Gastronomic Tourism

Gastronomic 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.

EUSKADI: THE FOOD SCENE

Referring to the matter, I heard Juan Mari Arzak say for the first time, ”the only thing that makes us different to the rest of the world are four sauces that can only be found here among us: the red sauce, the green sauce, the white sauce and the black sauce from our traditional cuisine.”

Hasier Etxeberria. Euskal Sukaldaritzaz.

CULINARY LANDSCAPE

The geographical location of Euskadi, with the Cantabrian sea lapping the coastline and the Sierra de Cantabria to the south, gifts it its marvellous natural pantry and the unique character of its cuisine.

OUR BASERRIS (BASQUE FARMHOUSES), A WAY OF LIFE

The farmhouse has been the centre of family life, the abode and origin of the extraordinary Basque agrifood produce.

There things are done in their own time, guaranteeing quality thanks to the unique and watchful way of working in the vegetable patch, and of breeding the animals destined for the table.

THE CANTABRIAN SEA

Line-caught hake, longfinned tuna, bluefinned tuna, monkfish, anchovy, horse mackerel, cod, txautxas (cuttlefish), squid and many other species caught in this choppy sea by the arrantzales (fishermen) of Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, arrive on the Basque quays every day, with sustainable management of the sea.

WINE COUNTRY

The vineyards of Rioja Alavesa. The spectacular terrain of this district made it necessary to plant the vineyards on terraces and gentle slopes, in clay and chalky soils which give the grape and, consequently, the wine its special features: a bright, vivid colour, fine aroma, fruity flavour and pleasant palate.

Txakoli vineyards: the warm and humid air from the Bay of Biscay favours the cultivation of attractive vines destined for this fresh and aromatic white wine, together with the farmsteads along the coasts of Gipuzkoa and Biscay, or from the Alavesa valley of Aiara-Ayala.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN EUSKADI

Experience first hand and immerse yourself in the destination with a varied offer of culinary experiences.

FIRST HAND: OUR PRODUCERS

Discover close up the variety and wealth of raw materials supplied to the markets, restaurants, pintxo bars and gourmet shops.

The “0 kilometre” concept is clearly evident in Basque cuisine, with its preference for local and nearby products.

Euskadi has:

/ 54 Rioja Alavesa wineries.

/ 28 Txakoli wineries.

/ 20 Producers.

/ 18 Cheese producers.

/ 10 Craft breweries.

/ 2 Canning factories.

RIOJA ALAVESA WINERIES

These unique spaces safeguard the wine-making process, wines with a fine strong aroma and Designation of Origin. They are mostly red wines, and principally made from the Tempranillo variety of grape.

Human creation and brilliance have left their mark in Rioja Alavesa. The studios of architects Frank Gehry, Mazières, Calatrava, Aspiazuo Marín are behind remarkable constructions and wineries; although, to be sure, the family wineries and cellars are also impressive.

The tourist offices in Laguardia, Labastida and Elciego have information about visits to the wineries and the ongoing tourist initiatives in the district.

CIDER HOUSES

An example of the unique nature of the Basque cellar is its cider. On your visit to a cider house, when someone cries “txotx!”, take your glass and approach the barrel (kupela) indicated by the owner, catch about two fingers of cider in your glass as it spurts out of the tap, and then step back for the next person. Then try a superb steak... standing up, or seated at the table. This is the cider house ceremony. The experience is well worth it.

Several cider houses are to be found in the district of Donostialdea, principally in Hernani or Astigarraga, and also in the Tolosa and Legorreta area. Aramaio and Kuartango in Álava and Gernika- Lumo, Gatika, Lezama and Zornotza in Bizkaia also have several.

If you want to learn more about the world of cider, “Sagardoa Route” offers guided tours with a tasting session of Euskal Sagardoa, with designation of origin, served either in the bottle or directly from the barrels.

TXAKOLI

Txakoli is the traditional Basque wine made with white grapes. Some twenty years ago, with its inclusion in the designations of origin, this wine began to experience a growth and positive evolution. It has three different designations of origin: Getaria, Bizkaia and Álava.

In a number of districts, including Getaria, Zarautz, Amurrio, Bakio and Orduña, you can visit the wine makers with tasting sessions to discover the secrets of this very special wine. Its flavour is unlike any other. Attractive and acidic, it is said to go well with fish.

CHEESE

Another great experience in Euskadi is the “shepherd for a day” experience. Numerous cheese producers open their doors to visitors to tell them about the secrets involved in making our beloved Idiazabal Cheese.

