Top 4 of the most beautiful hikes in the Basque Country
Are you looking for ideas for a hiking tour in the Basque Country that combines nature, authenticity and professional expertise? At Respyrenees, our guides live in these mountains all year round. They know every trail, every ridge and every village. We asked them to share their favourite holidays, the ones they would recommend without hesitation for exploring the Basque Country on foot or by bike.
Set between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees, with forests, panoramic ridges, traditional villages and culinary traditions, here is our selection of unmissable holidays in the Basque Country, tried and tested in the field.
Terroirs of the Basque Country : Nature and gastronomy
This tour is designed for those who want to take their time. The walks are accessible and leave plenty of scope for new encounters: panoramic views, traditional villages, chats with local producers, and the chance to sample local specialities. You’ll discover the Basque Country from the inside, experiencing its human and cultural side, whilst staying at our guest house, Iputxainia.
Type of trip : Star-based stay - Duration : 7 days - Difficulty : 2/5
Our guesthouse, located at the foot of the Basque mountains and just a stone’s throw from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, one of the most beautiful villages in France, is the perfect base from which to explore the Basque Country at your own pace… The whole family welcomes you here with the sole aim of ensuring your stay is a success. A warm, friendly atmosphere, peace and quiet, and a love of hospitality and cooking are the hallmarks of our home.
Jean, your host and Respyrénées guide
The Best Spots of Bardenas & Riglos on an Electric Mountain Bike!
The Basque Country and its surroundings are also great to explore by bike! With your electric mountain bike, discover the Bardenas Desert in a unique way. It’s the perfect blend of nature, sport and exploring the region. The trails take you right up close to wild areas and impressive rock formations, particularly around the Mallos de Riglos.
A different way to explore these landscapes.
Type of trip : Semi-itinerant tour - Duration : 6 days - Difficulty : 2/5
Here you are in another world! Riding our electric mountain bikes, we cross the Bardenas Desert amidst an unforgettable Western-style atmosphere. As we ride on, discover all the secrets hidden behind every riverbed and cliff. The legends of princesses and bandits that haunt these lands immerse us even further in a magical atmosphere.
We pass one of Spain’s most beautiful Romanesque castles and one of its oldest monasteries. We ride alongside cliffs home to colonies of vultures and tackle a series of technical bends for some thrilling descents.
On the final day, as we had to head home, we went for a ride facing the ocean through completely different, lush green landscapes. Across meadows dotted with flocks of sheep, we literally plunge towards the azure blue. A final convivial meal washed down with Basque cider in the tapas bars of the village of Fontarabie.
Patxi, Respyrénées guide
GR 10 guided : From Hendaye to St Jean Pied de Port
For lovers of trekking and backpacking, this section of the famous GR®10 offers a complete immersion in the iconic landscapes of the Basque Country. Over seven days, the route, taking in the ocean, green hills, mountain peaks and Basque villages, reveals the authenticity of the region and its local traditions.
Type of trip : Itinérant tour - Duration : 7 days - Difficulty : 3/5
A complete crossing of the Pyrenees is the holy grail for any hiker who loves the Pyrenees! An 8-week adventure, sometimes demanding, always exhilarating… and what an incredible variety of landscapes, vegetation, and the ever-present water and lakes…
So make the most of our 20 years’ experience organising the GR10 to set off on your adventure!
Mathieu, Respyrénées guide
Splendid Nature Parks of the Spanish Basque Country
This 6-day guided tour offers a challenging and varied hike through the iconic mountain ranges of the Spanish Basque Country: Flysch, Aralar, Aizkorri, Urkiola and Gorbeia. Each stage offers a very different atmosphere from one day to the next, ranging from the coast to mountain ridges, a nature reserve and a cultural visit (the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao).
Type of trip : Semi-itinerant tour - Duration : 6 days - Difficulty : 3/5
I really love this trip because it allows you to immerse yourself in the heart of the Spanish Basque Country and discover its many legends, passing through mystical forests and caves. It’s also a challenging hike that’s well worth the effort! It takes you through a variety of landscapes, from nature reserves to the coast.
Benoît, Respyrénées guide
