinations outside the Basque country.

EuskoTren services leave from the station at the southern end of town near the corner of Calle de Easo and Calle de Egana. EuskoTren operates services to Bilbao and Hendaye and may be worth considering if you don't have a rail pass.

Accommodation

Adore Plaza

Plaza de la Constitución 6, 20003 San Sebastián
Tel 943 422 270

Alai-Berri Hostel

Calle del Triunfo 3, 20007 San Sebastián

Albergue Juvenil Olarain

Paseo de Ondarreta 24, 20018 San Sebastián
Tel 94 300 3300

Albergue Juvenil Ondarreta - La Sirena

Paseo de Igeldo 25, 20008 San Sebastián
Tel 94 331 0268

Albergue Juvenil Ulia-Mendi

Parque de Ulía, Pº de Ulía 299, 20013 Donostia-San Sebastián
Tel 943 320 179

Enjoy San Sebastian - Urban House

Alameda del Boulevard 26, 20003 San Sebastián
Tel 943 005 060

Euro Hostel

Calle Salamanca, 20001 San Sebastian

Guesthouse Ongi Etorri

San Juan 8, 3º iz, 20002 San Sebastian
Bus 28

Hospedaje Kati

Calle de Fermín Calbetón 5, 20003 San Sebastián

Hostal Olga

Sabaleta 49, San Sebastian 20002

Pamplona (Iruña)

Pamplona (Iruña in Basque) means one thing to most backpackers - the famous Fiesta de San Fermíns (website www.sanfermin.tv), better known as 'running of the bulls'. Both the city and the festival where made famous by Ernest Hemmingway's novel, The Sun also Rises (also published under the title Fiesta).

If you're anywhere near Pamplona during July, you'd be crazy not to visit, but it is worth the visit at other times of the year as well. This elegant city has some good attractions including the Catedral de Santa Maria La Real and the adjoining Museo Diocesano. The other main attractions include the city walls and the citadel at Parque de la Ciudadela.

Practical Information

Pamplona Tourist Information Centre

Calle del Duque de Ahumada 3, Pamplona

Tel (948) 22 07 41

Accommodation

If you're here for the running of the bulls, you'll either have to book well in advance and pay around three times the regular rate, take your chances sleeping in the park or commute in from Vitoria or San Sebastián. You should lock your bags at the station if you're sleeping in the park, and loads of people do this during the Fiesta.

Another popular option, particularly if you're travelling via London, is to book a week-long tour to Pamplona from London. These camping tours work out excellent value, especially considering that they are the only practical way to have accommodation during the festival. Companies operating these trips include the Backpacker Company and PP Travel and advertise in free backpacker magazines in London. You may want to contact these places to ask about the chances of booking either accommodation only or a one-way tour.

Albergue Juvenil Fuerte del Príncipe

Calle de Goroabe 36, 31005 Pamplona