Family Tourism

Family Tourism

THE BASQUE COUNTRY

ideal to enjoy in short stages.

There’s no room for more. Because it’s hard to find so many stunning places so close to one another. The Basque Country is the ideal place to enjoy numerous attractions in a short space of time: varied landscapes, pleasant climate, ancient culture, word-famous cuisine...

www.turismo.euskadi.eus

Two colours will accompany you on your journey through the Basque Country: the green of the incomparable setting of its mountains and valleys, and the blue of the sea. You will see that the Basque people have strong links with these natural environments: land and sea. Both have been determining factors in a lifestyle revealed by their idiosyncrasies: deeply rooted customs, a rich culture, traditional sports...

To better understand the nature of these people it is important that you immerse yourself in its traditions, exploring the fishing ports and the life of the countryside... On the coast you will see how the Cantabrian Sea has marked the personality of the neighbouring villages. You will also notice the difference between their inhabitants and the inland people. If you explore the history of the outstanding figures who have marked the personality of these communities you will discover how their maritime, industrial and agricultural character, always diverse and enterprising, has been bred.

Experiment, observe, then give way to the passion of taste.

And if you find the coastal and inland villages interesting, you will be no less fascinated by the three capitals. Bilbao will surprise you with its transformation from an industrial city to an avant garde metropolis bringing together the great contemporary international architects. San Sebastian, exquisite and unique, will seduce you with its beautiful and stately setting. Vitoria-Gasteiz will show you its rich heritage and why it sets a worldwide benchmark in urban planning.

Eating and drinking well is an affordable luxury in the Basque Country: local seasonal products in pintxo form with a good wine from the Rioja Alavesa, txakoli or cider. You will be in gourmet paradise! Enjoy!

Experiment, observe, then give way to the passion of taste.

www.turismo.euskadi.eus

The tourism brand which acts as an introduction to the tourism offer in the Basque Country: In the national market: EUSKADI. In the international market: BASQUE COUNTRY. Except in markets where the brand adapted to their language is considered more effective, as in the case of France, Germany and Italy. EUSKADI-PAYS BASQUE; BASKENLAND; PAESI BASCHI.

TOURISM BRANDS

BILBAO

Bilbao is the capital of Bizkaia, as well as a metropolis and economic and financial centre of the Basque Country. It is the largest city in the Basque Country (1,000,000 inhabitants) and is a university town.

The Ría (estuary) of Bilbao, the backbone of the metropolis: from the Old Quarter to the Bizkaia Bridge. It is also a city surrounded by small mountains, such as Mount Artxanda, and infrastructures, as for example the cruise port and the main airport in the region and the north of Spain: the international gateway.

Internationally renowned for its urban regeneration, Bilbao won the Nobel Prize for Cities in 2010: “Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize”: “Lee Kuan Yew World city prize”.

IN BILBAO, THE FOLLOWING ARE A MUST:

- Bizkaia Transporter Bridge, World Heritage Site.

- The City´s Museums: Guggenheim and Fine Arts (now one of the leading paintings and sculpture museums in Spain). The Alhóndiga, The Ethnographic and Basque History Museum, The Reproductions Museum, Athletic Football Club, Bullfighting, etc.

- Its cutting-edge and signature architecture: works by the world´s most famous contemporary

architects (Frank Gehry, Norman Foster, Isozaki, Zaha Hadid and Philippe Starck).

- Take a stroll: through the Old Quarter, and its famous 7 streets, through the Ensanche and up Mount Artxanda, which offers a panoramic view of the city and can be accessed by funicular (cable railway).

- Attend: conferences, trade fairs and meetings (BEC, Euskalduna, Guggenheim, etc.), festivals and cultural events, popular and traditional festivals such as bulls, Semana Grande (week of local festivities), Holy Week, etc.

- Shopping: at leading brand stores, as well as for original products in specialised shops. The Ribera Market is well worth a visit as is the traditional annual Santo Tomás market (21st December).

- Eating-Out: the whole range of Basque gastronomy: from pintxos (similar to Spanish tapas) to haute cuisine, not forgetting the traditional dishes.

- Stay: the best range of accommodation in the Basque Country.

Recommended for being closest to Bilbao are Donostia/San Sebastián, the Basque Coast, the Basque Mountains and Valleys and Rioja Alavesa.

DONOSTIA SAN SEBASTIÁN

Donostia/San Sebastián is the capital of Gipuzkoa and the major city of the Basque Coast (180,000 inhabitants). A city open to the sea, historically regarded the tourist capital of the Basque Country and is close to France.

