A visit to pristine Basque Country, Spain may be the remedy if you’re a stressed-out multi-tasking urban dweller in need of some serious rejuvenation in a short time!
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Not that you need an excuse to visit Basque Country, a picturesque region of northern Spain.
According to David Strayer, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Utah, When we slow down, stop the busywork, and take in beautiful natural surroundings, not only do we feel restored, but our mental performance improves too.
And we don’t need long, in just three days, you can see significant results, The three-day effect (says Strayer), is a kind of cleaning of the mental windshield that occurs when we’ve been immersed in nature long enough. Source: This Is Your Brain on Nature.
That’s why I think a long weekend revelling in the green wonders of Basque Country is the perfect prescription for a stressed-out urban dweller! I know it was for me!
So here are my top 6 recommendations of how best to travel in Basque Country to return home a new refreshed, blissed-out you!
Related Reading: What It’s Really Like to Do a Via Ferrata in Spain.
Take a Coastal Drive Along the Basque Country’s 175km Long Coastline
There are some incredible coastal drives in the Basque Country, Spain. I particularly enjoyed the one from the town of Honarriba to Pasai Donibane. I highly recommend taking a few minutes and stepping out of your car. Then breathe. I mean really breathe. If you’re stressed out, chances are that you’re not breathing as deeply as you could be.
This is the ultimate spot to take a few well deserved minutes and feel the stress melting away. When I arrived at the spot pictured below, I had a pounding headache. I kept mentally running through my ever-expanding to-do list.
But after just a few minutes of inhaling deeply, the pounding slightly subsided. I hopped back onto the bus with a spring in my step that hadn’t been there 10 minutes earlier! The healing powers of nature at play!
In the wise words of famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959),
Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.
Related Reading: Rafting the Noguera Pallaresa in Catalonia
Take a Boat Ride or Go For a Swim Between Pasai Donibane and Pasai San Pedro
The boat ride only takes a few minutes, but I loved this spot! Locals were diving into the water, some even with their dogs! It’s a place where locals revel in the simple pleasures – and remind us that on a hot day, nothing is more refreshing than a cool dip!
I took the boat across to get to Albaola, a sea factory of the Basques, where I learned all about whaling in Basque Country, Spain and how Basque sailors were excellent whalers going all the way to Canada (my home country).
I didn’t expect to find it interesting, but I did. It’s worth a side trip if you’re in the area.
Travel tip: They’re closed on Mondays.
Related Reading: Best Wine Tours in Europe
Head to One of Basque Country’s Incredible Beaches
If you’re like many stressed-out urbanites, hitting the beach is the only thing on your mind when you need to de-stress! And for good reason. Doctors have been prescribing trips to the beach or bathing hospitals (where seawater bath treatments were administered) since the 18th century!
In fact, one British study reported that people who took trips to the coast experienced more feelings of calmness and relaxation than those who visited urban parks or the countryside.
Fortunately, you’ll find a wide variety of beaches to choose from in Basque Country, Spain, with its 176 km long coastline! The nearby coastline in Asturias is also spectacular, especially for cycling or walking.
Concha Beach in San Sebastian is a popular choice if you want to see and be seen.
Getaria Beach is a quieter option. Pick the beach that best suits your style. You’ll also find surfing beaches in Basque Country. There’s something for everyone!
Walk the El Camino de Santiago
If you have time, by all means, walk the entire 791 km (490 mi). Assuming that you don’t, settle for a scenic 5 km stretch from Getaria to Zumaia. You’ll walk past vineyards, rolling hills and finish with a gorgeous coastal view! I walked the last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago starting in Galicia but I think the Camino in Basque Country is more scenic.
Not only is walking in nature restorative, but it can even prevent depression! Not to mention, help fight weight gain from all the delicious Pintxos that you’ll be eating!
Take a Boat Along the UNESCO Basque Coast Geopark
The Basque Coast Geopark consists of 13 km of cliffs showcasing spectacular rock formations known as Flysch deposits. Some of them are over 60 million years old. You can experience the Coastal Flysch Route on a guided tour – either on land, sea, or both.
Related Reading: Coastal Hike: Costa Brava, Spain to France
I took an awe-inspiring boat ride from Zamaia to Mutriku. It ranked as one of my favourite boat rides of all time – the ultimate mood booster! Take a look:
Go Bird Watching at Urdaibai Bird Centre
I loved visiting the Bird Centre with its observatory overlooking a marshland in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. It’s one of the most important wetlands in Europe.
The best time to visit is in spring or fall where you can spot migrating birds. I visited the offseason, but there were still 22 different bird species to be seen!
Best of all, 3 black-winged stilts were born just hours before my arrival. That’s only the second known time such a birth has occurred in Basque Country! They’ll stay for a month or two before migrating to Africa.
Thanks to a conveniently placed webcam, I got a close-up look at them! Unsurprisingly, there are health benefits from birding!
I know I certainly felt them after my visit to Urdaibai Bird Centre – especially watching the new-born stilts exploring on their still shaky legs!
Where to Stay in Basque Country, Spain
You could stay in the larger centres of San Sebastian of Bilbao, but if you really want to get away from it all, I highly recommend Hotel Arbe, just outside of Mutriku.
The owner of this quiet modern hotel is incredibly warm and welcoming. Upon hearing of my gluten allergy, she baked three special gluten-free treats for breakfast! And that’s in addition to also providing gluten-free bread!
Plus, the views! I had a sea view from my room, and the pool was just steps away. Hotel Arbe is the type of place where you feel lighter upon arrival – the ultimate way to de-stress!
You may well arrive in Basque Country feeling frazzled, and overworked, but by spending time in these natural places you will leave feeling rejuvenated. You’ll be a more relaxed and happier version of yourself! And isn’t that the best kind of travel?
You can fly from London to Bilbao in less than 2 hours, making it a great quick getaway!
Disclosure: Many thanks to Basque Country Tourism and the Spain Tourism Board for the UK and The Travel Mob for making my visit possible. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