CULINARY CULTURE: GASTRONOMIC MUSEUMS AND CENTRES

To find out more about the tradition and knowledge of the gastronomic products deserving of special attention.

/ Lick your fingers in Tolosa at the Rafa Gorrotxategi Chocolate Museum, which displays the techniques used by the trade from the 14th to the 19th century.

/ In Ordizia, Goierri guipuzcoano, is the D’elikatuz Food and Gastronomy Interpretation Centre.

/ In Ezkio-Itsaso the Igartubeiti Farm Museum will teach about life on the farm.

/ The Cheese Interpretation Centre in Idiazabal explains the secrets of the designation of origin and offers tasting sessions.

/ If you are interested in the world of txakoli, visit Bakio, where the Txakoligunea offers numerous activities based on this wine.

/ And while talking of wine, at the Villa Lucía Wine Theme Centre in Laguardia you can find out about the wine-making process with virtual tasting sessions and games.

/ The town of Astigarraga is home to Sagardoetxea (the Basque Cider Museum).

/ A visit to Añana Salt Valley will allow you to learn all about the salt marsh production process and salt production.

MADE IN EUSKADI

The Euskadi agrifood industry has its own quality label, EuskoLabel. To find it, look for the “K” that distinguishes it.

The full range of products bearing this label is highly varied and is one of the key factors to the success of the Basque tables: beef, chicken, pork and eggs from the farms, suckling lamb, longfinned tuna and red tuna, milk, tomatoes, vegetables and pulses from the country, honey, potatoes and cereals from Álava, peppers from Gernika, chilli peppers from Ibarra, extra virgin olive oil, antxoa and spring salt from Euskadi.

There are also other labels which identify the quality or recognise the origin, the components, the processing conditions, etc. Not to forget the designations of origin already mentioned in relation to the wines and txakolis.

THE BASQUE PANTRY

LOCAL MARKETS

The markets foster business directly between customers and producers.

Best-known in Bilbao is La Ribera, the spacious municipal market and the largest covered food market in Europe. Also in Bizkaia is Gernika-Lumo market.

In Donostia/San Sebastián: La Bretxa, El Antiguo and San Martín. Without leaving Gipuzkoa, Ordizia and Tolosa markets.

In Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Plaza de Abastos (market square) is of note.

GASTRONOMIC FAIRS AND FESTIVITIES

Special “markets” are organised throughout the year. Some of the more famous ones include Santo Tomás in Bilbao and in Donostia/San Sebastián, or the First and Last Monday of October in Gernika.

Cider, potatoes, beans, cheese, txistorra, tuna, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, txakoli or wine, and many more are the also the subject of colourful fairs and market days and festivities in Tolosa, Agurain, Valdegovía-Gaubea, Balmaseda, Astigarraga, Ordizia, Orio, Hondarribia, Zarautz, Bermeo, Labastida and Santurtzi.

TRADITIONAL PATISSERIES AND COFFEE SHOPS

You might think that the hearty Basque cuisine leaves no room for dessert, but quite to the contrary, there is a long tradition of pastry-making in Euskadi. Some of the more typical products include:

/ Basque pastry or bistochak. A delicious dessert of Basque-French origin.

/ Carolina. A typical pastry from Bilbao.

/ Gorrotxas or delights from Tolosa. This is an almond pasty with marzipan and egg yolk.

/ Tejas y cigarrillos. These also originate in Tolosa.

BAKERIES

The baking tradition is deeply-rooted in the agriculture and cuisine of Euskadi. Bread is also an ingredient in numerous dishes from our collection of recipes, and Basque bakers serve bread of many varieties and flours...

ENOTECAS AND GOURMET STORES

They speak of Euskadi through the palate, as they offer wines, ciders, txakolis, liqueurs, chocolates, cheeses, preserves, pulses, cold meats, oils... all top quality.

WITH YOUR HANDS IN THE COOKIE JAR

In Euskadi, the cuisine combines ancient recipes and an unwavering passion for local produce. This is why its gastronomy is a cultural hallmark.

THE FOUR SAUCES

However, without a doubt, what characterises our cuisine above all are these four sauces that add colour and unbeatable flavours to our cooking.

The white sauce or pil-pil. Its appearance comes from the Roman heritage of the Peninsula, which left us olive oil, and from the Basque arrantzales who, on their crossings, with the rolling waves, produced this stew of desalinated cod, garlic and oil, making it into one of the flagships of traditional Basque cuisine.

