If we’ve already told you what to do in Euskadi whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or in a group with children, or even on your own, now we suggest some other activities for those of you interested in gastronomy, active tourism, or cultural tourism. Let’s go!

Plans for Foodies

Euskadi’s gastronomy is world-renowned, so it’s very likely your trip here will revolve around it. Among our culinary specialities, there’s something for every taste: meats and fish; produce from the land such as green peppers, tomatoes, beans, piparras (local chilli peppers); and desserts for those who always save room for something sweet... Every corner of Euskadi surprises you with quality ingredients and a deep love for cooking.

In Araba, for example, we recommend discovering the food and wine scene offered by the Aiaraldea region, where the famed txakoli wine has been produced since the 9th century. Alongside it, you’ll find all kinds of artisanal cured meats, including their famous blood sausages and chorizos – essential to pair with hearty local beans. The towns in this region also offer a fascinating historical and cultural route, such as the old quarter of Artziniega, and natural landmarks like the Nervión waterfall.

Image: Local KM0 products (Nekatur)

Heading to Bizkaia, in the Durangaldea area, the culinary experience centres around the “Wine and Fish Route”, an old trade route connecting Rioja Alavesa with the ports of the Cantabrian Sea. Durango was once a key point of exchange between Rioja wines and salted fish from the port of Bermeo. Today, traditional farmhouses converted into grillhouses, restaurants, and cider houses offer locally grown vegetables alongside grilled meats and fish. And if you’re someone who enjoys tasting something unique to every place, you simply cannot leave Elorrio without trying San Valentín’s Relics, a delightful sweet treat you’ll only find here.

In Gipuzkoa, we propose a gastronomic journey through two regions: Tolosaldea and Debabarrena. In the first, you absolutely must try the famous beans – and you can even buy some to take home if you visit the weekly Saturday market. Did you know this market has been running since 1256? Beans, piparras, and local produce from farmhouses across the region are the stars of the show. Continuing through Gipuzkoa, just a 45-minute drive brings you to Mendaro, a town in Debabarrena known for its chocolates, still made traditionally since 1850. But that’s not all – as you get closer to the coast, you’ll reach Mutriku, a seaside town where mackerel is celebrated in every form. It even has a day dedicated to it!

Active Tourism Plans

How about combining sport with rural tourism and outdoor adventure? With just the stages of the Camino de Santiago and the Ignatian Way, you already have a fantastic plan that combines travel and exercise. But if you want to discover more active tourism experiences, read on.

The Añana region in Álava offers all sorts of land and water-based activities: kayaking, canoeing, climbing, archery... all in a natural environment of great scenic and ecological value, where a commitment to responsible tourism is not just a slogan, but a reality. If you’re more into hiking, then Gorbeialdea is your region: from the climb to the iconic Gorbea Cross – a symbolic place in Euskadi – to easier, family-friendly routes, this area offers a deep connection with nature.

Baltzola Cave, the Atxular Eye, and the Itxina Massif are three of the natural treasures awaiting you on the border between Bizkaia and Araba, in the Arratia Nerbioi region, near Gorbeialdea. Urkiola Natural Park, crowned by Mount Anboto, welcomes you with trails, stories, and mythological legends. You’ll hear about our goddess Mari – and who knows, even if you don’t see her, she may well see you.

Image: Urkiola Natural Park (Nekatur)

To end our active tourism suggestions, we head to Urola, in Gipuzkoa. Following the old railway line that once connected Zumárraga and Zumaia, there’s now a 40-kilometre greenway with hardly any incline, perfect for walking or cycling. Along the way, you can visit Loiola Sanctuary, the Basque Railway Museum, the Ekainberri Cave Museum with its replica prehistoric paintings, or the Mirandaola Ironworks. Still in Urola, we also recommend joining a guided hike in the Izarraitz mountain range, declared a Special Area of Conservation.

Cultural Tourism Plans

We now head to Euskadi’s capital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, to suggest some cultural tourism activities. Surrounded by its Green Belt, this city offers cultural experiences in close connection with nature. From Ataria to its mural route, including a visit to its medieval old town, everything in Vitoria-Gasteiz is just a bike ride away. And if you enjoy architecture and stories tied to great writers, don’t miss the Cathedral of Santa María.

Greater Bilbao’s industrial past takes us to towns along the Left Bank of the Nervión estuary, such as Portugalete and Santurtzi, which illustrate how the iron industry shaped their development. These towns served as natural sea exits, allowing ore from inland mines to be shipped across Europe.

In Lea-Artibai, we suggest exploring lesser-known villages. This part of Bizkaia had to defend itself from nearby Gipuzkoa, leading to several fortified settlements. What’s more, one of the original coastal Camino de Santiago routes passed through here, from Markina-Xemein to Munitibar. Be sure to visit Ziortza, where the Collegiate Church bears witness to the past, and the Hermitage of San Miguel de Arretxinaga. Oh, if only the stones could speak!

Finally, a visit to the Bidasoa-Txingudi region wraps up our plans in Euskadi. This area is also committed to responsible tourism and is sure to surprise you. Present-day Irun, known as Oiasso in Roman times, was one of the most important cities on the Atlantic arc between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD. Hondarribia, meanwhile, is part of the Network of Medieval Towns and Cities, reflecting the value and preservation of its medieval heritage – most notably, the fortress overlooking the bay.

Image: Rural landscape in Hondarribia (Nekatur)

What do you think of the activities and experiences we’ve suggested? As you can see, there are plenty of rural places in Euskadi waiting for you. And don’t forget – close to all of them you’ll find accommodation associated with Nekatur, to ensure your stay is full of pleasant surprises.

Book with the security and peace of mind that Nekatur offers you. Ongi etorri etxera! Welcome to our home!