It boasts one of the most beautiful bays in the world: La Concha, and three city beaches. San Sebastian is surrounded by mountains and viewpoints: Igeldo, Urgull, Ulia and the Isle of Santa Clara, lie on either side of the River Urumea.

IN SAN SEBASTIÁN, THE FOLLOWING ARE A MUST:

- The Old Quarter, its streets and iconic buildings.

- The romantic area of the city and its buildings with French influences.

- San Telmo Museum and the Aquarium.

- Take a stroll: walks and nature-related activities on foot and/or by bicycle along the promenade from the “Peine de los Vientos” sculptures to the Kursaal, up the urban mountains, their parks and gardens and enjoy the delightful pace of life by the sea or go surfing at its beaches.

Kursaal Palace, festivals and popular events, such as the Tamborrada (drum procession), Santo Tomás agricultural and gastronomic fair, the International Film Festival, La Concha Pennant, the hippodrome and the casino.

- Shopping: in the Ensanche and the Old Quarter.

- Eating out: the city of gastronomy par excellence: with more Michelin stars per square metre than any other in the world. Go for pintxos in the Old Quarter and other neighbourhoods of the city. Likewise sidrerías or cider houses are also a good choice.

- Accommodation: the city offers a wide range of hotels and some of the most iconic hotels in the Basque Country.

Recommended for being closest to Donostia/ San Sebastián, are Bilbao, the Basque Coast, the Basque Mountains and Valleys.

VITORIA GASTEIZ

Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital of Alava, Vitoria is the administrative capital of the Basque Country (250,000 inhabitants). It also boasts the most important logistics centre in the north of Spain and is surrounded by nature.

The historic centre and original almond medieval shape is noteworthy, particularly the cathedral (in this 3 cathedral city) which although undergoing restoration remains open, noteworthy is the modern, well-planned, user-friendly and accessible urban planning, as well as the surrounding green belt. In 2012, it was the “European Green Capital”.

IN VITORIA, THE FOLLOWING ARE A MUST:

- Its old quarter and the so-called medieval “almond”, where the Cathedral of Santa Maria lies and its unique project called “Open for Work”, which inspired Ken Follett in his novel “World Without End”. Visit the 5 towers, the historic streets and the walls in this part of the city.

- Museums: Bibat, Artium, Fine Arts Ajuria Enea: Residence of the President of the Basque Country.

- The new, well-planned urban layout of VitoriaGasteiz.

- Take a stroll: through the “green belt”, with pathways, lakes and reservoirs integrated into nature that is full of flora and fauna, through the towns and villages of Vitoria (Estibaliz, Armentia, Foronda, etc.)

- Attend: its renowned jazz festival and local festivities, among which San Prudencio (28th April) and La Blanca (August) are particularly noteworthy.

- Things to do: nature sports (green belt), bird watching (lakes and reservoirs) and visit Ataria, the Interpretation Centre of the Salburua Wetlands.

- Shopping: At its confectioners, mainly in the pedestrian and commercial area and at the medieval “almond” market.

- Eating-Out: its sweets are famous for their quality. The wines and gastronomy of the Rioja Alavesa.

- Accommodation: at its new, fully accessible hotels. Recommended for being closest to Vitoria-Gasteiz are Rioja Alavesa and the Basque Mountains and Valleys.

THE BASQUE MOUNTAINS AND VALLEYS

The Basque Mountains and Valleys are our natural environment. The quiet Euskadi. They are a reflection of culture and traditions: Gernika and the General Assembly House, beacons, myths and legends of the Basque Country, the farmhouse and the way of life, rural sports.

The 9 natural parks and pilgrimage routes stand out: Camino de Santiago and Camino Ignaciano (St. James’s Way and Ignatian way), and religious cultural heritage in Loiola (house of Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus) and in Arantzazu, La Antigua, Zenarruza, Estibaliz and Urkiola.

IN THE BASQUE MOUNTAINS AND VALLEYS, THE FOLLOWING ARE A MUST:

- Its villages, rural traditions, lifestyle (30,000 farmhouses), heritage, rural sports, processions, etc.

- Its landscape that has been shaped by man: coalmines, salt mines, mines, foundries, quarries, etc.

- Museums: ecological, industrial, interpretation centres, etc.

- Take a stroll: through the accessible natural environment, through the conservation areas, up the mythical mountains (Gorbea, Anboto, Txindoki, Aizgorri, Ernio), through its valleys and regions, through its forests and rivers.

- Attend: Basque Pelota competitions, rural sports, processions, fairs and markets.

