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Hotels in País Vasco (Basque Country), Spain |
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| Basque
Country Holidays - Bilbao, San Sebastian and Vitoria by Steve
Greenwood
The Basque Country is an autonomous
community in northern Spain with capital city Vitoria. The region borders
France, and the locals harbour a proud and defiant nature with strong support
for a separate, united Basque state. The origins of their local language
Euskadi cannot be traced, like that of the Basque race itself.
Basque Country Coastline
The coastal road from Bilbao to San
Sebastian offers some spectacular scenery with small fishing villages and
coves overlooked with jagged and dramatic cliffs. The town of Bakio has
a long beach, often frequented by the locals, and a rocky island that is
joined to the mainland by a small bridge. The picturesque port of Bermeo
offers a goof selection of bars and restaurants, while the fishing villages
of Lekeitio and neighbouring Ondarroa both offer historical architecture
in their Gothic churches. The coastal town of Zarautz as well as having
a 16th century Town Hall, Palacio Narros and the church of Nuestra Senora
de la Real, also hosts the annual International Surfing Championship.
Basque Country
Featured Hotels
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 Bilbao
holiday attractions
Bilbao
is the largest city in the Basque Country region and is the capital of
Vizcaya province. The city is a major seaport and in the past has offered
little in the way of attractions to the visiting holidaymaker. However,
major urban renewal has helped to move it away from its industrial roots
and more towards tourism. Many developments within the city have helped
to improve its image including new parks, Metro system and at the heart
of the renaissance, the Guggenheim Museum.
Guggenheim Museum - Bilbao
The Guggenheim
Museum was opened in 1997 and is one of the most visited museums in
Spain. It offers constantly changing exhibits along with a permanent collection
focused on the second half of the 20th century. The building was designed
by Frank Gehry and is a masterpiece of modern architecture built out of
titanium, glass and limestone. Inside, the huge windows of the central
atrium bring natural light into the building and outside stand a surrealistic
floral structure of a giant puppy.
 San
Sebastian holiday attractions
San
Sebastian is the capital of Guipuzcoa province and has been visited
by Spanish aristocracy for hundreds of years due to the quality of its
beaches and beautiful city. Much of the original city was destroyed in
1813 during the Spanish War of Independence, so few historical buildings
can be found within the centre. However, the city does offer a unique atmosphere
and distinguished cosmopolitan feeling making it different from many other
Spanish towns. In summer, the resort is packed with holidaymakers, and
even in the winter the beach and its wonderful promenade of tamarind trees,
Edwardian lampposts and beachfront cafes is a popular destination with
the locals.
Vitoria holiday attractions
Vitoria
ranks second in standard of living out of all the cities in Spain. It has
a huge number of green parks around the city including Florida Park that
was created in 1820 with its huge variety of plant species, and San Juan
de Arriaga Park, which is the largest in the city. Vitoria is the capital
of Alava province, which as a whole offers a tremendous diverse amount
of protected spaces including many Nature Reserves including the Izki Nature
Reserve with its melojo-oak forest and Gorbeia Nature Reserve, one of the
Basque Country's biggest natural tourist attractions.
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| About the Author
- Steve Greenwood has lived in Andalucia, Spain for 3 years. You are invited
to visit Basque
Country Villa Rentals for holiday accommodation and attractions in
San Sebastian, Bilbao and Vitoria. For holiday information and attractions
in all regions of Spain, visit Ideal Rentals For You. |
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| ARGÓMANIZ,
ELBURGO, ÁLAVA FEATURED HOTELS - PAIS VASCO (BASQUE COUNTRY), SPAIN |
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| Elburgo (Basque: Burgelu)
is a village and municipality located in the province of Álava,
in the Basque Country, northern Spain. The municipality officially has
a dual name, "Elburgo/Burgelu", reflecting the officially bilingual status
of this province of Spain. However, in practice the municipality and village
are commonly referred to by one or the other name, depending on the language.
The municipality encompasses an area of some 32 km². In 2004, its
recorded population was 453 inhabitants. Elburgo comprises six villages
and their respective communes (concejos):
Añua
Arbulo
Argómaniz
Elburgo (the municipality's capital
and largest settlement)
Gáceta
Hijona
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Parador
de Argómaniz, Alava - Argómaniz
The hotel occupies a magnificent
renaissance palace overlooking the natural beauty of the Alavese plains,
the Gorbea mountains and the marsh of Ullibarri Gamboa. The area invites
walks through the nearby village of Argómaniz and is an ideal location
for enjoying the beautiful surrounding nature reserves. The palace,
where Napoleon’s forces rested before attacking the city of Vitoria, has
the Larrea family coat of arms on its façade. The rooms, floors,
furniture, chests and other features in the hotel benefit from the charm
of the wood and the magnificent materials employed. These can also be seen
in its unique dining hall. The restaurant offers traditional cuisine, including
dishes such as los perretxikos (mushrooms), snails and goxua (custard,
cream and caramel sponge). |
| BARAKALDO
FEATURED HOTELS - PAIS VASCO - BASQUE COUNTRY, SPAIN |
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| Barakaldo (not to be confused
with the Cuban and Guinean cities called Baracaldo), is an industrial river-port
municipality in the Basque Country in Spain. It is located in the Biscay
(Bizkaia) province, administratively included in the "Basque Autonomous
Community", on the left bank of the Estuary of Bilbao. Barakaldo is part
of Bilbao's metropolitan area (Greater Bilbao), and its official population
at the 2006 census was 95,675 inhabitants living on a land area of 29.39
km² (11.35 sq mi). |
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Novotel
Bilbao Exhibition Center, Barakaldo
The Novotel Bilbao Barakaldo
is located in Barakaldo, ten kilometres from the centre of Bilbao, Spain.
