PAIS VASCO
Surprising diversi
Nature spots lovers will find in the Basque Country and ideal place to get carried away with their landscapes. Large plains, mountain massifs to go hiking through pleasant routes, green forests, spectacular cliffs, beautiful marshes and relaxing beaches.
Diversity and beauty are good adjectives for Basque nature not only in those areas stated as nature reserves such as the Nature Park of Izqui, but all over the territory. But as it is a land of contrast, Euskadi has nothing to do with anything else. Esthetic adventures such as the Animated Forest that the artist Agustín Ibarrola painted over the real forest of Oma Valley, or the “Peine de los vientos” (another work of art made by the sculptor Eduardo Chillida at the end of Ondarreta beach in San Sebastián), coexist without problems with the natural environment.
Besides, Euskadi is monumental. From the cave paintings to the most avant-garde buildings, it offers a really interesting historic and artistic legacy. Fishing boat races in La Concha bay, Basque pilota competitions, horticulture contests and an ancient gastronomy washed down with their most traditional wine, txacolí, will make the visit in the Basque Country an unforgettable experience.
PEOPLE
The Basques are strong people, noble, respectful, polite and very loyal friends. To them, their group is sacred, and as important as the family. Also, they are very proud of their customs and traditions.
GASTRONOMY
In Euskadi you have to go out for pintxos (tapas), but do not forget to try the pilpil cod, cheek of hake in green sauce, eels Bilbao style, txangurro (king crab), the marmitako (tuna stew), or the cod omelette. Also do not forget to drink Txacolí wine.
CULTURE
It is very appealing to go to a pelota court and watch a Basque pelota match, but do not miss an exhibition of Aizkolaris (log cutters), Harrijasotzailes (stone lifters), the rowing boat regattas, the Big Weeks and the tamborradas.