- Things to do: ecotourism activities, such as bird watching and geotourism, or visits to places of high environmental and heritage value. And more active and sporting activities such as hiking and cycling.

- Shopping: traditional gastronomy products (Eusko label), Idiazabal, Cider, Txakoli, tinned produce. Basque artisan products and ceramics.

- Eating-Out: traditional food (authentic, local products).

- Where to sleep: in rural accommodation and charming hotels, some of them with the ECOLABEL. From the Basque Mountains and Valleys, visit for example the Basque Coast, Rioja Alavesa, Bilbao, Donostia/ San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz.

THE BASQUE COAST

The Basque Coast is very diverse: there are fishing villages and seaside towns, with city beaches and other beaches that will blow you away. Marinas, marshes, estuaries lined by sea cliffs and an active sea.

Among its emblematic towns and areas, Hondarribia, Zarautz, Getxo and Lekeitio, La Concha bay in San Sebastian, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the Getaria Mouse, Bilbao and the Bizkaia Bridge, the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and the Geopark stand out. The Basque Coast also boasts a rich maritime culture and many illustrious seafarers: Elcano, Cosme Damián de Churruca or Víctor Hugo.

ON THE BASQUE

COAST,

THE

FOLLOWING

ARE A MUST:

- Its fishing villages, medieval towns and cosmopolitan cities giving you an insight into the way of life by the sea, based around fishing and the fishing heritage (fish markets, festivities, gastronomy).

- SPAs.

- Its natural corners: conservation areas and wetlands, viewpoints and watchtowers.

- Its network of museums on the Basque Coast (among others: the Museo Balenciaga in Getaria, the Bilbao Maritime Museum, the Fishermen’s Museum in Bermeo, the Oiasso Roman Museum in Irun, the Albaola Maritime Factory in Pasaia, and the Santa Catalina Lighthouse in Lekeitio, the Aquarium of Donostia,...).

- Walking: On the Basque coast nature´s green sweeps down to the sea: Take a stroll through Urdaibai, the Flysch route, along cliffs, through the painted forest of Oma, visit the wetlands and wild beaches or routes, such as the Camino de Santiago along the coast.

- Attend: sports competitions, some of which are international, such as surfing, sailing and other

unique sports like traineras (rowing boat races). Attend local festivities and fish markets.

- Practice: water sports (surfing, sailing, diving), trekking and activities in nature, bird watching and whale watching.

- Shopping: tinned fish, txakoli.

- Eating-Out: fish paired with txakoli. Excellent gastronomy.

- Accommodation: in charming rural houses, small family run hotels and campsites.

Given how close it is from the Basque Coast visit Bilbao and the Basque Mountains and Valleys.

RIOJA ALAVESA

Rioja Alavesa is a land of ancient vineyards, producing unique wine from its tempranillo Grape. Watered by the river Ebro and surrounded by Sierra of Cantabria, this region boasts the most spectacular wineries: such as Ysios, Baigorri, Riscal, Viñarreal-CVNE, with wine villages and family run wineries as well as a product with structure: Rioja Alavesa Wine Route.

IN RIOJA ALAVESA, THE FOLLOWING ARE A MUST:

- Its villages: Laguardia, Labraza, Elciego, Samaniego, Labastida.

- Its state of the art wineries.

- Its traditional family run wineries.

- The Balcony of Rioja.

- Its thousand year old heritage: the historic town Poblado de La Hoya, dolmens.

- Take a stroll: through vineyards and historic villages.

- Attend: traditional wine events and festivities. Tastings and sampling.

- Activities: trekking, bird watching, cycling, wine therapy.

- Shopping: Rioja Alavesa wines.

- Eating-Out: gastronomy and wine.

- Accommodation: in rural accommodation and at new charming hotels such as Marqués de Riscal.

From Rioja Alavesa because of how close it is, visit the Basque Mountains and Valleys, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Bilbao and Donostia- San Sebastián.

TOURISM PRODUCTS

The Basque Country boasts a variety of themed products which compete as a destination; it is a “multiproduct destination”.

Priority Basque tourism products are: touring, Food and wine, culture and MICE.

Likewise city breaks, nature and coast are considered to be top priority. Products that complete the diversity of the offer, both in terms of the landscape and the experiences Euskadi provides.

Family tourism

The Basque Country is a benchmark and quality destination for families with children. Here you will find a place full of opportunities and places to visit. Although the Basque coast is an essential pillar of the offer, we also find towns and cities ideal for families travelling with children. We can proudly say that there is a varied, balanced and quality tourist offer spread throughout the Basque Country.

