Holiday rentals and apartments in Basque Country

When you book holiday apartments and villas in the Basque Country, you'll find a delightful mix of coastal and city stays. The seaside cities of San Sebastián and Bilbao offer lively atmospheres with historic centres, perfect for travellers looking to combine culture with convenience. For quieter escapes, the scenic coastal towns like Zarautz, Lekeitio and Ondárroa provide charming settings with peaceful beaches and natural surroundings.

For those wanting to connect with nature, locations near the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve or towns in the foothills of the Pyrenees offer more secluded villas and cottages ideal for relaxation and outdoor exploring.

Features and appeal of Basque holiday rentals

The holiday apartments and villas here vary from stylish urban flats to rustic country homes and modern villas with coastal views. Many properties boast terraces, gardens, or BBQ areas, perfect for enjoying Basque sunshine.

Some offer private pools, ideal for families or larger groups, while cosy apartments in cities provide easy access to local markets and eateries. Whether you're travelling as a couple, family, or group of friends, these rentals provide comfort, independence and a home-like feel that hotels often lack.

Exploring the diverse regions of the Basque Country

The Northern coastal charm and mountainous interiors

The Basque Country, or País Vasco, is nestled along the Atlantic coast with stunning cliffs and beaches facing the Bay of Biscay. The region includes three provinces: Alava, Gipuzkoa, and Vizcaya, each offering unique landscapes and cultural highlights.

To the north, coastal towns such as San Sebastián and Zarautz charm visitors with sandy beaches and promenades lined with cafes. Inland, verdant rolling hills and mountains provide scenic hiking and peaceful countryside experiences with quaint villages.

Cultural highlights and vibrant cities of the Basque Country

Bilbao, the largest city, is an industrial hub turned modern cultural centre, famed for its Guggenheim Museum. Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital, shines with a well-preserved historic centre and lively festivals throughout the year. San Sebastián stands out for its cosmopolitan feel, beautiful bays and world-class cuisine.

These cities are ideal for shopping, dining, and enjoying Basque traditions, while beaches and nature spots lie just a short drive away, offering varied attractions within easy reach.

Activities for all travellers to enjoy the Basque Country

Spectacular beaches for every type of visitor

The Basque Country boasts some of Spain's best beaches, perfect for families, nature lovers, surfers, and those seeking a romantic getaway. Popular beaches like La Concha in San Sebastián offer calm waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing, with picturesque mountain backdrops. Zarautz is a surf hotspot with a mix of beginner-friendly and challenging waves, complemented by a lively beachfront promenade filled with bars and restaurants.

For nature enthusiasts, Laga beach in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is a wild, unspoiled retreat surrounded by dramatic cliffs, while Sopelana's Arrietara-Atxabiribil beach is famous for bodyboarding and holds major surfing events.

Culinary delights and outdoor adventures

The Basque Country's gastronomy is world-renowned with dishes such as piperrada and txangurro showcasing regional ingredients. Pintxos bars are plentiful in San Sebastián and Bilbao, offering delightful tapas experiences to sample local flavours.

For active travellers, the region offers incredible hikes through lush forests and coastal paths. Routes like the Zarautz to Zumaia hike showcase breathtaking ocean views and unique geological formations, while exploring the Parque Natural de Gorbeia or Mount Ernio provides rewarding outdoor experiences.

The Basque Country boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in Spain, ranging from calm family-friendly shores to rugged surfing hotspots.

Basque Country travel tips for a memorable stay

Essential tips for your Basque Country getaway

Choose your beach destination according to your interests

Explore San Sebastián and Bilbao for culture and cuisine

Transportation options for coastal and inland exploration

Traditional Basque culinary experiences

Packing essentials for outdoor activities

Research and book holiday rentals early

Location considerations for accommodation

Key amenities to look for in rentals

Reading reviews and checking expectations

Understanding local customs and transport

Weather preparation and packing

Making the most of your holiday rental experience

1. Choose your beach destination according to your interests

Choose your beach destination according to your interests – La Concha for calm family-friendly waters, or Zarautz and Arrietara-Atxabiribil for surfing.

2. Explore San Sebastián and Bilbao for culture and cuisine

Explore San Sebastián and Bilbao for their cultural and culinary offerings and book centrally located apartments for easy access.

3. Transportation options for coastal and inland exploration

Rent a car if you wish to discover inland villages and mountain hikes, or use the regional train for coastal trips.

