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The 10 Best Basque Country Hotels for Beach Lovers

Daniel Hogan | July 24, 2018

With more than one hundred miles of coastline in the Basque Country, it is no wonder this is one of the premiere beach destinations in Europe. The rugged, rocky coastal geography between Bilbao and Zarautz has created a series of striking islets, cliff-side coves, and hidden gems of seaside fishing villages to explore. Those wane into the white sand beaches to the east, which has resulted in some of the most stunning resort towns on the continent. Today, the region is the epicenter of European surfing. Whether you’re looking to ride some waves, have a swim, or soak up the sun, below are the best hotels in the Basque Country for hitting the beach.

#5

Hotel Iturregi

Why it made the list

Guests can escape the crowds at this secluded luxury rural house in the hills above the colorful fishing village of Getaria. Within minutes you can find yourself along the scenic winding coastal road connecting the little seaside towns in the region. The beaches of Getaria below the hotel are a quiet alternative to the more popular Playa de Zarautz, also just a fifteen-minute drive away.

Nestled among the rolling vineyards above the picturesque se Read More

#4

Villa Soro

Why it made the list

Easy access to the beach is an essential quality for making this list. At Villa Soro not only are guests just a ten-minute walk to the surfer-favorite Playa de Zurriola in San Sebastián but the hotel also offers complimentary beach bags to guests on their way, complete with towels and water and sunscreen. Free bikes are also available that speed up the otherwise long walk to the city’s other beach, the famed La Concha bay.

The rich Bella Époque style that makes San Sebasti&aa Read More

#3

Hotel Arrizul Congress

Why it made the list

San Sebastián dominates this list and for good reason: the resort destination is considered one of the most beautiful beach towns in the entire world. And we have to agree with that. Hotel Arrizul Congress is just five blocks off of the Playa de Zurriola boardwalk. The castle and statue of Jesus atop Monte Urgoll overlook the long beach, which is a favorite of surfers but also provides great swimming and tons of space to find your own little parcel of sand to relax on.

Opened in 2017, Hotel Arrizul Congress is an elegant contemp Read More

#2

Legazpi Doce

Why it made the list

This boutique San Sebastián hotel has a spectacular location equidistant to Playa de Zurriola and the utterly enchanting La Concha bay, each less than a five-minute walk away. While we wouldn’t advertise this as an ocean view property, you actually can see a nice sliver of La Concha Bay from the balconies of the rooms that overlook Plaza Gipuzkoa.

This unassuming boutique hotel that overlooks Plaza Gipuzkoa Read More

#1

Hotel Zubieta

Why it made the list

The splendid seaside town of Lekeitio is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. The beaches here are a favorite summer destination for residents of Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and the other inland cities of the Basque Country, but few people outside of that know to venture here. Just a five-minute-walk to the beach but tucked away in a rustic corner of town is Hotel Zubieta, the perfect residence for beach lovers who want the experience of a resort town without the tourist crowds.

Tucked away in a pastoral valley behind the picturesque seas Read More

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