In the three capitals, inland valleys and mountains, on the Basque coast and in Rioja Alavesa, there are various activities, accommodations and restaurants to enjoy a complete experience without giving up anything just because you are travelling with children.

THE EUSKADI FAMILY TOURISM CLUB

RATIONALE AND SIZE OF THE NETWORK

Euskadi has worked for years to adapt the destination to receive families with children. According to the “Ibiltur ocio 2019” study carried out by the Basque Tourism Observatory to analyse the profile and behaviour of tourists visiting the Basque Country for leisure purposes, families with children are the second most crucial segment arriving in the Basque Country after couples. With this data, the objective was to make the Basque Country an excellent destination to attract families with children.

In 2016, the Euskadi Family Tourism Club was created, made up of companies from the three sub-sectors: accommodation (hotels, rural accommodation, tourist flats, campsites, hostels...), service and activity companies (museums, interpretation centres, active tourism, guided tours...), and restaurants. The destination has a wide range of resources, and this club aims to identify and bring together the existing offer.

The Family Tourism Club in the Basque Country comprises 230 companies, including accommodation, restaurants and tourist experiences, with products and services adapted to this segment.

When families travel, they often have special needs, simply because they are travelling with young children, with special requirements concerning the facilities, the product or service, and the management, which have been identified and classified and which all the companies in the club meet. This ensures that all club members are prepared to serve families, offering a quality service/ product.

So much so that in 2021, the Basque Country will be the first autonomous community to be certified with the Family Tourism Seal of the Federation of Large Families of Spain.

TOURIST OFFER

MAP OF THE ENTIRE OFFER

WELCOME TO THE BASQUE COUNTRY

A destination fully adapted to travelling families where you can enjoy numerous attractions together.

A diverse landscape uniting the coast and its fishing past with green mountains dotted with farmhouses and the Rioja Alavesa vineyards. You will discover

WELCOME TO THE BASQUE COUNTRY

tourism.euskadi.eus/en/

A destination fully adapted to travelling families where you can enjoy numerous attractions together.

WELCOME TO THE BASQUE COUNTRY

A diverse landscape uniting the coast and its fishing past with green mountains dotted with farmhouses and the Rioja Alavesa vineyards. You will discover an age-old culture with its own language, outdoor adventure activities where you can observe our fauna, flora and lifestyle, cultural and leisure proposals for all ages, and enjoy the famous gastronomy.

A destination fully adapted to travelling families where you can enjoy numerous attractions together.

A diverse landscape uniting the coast and its fishing past with green mountains dotted with farmhouses and the Rioja Alavesa vineyards. You will discover an age-old culture with its own language, outdoor adventure activities where you can observe our fauna, flora and lifestyle, cultural and leisure proposals for all ages, and enjoy the famous gastronomy.

An exciting adventure just waiting for you!

A quality offer for the whole family

An exciting adventure just waiting for you!

The Basque Country offers you all sorts of quality activities, perfect for travelling families.

On this map you’ll find 229 companies belonging to the Basque Country Family Tourism Club, all of which offer safe and quality services to suit families with children.

A quality offer for the whole family

A choice selection of companies adapted to your travel needs and tastes:

Places to stay and eat, museums, nature interpretation centres, adventure parks, guided tours, educational workshops, active tourism companies, wineries, etc.

The Basque Country offers you all sorts of quality activities, perfect for travelling families.

On this map you’ll find 229 companies belonging to the Basque Country Family Tourism Club, all of which offer safe and quality services to suit families with children.

A choice selection of companies adapted to your travel needs and tastes: Places to stay and eat, museums, nature interpretation centres, adventure parks, guided tours, educational workshops, active tourism companies, wineries, etc.

The Basque Country has some unique characteristics that make it an ideal destination for travelling with children: a mild climate, various landscapes, a small territory where everything is “within easy reach”, and without the need to travel long distances. All this allows you to draw up complete plans, whether you are looking for contact with nature, to soak up the culture or enjoy the local gastronomy. The offer is varied and unique throughout the territory, not only in terms of activities, but also when it comes to finding accommodation that adapts to each family’s different characteristics, or when you are looking for quality gastronomy.

ACTIVITY AND EXPERIENCE COMPANIES

Many activity companies have adapted their offerings to families with children. As a result, families arriving in the Basque Country can enjoy the routes and landscapes of its mountains and valleys, soak up the local culture and participate in all kinds of activities. Due to the breadth and diversity of the typology, this offer is divided into 8 large blocks, depending on the subject matter.

NATURE INTERPRETATION

The sensitivity of the Basques towards nature and the sea is well known. Therefore, we take special care of our environment, and the number of resources available at the destination proves this. Aware of the importance of disseminating information and raising awareness among children, all these resources offer a wide range of activities for families.

