What to visit in the Basque Country in winter?

The Basque Country is prized for its beaches and water sports, especially surfing… This nature destination is often chosen for the warmer months, yet this authentic and welcoming region has plenty to charm you, even in winter. Whether on its coast or inland, you can enjoy a wide range of sports year-round. Inhabited since prehistoric times, it boasts a rich architectural heritage to admire in its charming villages, and you can immerse yourself in its culture in its museums. Tempted? Then here's our program of fun activities to make your winter stay in the Basque Country unforgettable!

Practicing a sport in the great outdoors

In winter, we tend to stay indoors, whether for work or leisure. The days are short, and our opportunities to see the sun or simply enjoy daylight are rare. So, during the holidays, let's take advantage of our free time to get some fresh air… What's more, many sports can be enjoyed in every season: hiking, cycling, climbing, and even surfing!

The Basque Country is crisscrossed with hiking and cycling trails. Here are a few routes to help you explore the Basque territory:

• On the Basque coast, you can enjoy the splendid winter light and the ocean view with the promenade of La Barre, the one that runs along the coast of Biarritz or on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Basque Country.

• In the Basque hinterland, between forests, rolling pastures and rivers: the bucolic walk of the Pas de Roland near Itxassou or a road trip in Haute Soule.

• For a more urban outing, the botanical garden of Bayonne.

Why not take advantage of the holidays to try a new sport?

• Golf is a very pleasant outdoor activity in winter. To help you choose, here is our article on a special golf holiday or our section on golf courses and clubs.

• Finding an indoor sport isn't always easy. Have you considered indoor climbing ?

• Go surfing! Contrary to what you might think, there's no bad time to start, and with a good wetsuit, it's a great experience. Plus, there will be more availability for private lessons at surf schools. And if you're still hesitating, try virtual surfing at the Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz.

Explore the picturesque villages of the Basque hinterland

Are you a lover of old buildings? The Basque Country boasts a very distinctive architectural heritage, with its " Etxe," those beautiful white and red half-timbered houses, as well as beautiful religious buildings, thanks to its location on the " Routes of Santiago de Compostela." To get off the beaten track, we suggest exploring its hinterland, thanks to our selection of the 10 most beautiful inland villages of the Basque Country.

If you prefer city life, the Basque cities are among the must-see destinations:

• Bayonne is a city of art and history with many monuments to visit.

• Biarritz is the most popular seaside resort in the Basque Country.

• Saint-Jean-de-Luz is an authentic village, very pleasant and intimate in winter.

• Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is the former capital and remains an important economic, cultural, and tourist center in Lower Navarre. Our blogger guides you through Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a city steeped in history. To discover it from a more unusual perspective, she takes you on a nighttime tour.

• Mauléon is the capital of Soule and of the espadrille !

Satisfy your curiosity and immerse yourself in Basque culture in the museums.

Basque museums take you on a journey between tradition and modernity. Basque culture, with its Béarnese influences, is deeply rooted in the hearts of its inhabitants. It permeates daily life, gastronomy, trades and crafts, and influences the arts. But it is also a region open to the modern world. The museums reflect this duality. They will show you the customs of yesteryear that forged this strong identity, an identity that is nevertheless constantly evolving thanks to technology and innovation.

To help you choose which museum to visit based on your tastes and current mood, here is our complete article on all the museums in the Basque Country and a small selection by category:

• Environment and nature : City of the Ocean, in Biarritz.

• History : Oiasso Museum in Irun.

• Local life and traditions of yesteryear : Ortillopitz, the Basque house of Sare.

• Arts : Bonnat-Helleu Museum of Fine Arts.

• Gastronomy and wine-growing region : Basque Museum of pastoralism and cheese, in Helette.

Enjoy local produce and regional specialties

For food lovers, we give you some ideas to discover the gastronomy of this country, which offers many local products, a warm and friendly cuisine and spicy and colorful specialties.

• Take a stroll through the markets or the Halle des Cinq Cantons in Anglet to meet local producers. You can also visit the Etxe Peio delicatessens to find authentic, local products : Bayonne ham, Espelette pepper, cider… There are many more to discover on our page about the gastronomic delights of the Basque Country. All that's left is to find the perfect traditional Basque recipe and get cooking!

• Alternatively, you can also put your feet up and enjoy a meal in a restaurant to taste local dishes, cooked by professionals!

• To accompany all these sweet treats, we suggest a little-known yet emblematic specialty of the Basque Country: Sagarnoa, Basque cider. Our blogger takes you to the Etzigar Workshop for a tasting and to Fronton to discover the Txotx tradition.

• You can also do wine tourism to visit the vineyard and cellar of Irouleguy, the only Basque wine.

Relax in wellness centers

How about extending your relaxation at a wellness center ? It's winter, it's cold, we miss the sun... It's high time to take care of yourself and recharge your batteries! Here are some addresses for spas, hammams, saunas...

• For a truly relaxing and wellness stay, we recommend a spa treatment in Cambo-les-Bains to enjoy the benefits of gentle and natural medicine.

• We also tested for you the healthy and natural cosmetics from the shop "À Fleurs de Peau" in Bayonne.

Bonus: How to keep children occupied in winter in the Basque Country?

Keeping children occupied in winter requires a bit more imagination… Here are some ideas to please the whole family with fun, educational and entertaining activities :

• Introducing our children to the oceans and the animals that inhabit them at the Biarritz Aquarium.

• A stroll through the Itxassou Rabbit Forest for a gentle encounter with these domestic animals so beloved by children!

• Create your own chocolate at L'atelier du Chocolat and its museum in Bayonne.

• Get a safe introduction to freefall in the Air Fly 64 simulator.

• Play a game of Basque pelota with your family and learn Cesta Punta thanks to Ona Pilota, in Bidart.

We hope these few ideas have inspired you for your next winter holiday in the Basque Country.

Each region has its own charm and assets; to help you choose your destination, we tell you about its history, geography, and culture in our Basque Country discovery section…

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