The green sauce. This is the most emblematic and widespread of the traditional Basque sauces. It is characterised by its humble ingredients, as the main ingredient, parsley, is almost never purchased but is given away.

The red or Viscaina sauce. With an onion base, it owes its essence and colour to the choricero pepper brought from America. It found the perfect companion in cod, giving it an acidic, spicy and sweet taste, which brings out its flavour and is in contrast to its whiteness. This sauce has been exported all over the world, with minor variations.

The black sauce, squid ink sauce. Perhaps one of the most notable because of its quirkiness. Squid ink is added to a tomato sauce and onion base, giving it the intense black colour, so unusual in other cuisines of the world. Of unclear origin, this sauce took root in the traditional cuisine, giving rise to the dish, squid in its own ink, which has survived to the present, to become one of the most popular dishes among the international public.

Sauces, all traditional, but which the new Basque cuisine has known how to modify, respecting their essence, and giving them the importance they deserve.

NAMES IN BASQUE CUISINE

Euskadi is also a synonym for gastronomic innovation. Original dishes from Basque cuisine take on new forms of expression in the hands of professional chefs, who pour all their knowledge into new culinary experiences. Nothing escapes their desire to innovate: produce from the vegetable garden, the sea, all types of meat... are transformed into sublime bites in which aesthetics and taste compete to delight the senses of the most demanding.

With the appearance of New Basque Cuisine, gastronomy made a complete volte-face and the eyes of the whole world turned to this region where chefs such as: Juan Mari Arzak, Pedro Subijana and Martin Berasategui, led by the master of masters, Luis Irizar, headed this culinary revolution movement, which has influenced different European cuisines of the 20th century.

Now in the 21st century, the future of Basque cuisine is guaranteed with names such as Javi Rivero and Gorka Rico, from the Ama in Tolosa; Julen Baz from the Garena Restaurant in Dima, Rebeca Barainka from the Galerna Restaurant in Donostia; or Edorta Lamo from the Arrea in Kanpezu.

THE PINTXO

Restaurateurs put huge effort into the development of this original culinary expression, present throughout Euskadi, with special care and dedication.

Skewering small bites onto a toothpick gave rise to the exquisite gildas, banderillas and the simple péles or boiled eggs. It was about eating something to go with the typical rounds of wine. Bars and taverns applied themselves and those first simple pintxos gave rise to an original cuisine in miniature.

Txipiron filled with cream of boletus, aubergine toast with cheese and salmon dipped in yoghurt cream, millefeuille of sautéed vegetables... just an example of the sophistication of the delicious pintxos that you will find at the bar counters in the bars you visit.

AT THE TABLE

You can enjoy their cuisine, in all its varieties and specialities, at the establishments distributed across the Basque Country.

RESTAURANTS

For such a small country, the excellence of many Basque restaurants never ceases to surprise. Restaurants that, season after season, receive the recognition of the most prestigious food critics in the world. The presence of several of these among the 50 best restaurants in the world, the thirty something Michelin stars and more than 60 establishments recognised with approximately one hundred Repsol Guide Suns, is proof of this.

GRILL HOUSES

For a meal based on grilled fish or meat, you should visit a grill house (erretegia). Some outstanding establishments can be found in Axpe-Atxondo, Getaria, Orio, Tolosa, Sukarrieta, Larrabetzu or Armentia. The aromas of bream, monkfish and steaks, cooked over a grill, fill the surrounding area.

CIDER HOUSES (SAGARDOTEGIAK)

These offer dishes such as cod omelette, fried cod with peppers, steak or cheese with quince and walnuts, with the added delight of the picturesque scene of the cry of “txotx!” among the barrels (kupelas).

EUSKADI GASTRONOMIKA

NETWORK FOR THE PROMOTION OF GASTRONOMIC TOURISM

Euskadi Gastronomika is a network promoted by the Basque Government with the aim of coordinating the gastronomic tourism offer of Euskadi and guaranteeing the authenticity and excellence of the value proposal of the tourism-gastronomic services and products offered.

It is formed by businesses, professionals and entities linked to the Basque food culture which share values and a philosophy of work and who are committed to excellence in service in order to maintain the leadership of Euskadi as one of the gastronomic destinations of reference at international level: agrifood producers and industries that can be visited, companies offering specialised activities, specialised guides and agencies, gastronomic accommodation, restaurants, markets and specialised stores.

www.euskadigastronomika.eus

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.