Spain’s Hidden Coastal Gems: Explore Vitoria‑Gasteiz, Bilbao & San Sebastián
Everything you need to know about booking a trip to Italy in August
When searching for beach holidays to Spain, the Basque Country’s coastal treasures, Bilbao and San Sebastián, shine bright, though often overshadowed by sunnier southern shores. Combining dynamic cities, world-class gastronomy and dramatic shoreline, this region blends culture with coast beautifully.
Begin your Basque exploration in Vitoria‑Gasteiz, the region’s green medieval capital, with a stay at the centrally located Silken Ciudad de Vitoria. From there, it's a short journey to Bilbao’s urban revival and San Sebastián's elegant beaches and pintxo bars.
1. Vitoria-Gasteiz
As the Basque Country's administrative capital, Vitoria‑Gasteiz earned the European Green Capital title in 2012 for its network of parks and commitment to sustainability. Its medieval core—the Medieval Almond—remains largely intact and is celebrated for urban restoration San Sebastián Turismo.
Must‑see highlights:
- The Artium Museum showcases modern Basque art with dynamic exhibitions and cultural programmes
- For nature lovers, the Park of Armentia offers biodiverse forest walks, complete with native flora and bird species.
- A visit to Ataria, the wetlands interpretation center, reveals the ecological richness of the Salburua marshes just outside the city.
Stay: Silken Ciudad de Vitoria
This stylish 4-star hotel is ideally placed, close to the train station, the Basque Contemporary Art Centre, and Vitoria’s old town. Guests praise its modern rooms, charming interior garden, restaurant serving innovative Basque cuisine, café, piano bar and friendly service.
Bilbao
Bilbao’s transformation has made it a contemporary cultural hotspot. The city continues to gain international acclaim for food; The Times recently named it Spain’s best city for food, citing Mercado de la Ribera, pintxos in the Casco Viejo and Michelin‑level innovation Cadena SER.
Explore:
- Pintxos in the historic old town, the Siete Calles.
- Architectural marvels like the Guggenheim Museum, alongside the more traditional Museo de Bellas Artes.
- The Vizcaya Bridge, a coastal icon and UNESCO site, perfect for spectacular photo ops.
San Sebastián
San Sebastián is synonymous with culinary prestige and coastal elegance. It boasts one of the world’s highest concentrations of Michelin‑starred restaurants, second only to Kyoto. In 2025, dining here continues to be a highlight for all food lovers.
Highlights:
- Sample local favourites at spots recommended by Basque culinary experts, from breakfast at Somos Bakery to drinks at Sybaris Coctelería or dessert at Lurka El País.
- Explore La Concha Beach, iconic for its sweeping bay. Don’t miss Peine del Viento, a dramatic coastal sculpture loved by families.
- The San Telmo Museoa offers insight into Basque society through art, photography, ethnography and history.
Cultural events remain vibrant, Film Festival, Jazzaldia Jazz Festival, and summer concerts continue into August.
A Seamless Holiday with Topflight: Vitoria‑Gasteiz to San Sebastián
Topflight’s summer holiday to Vitoria‑Gasteiz offers the perfect balance of cultural exploration and relaxed luxury. Staying at the elegant Silken Ciudad de Vitoria, guests are based in the heart of the Basque Country’s vibrant capital.
This four-star hotel combines refined style with comfort, with spacious rooms, contemporary interiors, a welcoming café-bar and a superb on-site restaurant offering regional specialities. Just a short stroll from the historic old town and key cultural attractions, it’s the ideal launchpad for discovering the rich heritage of Vitoria-Gasteiz.
From here, travellers can enjoy a seamless journey to the Basque coast, with San Sebastián’s golden beaches, world-class dining and lively atmosphere just over an hour away, making it easy to experience the best of both inland and coastal Spain in one unforgettable trip.
Ready to discover a different side of Spain? Book your Topflight holiday to Vitoria‑Gasteiz now and begin your Basque adventure.
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