4. Traditional Basque culinary experiences

Try traditional Basque dishes like pintxos, idiazabal cheese, and local seafood at markets and restaurants.

5. Packing essentials for outdoor activities

Pack suitable footwear and gear if planning hikes, and check tide times for safe beach visits especially at smaller coves.

6. Research and book holiday rentals early

Research holiday rentals early, especially during summer months when Basque beaches and cities are most popular.

7. Location considerations for accommodation

Consider proximity to both beaches and city centres to balance relaxation and cultural exploration.

8. Key amenities to look for in rentals

Look for rentals offering amenities like terraces, pools, or BBQ areas to enhance your stay. Select a holiday apartment or villa with amenities that suit your group's needs—whether that's a terrace for sunset views or a pool for cooling off after a day exploring.

9. Reading reviews and checking expectations

Check reviews from diverse travellers to ensure the property meets your expectations regarding size, comfort, and location.

10. Understanding local customs and transport

Familiarise yourself with local customs and transport options such as regional trains and ferries to make getting around easier.

11. Weather preparation and packing

Weather in the Basque Country can be variable so pack layers and rain gear. Also, explore local markets for fresh produce to enjoy cooking in your holiday rental. When visiting beaches, note that some, like Zurriola, allow nudism, so check local regulations.

12. Making the most of your holiday rental experience

Booking a holiday rental in the Basque Country guarantees privacy, flexibility, and a unique way to connect with the local culture and surroundings. Use holiday rentals to experience a blend of independence and comfort, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace while immersing in the unique charm of Pais Vasco.

FAQs: Holiday rentals and apartments in Basque Country

Which types of amenities can you expect to find at the holiday lettings in Basque Country?

Out of all of the services offered by Spain-Holiday, it appears that the holiday lettings in Basque Country offer everything that holidaymakers search for! Here, holiday lettings generally include a variety of amenities, the most popular being: Wi-Fi (94%), balcony (51%), and garden (16%)... Pretty cool!

What are the reviews like for the holiday lettings in Basque Country?

The holiday lettings in this destination are often well-reviewed. 45% of the holiday lettings in Basque Country have excellent reviews and an average score of 4.5 stars!

Are the holiday lettings in Basque Country suitable for holidays with children?

Judging by information from Spain-Holiday, less than 10% of holiday lettings in Basque Country are suitable for families with children. Here, it will probably be easier to find a holiday letting for your next adults-only holiday.

Are the holiday lettings in Basque Country suitable for holidaymakers who wish to travel with their pets?

According to Spain-Holiday's information, less than 10% of holiday lettings in Basque Country accept furry friends. We can therefore recommend that there are better destinations in Spain for our four-legged friends.

Do the holiday lettings in Basque Country often come with an internet connection?

Of course! According to Spain-Holiday's database, 94% of holiday lettings in Basque Country include Wi-Fi. So no need to panic, you will be able to access your emails and favourite social media sites during your stay!

How much do guests usually expect to pay for holiday lettings in Basque Country?

A high percentage of holiday lettings in Basque Country (69%) cost less than £100 a night. This is the dream destination for reserving a cheap holiday letting!

Do the holiday lettings in Basque Country usually have a swimming pool?

Not always. According to Spain-Holiday's information, only 6% of holiday lettings in Basque Country are equipped with a swimming pool.

Are the holiday lettings in Basque Country suitable for trips with friends or better for an escape as a small group?

According to the information collected last year, 79% of holiday lettings are made for up to four people. Approximately 85% of the holiday lettings here include at least two separate bedrooms. This is the ideal destination for going in a small group on holiday!

When planning a luxurious holiday in Basque Country, are holiday lettings a good option?

Absolutely! The holiday lettings are well equipped in Basque Country. If you are looking for a unique holiday property, you shouldn't wait long to book because 6% have a pool, 16% have a garden and 1% have a sauna.

Are you able to enjoy a beautiful view and spend time outside at the holiday lettings in Basque Country?

51% of holiday lettings have a balcony or terrace, and 0% have a view. But it is not very common, so availability can be limited. If this is a priority for you, you should start your holiday planning early. Also, don't forget to use the filters that suit you the best to be sure to find the holiday letting that is perfect for you.

If you want to plan a getaway to Basque Country do you know the ideal time of year?

The characteristics of the holiday lettings in Basque Country demonstrate that it is a holiday destination that can adapt to all types of tourists and times of the year. This is because there are very varied options, with all the characteristics one can imagine. Therefore, you will be able to enjoy Basque Country when you feel like it.