Basque and Rioja – Sten Hansson

Having explored different parts of Italy we decided to do a roundtrip in northern Spain including parts of Basque, Asturia and Castillia y Leon regions. We spend two weeks starting in beginning of May and had all sorts of weather including hail, heavy rain and blue skies with temperatures ranging from 5 to 28 degrees Celsius.

We started in Bilbao where we stayed in old town visiting the Guggenheim museum, the market hall the Basque museum and many Pinxtos (which is the same as Tapas outside Basque).

After Bilbao we went to the natural park Picos de Europe, Cudillero and travelled through natural park Las Ubinas and ended up in Leon. Mountains are up to 2000 m and there is a signification climate difference north and south of these mountains (at least thats what we experienced).

From Leon we drove via Aranda de Duero and from there north east through the mountain area north of Canon de Rio Lobos. We went to altitude were we could throw some snowballs and on narrow and winding roads to Rioja area.

In Rioja we stays at an old farmhouse renovated using modern design. The farmhouse was located in a small village with some twenty houses. We did excursions to Haro, Logrono, Laguardia from there. Visited vineyards and old monasteries and cathedrals.

From Rioja we drove via Getaria, which is a small fishing village, to San Sebastian. First day was cold, rainy and windy while second day we had blue skies and temperatures close to 20 degrees Celsius. There is a lot to see and do in San Sebastian including the viewpoint from Monte Igueldo to all the different pinxtos bars and restaurant. Booking of Guide Michelin restaurants must be made in advance.