Looking for inspiration for an autumn getaway? At Nekatur, we invite you to discover the rural side of the Basque Country and stay in one of more than 200 rural accommodations we offer.

Autumn tends to arrive gently in the Basque Country: the transition from summer is smooth, which means that even in November, temperatures are pleasant and you can still enjoy our coast and our mountains.

That’s why we’re sure you’ll love visiting us in autumn — it’s the perfect season to unwind, take in our landscapes, and savour our local seasonal produce in traditional recipes and dishes.

The colours of autumn in the Basque Country

Morning mists and fog give way to sunny days and the reddish tones that take over our rural surroundings. The ivy on our houses, the beech forests, and the fruit trees paint the landscape in spectacular colours.

Image: Nekatur, own source

Combine this with mild weather and the magical light of the season, and you’ll see one of the Basque Country’s most photogenic sides. Keep your camera or phone close — you’ll return home with plenty of memories captured in pictures.

Autumn trails to get lost in

Autumn in rural Euskadi invites you to walk and discover paths, mountains and natural areas without rushing. There are routes and walks for every taste and age, with different levels of difficulty — perfect for a morning outing or a full-day excursion. Some are even accessible for families with pushchairs.

The Basque Country has countless routes to help you explore every corner. You can find most of them in this guide on the Nekatur website, which includes duration, difficulty, distance and nearby attractions.

Image: Nekatur, own source

To whet your appetite, some of the most recommended routes to enjoy in rural Basque Country during autumn are:

• GR-282 (or part of it) – crossing the Gorbea Natural Park, one of our most beloved mountains. You can climb to its summit (1,482 m) from various routes. Among our local traditions is saying goodbye to the year at the summit on 31 December, or welcoming the new year there on 1 January.
• More info: Rural accommodation near Gorbea Natural Park

• The Otzarreta Beech Forest (Biscay) – located within Gorbea Natural Park, it’s one of the most photographed spots in autumn in the Basque Country. Though not a route itself, it’s a must-see. We recommend getting there early to enjoy it quietly.

• The Route of the Three Temples – perfect for a three-day trek or a shorter section in one day. Part of the Ignatian Way, it runs between Loyola and Arantzazu (Gipuzkoa), ideal for those seeking a spiritual experience.
• More info: Rural accommodation near the Sanctuary of Loyola

• One of the 15 trails in Izki Natural Park (Álava) – with various levels of difficulty. Visit the Parketxe (Park House) for advice on the most suitable route. One of the trails follows the old Basque–Navarre railway line and is accessible with pushchairs.
• More info: Rural accommodation near Izki Natural Park

Autumn flavours: from farmhouse to table

After walking, there’s nothing better than a good meal. You’re in luck — autumn gastronomy in the Basque Country is a true celebration of flavours.

Our orchards and fruit trees provide pumpkins, beans, cabbages, peppers, leeks, apples, chestnuts, walnuts, and figs. The sea brings us bonito, cod, and monkfish; and our farmers supply pork (especially in November, around St. Martin’s Day), rabbit and chicken.

Two of our woodland treasures are mushrooms and fungi. In Izki Natural Park, you can learn about them and how to harvest them sustainably — essential for preserving the traditional recipes that feature them.

We at Nekatur believe you can’t leave the Basque Country in autumn without dining at one of our local rural restaurants. There, traditional recipes are still passed down from generation to generation.

Some dishes we recommend trying:

• Tolosa or Gernika beans, served with cabbage, green peppers, and their “sacraments”: black pudding, chorizo, bacon, and ribs.
• Scrambled eggs with mushrooms, where the earthy flavours take the spotlight.
• Porrusalda, a simple yet comforting soup made mainly with leeks and potatoes (sometimes with carrots or cod).
• Marmitako, a stew of bonito, potatoes, and peppers — perfect for dipping good bread into!
• Intxaur-saltsa, a traditional walnut dessert sauce, typical in rural Basque homes.

Weekly markets

If you’ve enjoyed hearing about our autumn produce, you can’t miss a visit to one of the weekly markets in our villages. Ask your Nekatur host — they’ll know exactly which markets are nearby. They’re true experts and can recommend what to see, do, and visit in the area.

Many markets let you buy directly from the producer, supporting local products and sustainability.

Some examples:

• In Álava: the Artziniega producers’ market, held on the last Sunday of each month in the municipal fronton.
• In Biscay: the Gernika market, every Monday of the year, plus themed markets on the first Saturday of each month (June–December).
• In Gipuzkoa: the Tolosa market, held every Saturday of the year, where the “Tinglado” hall focuses on farmhouse products; and the Ordizia market, held every Wednesday and one of the oldest in Euskadi. Guided tours are available at both.

Autumn is the perfect time to discover the rural Basque Country. And if you want a 100% Basque experience, stay in one of Nekatur’s rural houses, farm stays or rural apartments. We’re waiting for you!