Check out 5 plans you can’t miss this winter in the Basque Country

Euskadi, a land of contrasts, also surprises us in winter. During the colder months, this region reveals a special charm, with very special itineraries full of magic and delight.

Discover the most beautiful winter landscapes, visit charming medieval villages and enjoy a gastronomy that will make you feel good with every bite.

Mark the following dates in your agenda and experience a different kind of winter!

1. Spectacular natural landscapes… Even in winter!

At this time of year, our landscapes take on wintery tones and invite us to explore places steeped in history.

The Arrikrutz Caves in Oñati are an example of this. On a guided tour, you can admire their fascinating geological and palaeontological wealth, with impressive karst formations and stalactites that hide millions of years of history.

If you prefer to enjoy the power of water, we recommend a visit to two spectacular waterfalls. The Gujuli waterfall, in Urkabustaiz, will surprise you with its 100-metre drop. And if you are looking for an even more impressive experience, the Salto del Nervión viewpoint will take your breath away with its 270-metre waterfall, one of the highest in Western Europe.

2. Almendra Market in Vitoria-Gasteiz

This market is held every first Saturday of the month in the old quarter of Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The most demanding visitors can choose different routes, although we recommend that you enjoy the experience by walking along.

On the Trade Route, you can meet many merchants and artisans, while on the Cultural Route you can take a guided tour of the medieval quarter.

The Barrel Route and the Hemengo Shopping Route are also essential for food and wine lovers, offering irresistible itineraries.

3. Ordizia Market

A different kind of Wednesday awaits you at the oldest market in the Basque Country, with more than 500 years of history.

Every week, the town of Ordizia becomes a meeting place for buyers and sellers of agricultural and livestock products from the region. You will find a wide variety of stalls offering a wide range of fresh and quality products.

4. Enjoy the food and wine at Laguardia

Rioja Alavesa is home to spectacular wineries that offer a unique experience. In the charming town of Laguardia, you can immerse yourself in the world of wine with guided tours that reveal the secrets of winemaking. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and surrounded by 34 hectares of vineyards, the Ysios winery is a case in point.

For a more intimate experience, we recommend a visit to El Fabulista. Seven metres underground, beneath a 17th-century palace, you will discover a wine treasure trove where you can taste exceptional wines while exploring the historic corners of the Samaniego Palace.

If you want to immerse yourself in the wine culture, you’ll be surprised to find that some of the hotels and restaurants in the area have their own wine cellars.

Finally, don’t miss the village of Laguardia, a medieval walled town whose characteristic landscape will take you back in time.

5. Alava Medieval guided tours

Alava Medieval invites you on a journey back in time. A team of experts will guide you through the most fascinating corners of Alava’s history. Explore the mysteries of the medieval Almendra, the enigmatic cemeteries of Vitoria-Gasteiz and the beauty of the Sanctuary of Estibaliz.

These include ‘The origins of a medieval city’, a visit for families to discover the medieval quarter of Vitoria-Gasteiz. Another activity is ‘The Mystery of the Corbels’, a visit to the Sanctuary of Estibaliz, where participants will have to solve various games and challenges.

Remember, you set the course, live Euskadi your way!