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Become a fan of San Sebastián -

San Sebastián-Donostia, to give the destination its full name, is arguably the Basque Country's most attractive city, and one of the most famous tourist hot spots in Spain.

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Be amazed by the Guggenheim Museum -

Bilbao's major cultural draw is the outstanding Guggenheim Museum. Built alongside the Nervión river, which runs through the city to the Cantabrian Sea, the museum was designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry and holds up to 250 contemporary works of art.

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Focus on Gaztelugatxe, a 'Game of Thrones' location -

Gaztelugatxe is an islet on the coast of Biscay. It's crowned by a hermitage dedicated to John the Baptist. The hermitage is accessed by a narrow path, crossing a solid stone bridge, and going up well over 200 steps. Look familiar? HBO filmed scenes for season 7 of its fantasy series 'Game of Thrones' at the islet.

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Stroll through Vitoria-Gasteiz -

Vitoria-Gasteiz is the seat of government and the de facto capital city of the Basque Country. It's also the location of the landmark 14th-century Cathedral of Santa María de Vitoria. Ponder the facade's portals, richly decorated with sculpture, before browsing the interior.

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Cross the Vizcaya Bridge -

A World Heritage Site, the Vizcaya Bridge in Portugalete-Getxo is currently Spain's only monument in UNESCO's Industrial Heritage category. Built in 1893, it is the world's oldest transporter bridge.

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Taste wine at Bodegas Ysios -

Sample a glass or two of Rioja wine at the extraordinary Bodegas Ysios winery. Surrounded by the Sierra de Cantabria, the iconic building was designed to reflect the avant-garde style of architecture prevalent in the 1930s.

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Dress up for the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum -

Named for Spanish fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895–1972), this museum in Getaria showcases the late couturier's many dazzling pieces. Absolutely worth dressing up for!

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Contemplate the Sanctuary of Loyola -

The remarkable Sanctuary of Loyola in Azpeitia is built around the birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. A place of veneration, the sanctuary deserves an hour of your time to explore.

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Drop by Urdaibai -

Set within the Biosphere Reserve of Biscay, scenic Urdaibai embraces a wealth of protected flora and fauna. Meanwhile, the estuary's beaches afford world-class surfing opportunities; Mundaka Beach is especially popular.

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Make for Mundaka -

Yet another charming destination, Mundaka has history: this is the birthplace of Jaun Zuria, the first Lord of Biscay. Furthermore, the name of the town has Danish origin; it has been proven that the Vikings arrived there 900 years ago. Today, the town is internationally renowned for its surfing scene.

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Go back in time at Chabola de la Hechicera -

The "Witches Hut" is a dolmen group (megalithic tomb) located at Elvillar, in Álava. The site was probably a funerary construction to hold the remains of the people in the settlement.

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Shake hands with sea life at San Sebastián Aquarium -

An obligatory stop for any visitor to the city, the San Sebastián Aquarium teems with seriously happy fish and other marine life. A highlight is slowly walking through the spectacular shark tunnel with a 360° view.

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Cast an eye on the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum -

One of the richest museums outside of Madrid in terms of fine arts exhibits, this is where to pause and admire works by old masters, including El Greco, Goya, and Van Dyke, and 19th-century and modern artists such as Sorolla, Peter Blake, and Francis Bacon.

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Chill out on La Concha Beach -

La Concha Beach is the scallop shaped seaboard of San Sebastián. It's one of the most beautiful and most famous urban beaches in Europe.

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Make a beeline for the Barrika coastline -

Venture out to Barrika at low tide for a fascinating exploration of a seabed seemingly plowed out of stone and smothered in moss. Thousands of years of erosion have produced this remarkable geological feature.

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Snack on pintxos -

The Basque Country has its own unique take on tapas—pincho, or pintxo. The bite-sized appetizers are usually eaten in bars or taverns as a small snack while hanging out with friends or relatives. They are called pinchos because many of them have a pincho (Spanish for spike), typically a toothpick, running through them. Savor with a cold beer, or a glass of cider.

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Say cheers for Basque cider -

Basque cider is a regional speciality. Apple harvesting starts in September and October to prepare raw material for barrel fermentation. If you're out in the countryside, look out for farmers pounding apples in the time-honored tradition.