From the parketxes or interpretation centres of the natural parks (Aizkorri Aratz, Valderejo, Izki, Arantzazu, Gorbeia), the ekoetxes or environmental education centres forming a network (Urdaibai, Meatzaldea, Txingudi and Azpeitia) with agendas full of activities related to nature and diversity, as well as fauna and flora protection centres and centres for the interpretation and care of biodiversity: Ataria Salburua, Karpin Fauna, Sobron Water Museum, Hontza Museoa, Fagus interpretation centre, Leitzaran Visitors Centre, Geotxiki.

They offer visits suitable for families and many plans: workshops, hiking trails via Ferrata...

MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL VISITS

Many museums and interpretation centres are no longer merely places of observation, but also centres of experimentation. Some of these museums have not only adapted their visits to children (such as dramatised visits), but also their language and media, designing specific booklets and audiovisuals. Many of them often complement their offer with experimental workshops that can be offered in different languages.

Eureka! Zientzia museoa brings science closer to young and old. The proposals of the Guggenheim Museum, Artium, or Chillida Leku immerse you fully in Contemporary Art and allow you to know the philosophy behind the great works of art, and... who knows, maybe that little artist inside us will be awakened, like in the Santxotena Workshop Museum, where the little ones can interact directly with the sculptor. For its part, Detalleres offers workshops and specific guided tours to bring art closer to the youngest visitors.

LOCAL HISTORY AND CULTURE, GUIDED TOURS AND MONUMENTS

Knowing the origins and history of Euskadi is also the way to know ourselves better, because to understand where we are going, it is essential to know where we come from.

The destination allows us to discover the underground caves of Arrikrutz, the Ekain Caves, and the Roman roads in the Oiasso Museum. Also, the Bibat Archaeology Museum of Alava, wars and historical memory, in the Gernika Peace Museum and in Zumalakarregi Museum; medieval castles with their stories of knights, in Portilla Castle, Tower Palace of the Orgaz and Medieval Alava or the immensity of Vitoria-Gasteiz Cathedral and the Sanctuary of Arantzazu.

It is also possible to learn about Basque culture, traditions and mythology in museums such as Izenaduba. Igartubeiti, the Railway Museum, Herri Musikaren Txokoa, School of 1950, or TOPIC, the Tolosa Puppet International Centre.

In ethnographic museums, such as the one in Artziniega and the one in Zerain, or Orozko, the majestic Museum of Encartaciones, Arma Plaza or the Igartza Monumental Complex. There is also an offer of guided tours in Oñati, Tolosa or Balmaseda (Alboan) and Smartin in Getxo and Bilbao. And museums that tell us about the area’s industrial history, such as the Bizkaia Transporter Bridge, Dolomites or the Mirandaola Iron Museum, and the kilometres-long mines of Arditurri or Aizpitta.

THE BASQUES AND THE SEA

It is always a good idea to learn the enduring link between the Basques and the sea. It is not only the exploits of great explorers or intrepid fishermen that are noteworthy, but we were also pioneers in shipbuilding and have various resources to learn about all these feats.

Today, families can visit the only lighthouse in the Basque Country that can be seen, Santa Katalina Lighthouse, learn about fishing techniques and the life of the sailors in the Santurtzi Itsasoa Museum, the Agurtza Ship Museum, in Euskal Itsas Museum, the Ecoactive Museum Mater, at Albaola or in the Itsasmuseum in Bilbao; guided tours of a typical fishing village such as Ondarroa and discover all its secrets; and, of course! Visiting the Donostia/San Sebastian Aquarium, the second most visited museum in the Basque Country.

ACTIVE TOURISM

But let’s not forget that we are travelling with those little ones who, as well as learning about the millenary culture of this country playfully, also want adventure and movement. So on the coast and inland, there are dozens of plans for the whole family to enjoy. Adventure parks with adapted circuits and specialised guides to help the little ones. From surfing schools, sailing, boat trips, kayaking, horse riding schools, cycling, skateboarding, escape rooms and outdoor gymkhanas to tai chi sessions!

All the activities are prepared for the whole family, the rides, the routes, the guides... everything adapted “so nobody is left on the ground.”

