Discover the capitals of the Basque territories, get to know the cities of the Basque Country, Navarre and the French Basque Country. Explore the cities of the Basque Country.
We Basques are known for our culture, history and language, 3 characteristics shared by the territories of the Basque Country (Euskadi), Navarre and the French Basque Country. That is why, in this article we are not only going to talk about the official cities of the Basque Country: Bilbao-Bilbo, Donostia-San Sebastian and Vitoria-Gasteiz, we are also going to talk to you about Pamplona-Iruña, Bayonne-Baiona, Maule-Lextarre (Mauleón-Licharre) and Donibane Garazi (San Juan Pie de Puerto), let’s forget politics, let’s focus on what concerns us, tourism, or what is the same, the culture and history of the Basque people interpreted in all the cities where their language, Basque, is spoken.
The name that encompasses all the cities that we are going to mention is Euskal Herria (Basque people in Euskera), a term with which we give name to all the territories in which the culture of our people, the Basque culture, manifests itself. Euskal Herria covers an area of approximately 21,000 square kilometers divided into 7 territories. Do you want to know all the Basque cities? The 7? Attentive because we begin.
The 7 Basque cities, the 7 cities of Euskal herria.
Basque cities are currently spread out on both sides of the Pyrenees, divided into different political-administrative territories, Spain and France, or in other words, the Basque Country and Navarre in the south and the Aquitaine region in Iparralde (north in Basque).
Bilbao-Bilbo: Capital of Bizkaia. Better known as “El Botxo”, name that owes to its geographical location, between mountains, in a hole, in a botxo. Bilbao is one of the most striking cities of the Basque Country, the city of mines, metal and industry gave way to a new era, leaving behind that gray appearance to transform into a modern, green city, with cultural, historical and modern spaces that revolve around its central axis, the river. This transformation can be perfectly contemplated in the following spaces:
Vitoria-Gasteiz: Capital of Araba. The green areas, the wide streets and the historic center make Vitoria-Gasteiz one of the Basque cities with the highest quality of life. We highly recommend a visit to the old cathedral (not to be confused with the new cathedral) and enjoy the streets of the old town. If you are looking for tranquility, any of the parks that form the green ring of the city is a perfect place to find it. Do not miss our article about Vitoria-Gasteiz and its charms.
Donostia-San Sebastian: Capital of Gipuzkoa. Donostia, San Sebastian and La Bella Easo are some of the names by which one of the most beautiful cities of the Basque territories is known. Its beauty is largely due to the natural elements that surround it. The fusion of the Cantabrian Sea with the mountains that surround the city joins the bay of the shell to form one of the most photographed landscapes of all Euskal Herria.
Pamplona-Iruña: Capital of Navarra-Nafarroa. Pamplona needs no introduction, its festivities, San Fermin, have taken it to televisions around the world. Its walls and its historic center, located in the upper part of the city, are the jewel in the crown, a city that deserves to be seen both during and outside the festivities.
Bayonne-Baiona: Capital of Lapurdi, one of the most important Basque cities in the French Basque Country. Its promenade, the lighthouse and the fortress of Monterreal are just 3 impressive spaces that we must contemplate and enjoy in Bayonne. Get to know the coast of the French Basque Country making the route Hendaye-Baiona, ending up in one of the most amazing Basque cities and enjoying the fusion of Basque and French culture.
Maule-Lextarre / Mauleon-Licharre: Capital of Zuberoa. This Basque town and its castles demand the attention of all those who visit the French Basque Country. Just as Ezpeleta is officially an urban center closely linked to peppers, Mauleon-Licharre is closely linked to espadrilles, a nice souvenir to take back with us from our trip to Iparralde (north in Basque).
Donibane-Lextarre-San Juan Pie de PuertoCapital of Nafarro Beherea. This small urban nucleus takes us back to another era just by walking along its walls and citadel, 2 charming spaces that charm at first glance. Its location, right in the middle of the Camino de Santiago, makes it a strategic point for most of the pilgrims who come from Europe.
As you can see, Basque cities offer all kinds of attractions, spaces suitable for all types of tourist profiles that are gaining in importance with each passing day. Are you coming to visit them?
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