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Drink up in a sagardotegi -

Feeling thirsty? Basque cider is traditionally served in a sagardotegi (cider house) and poured straight out of the barrel. You need a steady hand to fill your glass, and it might take several attempts. But therein lies the fun!

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Munch on Michelin cuisine -

Basque gastronomy is famed for its traditional dishes of meats and fish grilled over hot coals. But the region is also internationally renowned for its foodie scene. Spanish chef Juan Mari Arzak is considered one of the great masters of New Basque cuisine. His restaurant in San Sebastián was one of the first in Spain to receive three Michelin stars. Pictured is one of his carefully plated dessert offerings.

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Explore Lekeitio at leisure -

Picturesque Lekeitio is one of the most important fishing ports on the Basque coast. Exuding an attractive, local character, Lekeitio welcomes tourists from all over Spain during the summer, when the town becomes a resort on account of its soft golden beaches.

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Make for the summit in Aralar Natural Park -

For a break from the urban vibe, take off into Aralar Natural Park in Gipuzkoa. This is great hiking territory and you should make it your aim to summit the top of Txindoki, which stands at 1,346 m (4,416 ft).

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Wonder at wildlife -

Wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat in the Aralar environment. Look out for animals of the Aralar mountain range, including the European roe deer (pictured) and the rare Pyrenean desman, a threatened mammal related to moles and shrews.

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Walk all over Urkiola Natural Park -

The landscape of Urkiola Natural Park is characterized by wild horses that graze the foothills of this mountainous region in the northern Basque Country.

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Climb Anboto Mountain -

At 1,337 m (4,386 ft), the park's highest mountain is Anboto. This remote peak has strong mythological significance; it's said to be the domain of the goddess Mari, a figure of Basque mythology.

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Go for Gorbea Natural Park -

Otzarreta, one of several forests lying in the heart of Gorbea Natural Park, is a wonder to explore. This deciduous delight features a profusion of oak, alder, willow, and ash. The canopy casts an emerald glow across the entire landscape. Conifer trees also thrive here, including pine and cypress.

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Embrace the Tree of Guernica -

A tree of a different kind can be found at Guernica, the Gernikako Arbola. The trunk is all that remains of this "old tree," an oak planted in 1742 and now enclosed in a temple. The oak tree symbolizes traditional freedoms for the Biscayan people, and by extension for the Basque people as a whole. Guernica is remembered as the town that was bombed into oblivion by the Nazis and fascist Italian forces during the Spanish Civil War, and which served as the inspiration for Pablo Picasso's famous painting 'Guernica.'

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Say hi to Ayala Valley -

Located midway between the historical territories of western Álava and Bizkaia, the idyllic Ayala Valley is a landscape photographer's dream. To learn more about the region, follow the Txakoli de Aiaraldea Route, which features Txakoli wine cellars and several authentic cafés and restaurants.

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Star gaze at Kursaal -

This striking example of modern architecture is home to the San Sebastián Film Festival. Designed by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, Kursaal's halls are also regularly used to host exhibitions and other shows.

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Get lost in Casco Viejo -

Get lost on purpose in San Sebastián's Casco Viejo, its Old Town district. Lying at the foot of Mount Urgull, protected by the sea on one side and the Urumea river on the other, Casco Viejo is full of historical treasures, and its narrow, cobbled streets are a maze of stalls, shops, bars, and restaurants. It has two of the city's oldest churches: the Basílica de Santa María del Coro, and the Convent of San Telmo, now an engaging museum.

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Identify with Euskal Museum -

Housed in a 17th-century former Jesuit college building, Bilbao's Euskal Museum is one of Spain's best devoted to Basque history and culture. Indeed, this really is the place to find out more about Basque identity, rituals, and beliefs.

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Wind up in the Marqués de Riscal Hotel -

Basque Country hotels are numerous and appealing. But if you only have the chance to stay in one, book a room at Marqués de Riscal Hotel. This extraordinary accommodation is located near Vitoria-Gasteiz, in Álava province. Designed by Frank Gehry, the building is part of a winery, thus providing guests with another excuse to bed down here for the night.

See also: Picturesque towns in Europe you won't believe exist.

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