It is also worth mentioning the wide range of surf schools along the Basque coast: Moor, Good people surf, Essus, Shelter, Surfing Zumaia, La Arena surf center, La salvaje surf eskola, Jaiki surf eskola, Fangaloka. More activities at sea: Hegohaize foile surf, Waterbikers. For the more active and intrepid, the offer is endless. The good fortune of having a coastline offers the possibility of carrying out many activities related to the sea. From sailing trips and to sailing schools: Navegavela, 2Millas, Marmitako Sailing, Polaris, José Luis Ugarte Sailing School to boat trips along the estuary (Bilboats, El bote tours) or enjoy kayaking: Uluwatu, Koasta

Finally, on the coast and inland, there are cycle routes suitable for the whole family: Tourné Bilbao, Bizkairoute Consulting, Axpe Ebike, Cycles Olabarrieta

Riding schools: Gailur, Agorregi, riding schools, escape rooms where you can have fun, such as Elkano, Gela Urdina or Lautada Puzle Room or an outdoor gymkhana with TopaBermeo Detalleres... We will not have enough time for everything!

ADVENTURE PARKS

In the Basque Country, there are adventure parks in the three territories where we can walk through the trees, jump on the zip lines or sharpen our aim with archery. Circuits of different categories so that the little ones can enjoy a day full of adventures: Txindokiko Itzala, Hontza Extrem, Aventura Sobron, Sopuerta abentura, Mendexa Abentura Park. Companies such as Leaktibai, Rioja alavesa alta turismo offer tailor-made adventure activities. And others provide innovative activities, such as family cooking courses, skateboarding courses and tai chi sessions: Skate la Kantera, Sukalde Eskola, Contemporary Zen Space

GASTRONOMIC TOURISM

If there is one thing the Basque Country is known for, it is its gastronomy. In this area, there are also learning opportunities combined with entertainment. Visit the Basque gastronomy interpretation centre, D’elikatuz, learn how salt is made in a saline landscape where for thousands of years, man has known how to take advantage of its saltwater springs to obtain an essential product: the Salado de Añana Valley, Leniz Salt Museum enjoying such an essential delicacy as bread at The Igeralde Bread Corner, the day-to-day life of a farmhouse in Belaze, or cheese and its traditional production at the Cheese Interpretation Centres in Idiazabal, Egino, and at Alluitz Natura. Learn about craft elaboration of chocolate and make it with our hands at Txokolateixia or at Rafa Gorrotxategi chocolate museum.

FAMILY WINE TOURS

The txakoli wine cellars (txakolindegis), Talaiberri or the cider houses also open their doors to the little ones with educational visits, family workshops, etc.: Sagardoetxea, Basque cider museum, and cider houses such as Añota, Petritegi or Ola Sagardotegia where children participate in apple picking and apple juice making.

In Rioja Alavesa, more and more wineries are committed to bringing wine culture closer to families with children. From special activities at harvest time to designing a label for a bottle they can take home, themed gymkhanas... Many wineries are ready to welcome families with children: Lozano, Amador García, El Fabulista Winery, Bodegas Valdemar, Bodegas Viña Real, Villa Lucía Wine Museum, Loli Casado Winery.

ACCOMMODATION

There are countless types of travelling families: by family composition, by place of origin, by tastes, by the age of their children, etc. In Euskadi, we are aware of this great diversity. For this reason, the accommodation on offer is adapted to the needs of each family, always prioritising quality. All the accommodation that forms part of the Euskadi Family Tourism Club meets specific minimum quality requirements. Aspects such as accessibility, safety, and the possibility of connecting rooms, extra beds, cots or high chairs in the restaurant are some things families consider important when choosing accommodation. Among the services most in demand are access to information about the destination aimed at the family public, services within the accommodation aimed at children, leisure or recreational areas, a range of complementary activities aimed at children, quality gastronomic options designed for this public, etc. There are many accommodations, and these are some of the favourite choices of families visiting the Basque Country.

HOTELS IN THE THREE CAPITALS

Hotels in the three capitals are exciting for those who want everything done. In Bilbao, Casual Gurea. In Donostia/San Sebastián: Zinema7 Hotel, NH

Arantzazu, Silken Amara Plaza and Hotel Costa Vasca, Irenaz Resort, Sansebay. In Vitoria-Gasteiz: NH Chancellor de Ayala, Sercotel Jardines de Uleta suites, Hotel Centro Vitoria.

But getting out of the big cities does not mean giving up the comforts of hotels (family or connecting rooms, fabulous breakfasts...).

HOTELS IN COASTAL AND INLAND VILLAGES

On the coast of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia, we will find hotels such as Hotel San Prudentzio and Hotel Flysch, Katrapona Pentsioa, Hotel Jauregui, Hotel Atalaia, Hotel Río Bidasoa, Eth Irún, Hotel Antsotegi, Hotel Artaza. Inland, in equally attractive places: Hotel B&B, Hotel Bidebide, Hotel Larrañaga, Hotel Sagarlore, Hotel Arcos de Quejana, Hotel Osabarena and in Rioja Alavesa Hotel Silken Villa de Laguardia.

CAMPSITES

For people travelling with a mobile home or looking for a bungalow adapted to families, there are campsites such as The Orio campsite, the Zumaia campsite, the large campsite in Zarautz, Campingrestaurante Leagi.

HOSTELS

They have been adapted, and there are options in idyllic places such as the Beizama Hostel and the Areitz Soroa Hostel hostel in Galdames or the La Catedral de Santa María Hostel in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

AGRITOURISM

The one thing that delights the little ones is enjoying nature and animals. Throughout the Basque Country, you will find accommodations where you can enjoy feeding and visiting pets: Maddiola rural apartments, Agroturismo Artizarra, Enbutegi, Agroturismo Aranburu, Arriola Txiki, Agroturismo Zubeltzu Torre, Ondarre, Itulazabal Agroturismo, and La Granja de Vitoria.

RURAL HOUSES AND TOURIST APARTMENTS

In the case of large families or groups of several families, you can rent a complete house or independent apartments near each other. In Bizkaia, The houses of Ea Astei, Txokoetxe Rural House, Akuiola, Belaustegi apartments, Pikatzaenea, C.R. Mendialai, Bizkar Bare. In Gipuzkoa, Epotx Etxea, Talaimendi Apartments, Kaixo Family Apartments, Telmo’s home and Egona Apartementuak. In a completely different but equally spectacular landscape, in inland valleys such as Durangaldea or Gorbeialdea (Bizkaia) Huts in the Trees In Tolosaldea (Gipuzkoa) Lete Apartamentuak, Orexa Enea. In Alava: in regions such as Aiala, Añana, Llanada Alavesa or Cuadrilla de Gorbeialdea: Satiaberri tourist flats, C.R Castillo de Portilla, C.R Natura Sobrón, Legaire Etxea, C.R Lecea and Alliances, Rural apartments Casa Lafuente, A.R. Haizatu.

RESTAURANTS

As for catering, the criteria for establishments belonging to the club are the same as for accommodation and other tourist resources.

The restaurants that belong to the club comply with accessibility requirements. They have the necessary elements for the little ones, such as baby changing tables in the toilets and high chairs in the dining room. Even in the dining rooms, there are spaces where all types of families can be accommodated in peace and quiet. Many have designed menus adapted to children based on local gastronomy and produce.

As Euskadi is a place where gastronomy is so essential and varied, this variety is also reflected in the menus aimed at the youngest children, prioritising local produce and quality. These restaurants can cater for people with intolerances or allergies. In short, they have integrated into their company philosophy the need for adaptation and flexibility (whether in terms of the composition of the menus themselves, offering dishes, quantities or portions adapted to the age of the children, or the service timetables), which is so highly valued by families travelling with children.

There are restaurants throughout the Basque Country in urban centres, inland valleys, and on the coast. With the added feature, in many cases, of having an environment and recreational areas for children:

Sugarri Restaurant, Atalaia Restaurant, Bistró ETH Irún, Ola sagardotegia cider house, Añota Sagardotegia, Larrañaga Jatetxea, Pikua Restaurant, Txindurri Cider House, Iturri Restaurant, Oianume Cider Bar, Petritegi, Larraitz - Gain Jatetxea, Orexako ostatua, Iturri Ondo Jatetxea, Altzoko Ostatua, Botarri Jatetxea, Kandela Restaurant, Bar-Restaurant Orrua, Dolomiti Pizzeria, Olarizu Restaurant, the new Atabaka Jatetxea Restaurant, Artzegi Restaurant, Iturrieta Sagardotegia, Abiaga Restaurant, Bideko Restaurant, Capucci Katua, Villa Lucia Gastronomic Space, Marutegi jatetxea-restaurant, Larruzz Bilbao, Restaurant Bistró Guggenheim Bilbao, Madaixagane Restaurant, Suharri Restaurant, Café-Bar La Estación Santurtzi, La Ola.

NOT TO BE MISSED

BILBAO

- Children’s workshops: Guggenheim Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Champs Elysées Theatre and Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga)

- Itsasmuseum Bilbao

- Bizkaia Bridge (ferry)

- Athletic Club Museum (San Mamés)

- Artxanda viewpoint

DONOSTIA/SAN SEBASTIÁN

- Aquarium

- Euskal Itsas Museoa

- Eureka! Zientzia Museum

- Workshops in San Telmo Museum

- Urban beaches and La Concha Bay (Alderdi Eder carousel)

- Kutxa Ekogunea Playground

VITORIA-GASTEIZ

- Ataria (Salburua)

- Museums: BIBAT, Artium, Natural Sciences of Álava

- St Mary’s Cathedral and city walls

- Route of the murals

- Summer: Aquamendi, Ullibarri-Ganboa and Santa Engracia reservoirs, Gamarra Park

- Magic Festival (Magialdia) and International Games Festival

- Tower houses and palaces

MOUNTAINS AND VALLEYS

- Iron Mountain (Zerain)

- Museums: traditional Basque pottery (Ollerías, Elosu), Ecomuseum (Artea), Ethnographic (Orozko), TOPIC (Tolosa), Sagardoetxea-Cider Museum (Astigarraga), Basque Railway Museum (Azpeitia), Oiasso Roman Museum (Irun)

- Salt Valley of Añana

- Santa Catalina Botanical Garden

- Natural parks: Gorbeia, Aizkorri-Aratz, Aralar, Armañón, Urkiola, Valderejo, Izki, Aiako Harria, Pagoeta

- Tower houses: Mendoza, Varona, Quejana monumental complex

- Sobrón Adventure, Hontza Extrem Abentura, Karpin Abentura, Sopuerta Abentura

- Izena badu Basoa (Mungia)

- Pozalagua Cave

- Loizaga Tower (Galdames)

BASQUE COAST

- Reserva de la Biosfera Urdaibai: Gaztelugatxe, Urdaibai Bird Center, Caves of Santimamiñe, Basondo, Agurtza Fishing Ground (Santurtzi)

- Geoparque de la Costa Vasca

- Santa Catalina Lighthouse (Lekeitio), Matxitxako (Bermeo)

- Museums: Basque Coast Museum Network, Victor Hugo (Pasaia), Nautilus (Mutriku), Barco Mater (Pasai Donibane), Nautilus Interpretation Centre (Mutriku), Fisherman’s Museum (Bermeo)

- Albaola Faktoria (Pasaia)

- Caves of Ekain (Zestoa) and Santimamiñe (Kortezubi-Urdaibai)

RIOJA ALAVESA

- Remelluri Farm-Museum (Labastida)

- Chabola de la Hechicera Dolmen (Elvillar)

- Laguardia and the surrounding area: Villa Lucia wine theme centre, La Hoya village, bird watching in Prao de Paul

- Wineries in the region

- Dramatised visits in Labraza

THE TOP 10 ASSETS OF THE BASQUE COUNTRY

BILBAO

Internationally recognised architectural benchmark because the strength of its avant-garde style is based on integration and respect for its industrial history.

VITORIA-GASTEIZ

Location of the Basque Parliament and capital of Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz is a green city, filled with natural spaces and located very close to Rioja Alavesa, a world renown wine-tourism enclave.

DONOSTIA / SAN SEBASTIÁN

One of the most romantic cities in the world, renowned for its beauty and its gastronomy.

URDAIBAI

An extraordinarily beautiful and varied natural landscape, which is the reason why it was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1984.

GAZTELUGATXE

Classified as a protected Biotype, this magical small island is one of the essential corners of the Basque Coast and one of the locations where the TV show “Game of Thrones” was filmed.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GERNIKA

One of the oldest parliaments in Europe. The Gernika tree is considered a main symbol of Basque identity.

BIZKAIA BRIDGE

Also known as the “Suspension Bridge”, Bizkaia Bridge is an architectural jewel that reflects the industrial and marine nature of Euskadi. World Heritage. UNESCO 2007.

LAGUARDIA

Capital of Rioja Alavesa, Laguardia stands vigilant upon a hill, and surrounded by vineyards.

CRISTOBAL BALENCIAGA MUSEUM

Coco Chanel said that Balenciaga was the only and authentic courtier (dressmaker).

LOIOLA SANCTUARY

Place of birth of San Ignacio (Iñigo de Loyola), one of the most notable Basque personalities in history and founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), a denomination that has spread throughout the entire world.

CITY TRANSPORTATION

PUBLIC CITY TRANSPORTATION

BILBAO

· City bus (Bilbobus).

· Tram (Euskotren).

· Underground.

DONOSTIA/SAN SEBASTIÁN

· City bus (Dbus).

VITORIA-GASTEIZ

· City bus.

· Tram (Euskotren).

PUBLIC INTERCITY TRANSPORTATION

· Alavabus.

· Bizkaibus.

· Lurraldebus.

· Euskotren.

· Renfe.