The Bilbao Exhibition Centre is 700 metres from the hotel and the Guggenheim
Museum 10 kilometres away. It is 700 metres to the nearest metro station,
Anslo, and 11 kilometres to Bilbao Airport. The Novotel Bilbao Barakaldo
is housed in a modern property spread over seven storeys accessible by
lift. There is an outdoor pool with a furnished sun terrace, wireless
Internet access is available, and complimentary newspapers are offered
in the lobby. The hotel has an indoor children's play area, and offers
room service during restaurant opening hours. The Novotel Bilbao Barakaldo's
restaurant, Claravia, serves Mediterranean dishes in a bright, modern setting
with picture windows and wooden floors. Cocktails and other beverages are
served in the contemporary bar, Ibaia. |
| GETXO
FEATURED HOTELS - PAIS VASCO - BASQUE COUNTRY, SPAIN |
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| Getxo (Guecho in Spanish)
is a town located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community
of the Basque Country, in the north of Spain. It is part of the metrpolitan
area of Bilbao (Greater Bilbao), and has about 83,000 inhabitants. Getxo
is mostly an affluent residential area, as well as being the third largest
municipality of Biscay. |
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High
Tech Tamarises Hotel, Algorta/Getxo
The High Tech Tamarises
Bilbao is located in Getxo, Spain, 15 kilometres from the centre of Bilbao.
Ereaga Beach is opposite the hotel, and Durango is 41 kilometres away.
Neguri Station is situated 300 metres from the hotel. Set on the
beachfront, the High Tech Tamarieses Bilbao occupies a modern property
spread over four storeys which are accessible by elevator, and opens to
a lobby area finished with dark wood panelling and richly patterned carpets.
The hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet throughout and offers
bicycles for hire. The High Tech Tamarises Bilbao houses an informal restaurant
serving a range of traditional Basque dishes, and also offers a coffee
shop and sidewalk café. Conference space is available on site, and
there is a business centre. There are 5 kilometres of seafront jogging
track in front of the hotel. |
| HONDARRIBIA
- GUIPÚZCOA - FEATURED HOTELS, PAIS VASCO - BASQUE COUNTRY, SPAIN |
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| Hondarribia ("sand ford"
in Basque, also known by its Spanish name Fuenterrabía or the French
one, Fontarabie) is a town situated on the west shore of Bidasoa river's
mouth, in Guipúzcoa, Basque Country, Spain. The border town is sited
on a little promontory facing Hendaye (France) over the Txingudi bay. The
town holds an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle. In addition,
Hondarribia features a beach across the Bidasoa from the touristy housing
estate Sokoburu in Hendaye, alongside a mountain called Jaizkibel providing
a hilly backdrop to the town. A road leads north-east from the beach area
to the Cape Higuer, located in this municipality. The town harbours the
San Sebastian Airport, which serves domestic flights. |
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Parador
de Hondarribia, Hondarribia, Guipúzcoa
The hotel occupies a beautiful
castle built by the king of Navarre, Sancho Abarca, in the 10th century.
The building still retains the appearance and atmosphere of an original
medieval fortress and provides a magnificent backdrop to the coastal location.
The thick-walled exterior of the fortress belies its beautifully renovated
interior. Do not miss the immense, natural beauty of the stonework
in the courtyard or the stunning sea views from the terrace and some of
the bedrooms, along the French coast. Allow yourself to be drawn into the
beautiful atmosphere of the castle as you explore its hidden nooks and
crannies, wandering through its arches and admiring the wrought-iron work
and coffering that adorn the walls and ceilings. Spears, cannons, and suits
of armour bring an air of elegance to the comfortable surroundings. The
Parador does not have a restaurant, however there are excellent places
to eat locally (ask in the Parador). A buffet breakfast is included in
the price of the room for guests staying at the Parador. |
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Sercotel
Rio Bidasoa, Hondarribia
The Hotel Rio Bidasoa is
located in Hondarribia, Spain, 500 metres from both Hondarribia Beach and
Hendaya Beach, which is in France on the other side of the bay. A modern
hotel, The Hotel Rio Bidasoa features wooden walkways to its entrance.
It is situated within its own gardens with a swimming pool and a complimentary
car park, and a Braille system is used and disabled access can be arranged.
The hotel also offers places for relaxation such as the reading room and
solarium. The Rio Bidasoa Restaurant serves regional and international
cuisine, such as baby squid cooked in ink with rice, and lentils with chili
in vinegar. Decor is modern, with wrought iron chairs and white tablecloths.
The beaches nearby offer a variety of water sports. Irun Golf Course is
three kilometres away, and discounts are available for a nearby fitness
centre. |
| IRUN
- GUIPÚZCOA - FEATURED HOTELS - PAIS VASCO - BASQUE COUNTRY, SPAIN |
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| Irun (old Basque for 'fortified
town', Spanish: Irún) is a town of the Bidasoa-Txingudi region
in the province of Guipuscoa (Basque: Gipuzkoa) in the Basque Autonomous
Community, Spain. Nowadays it is widely accepted by the historic researcher
community that Irun is the ancient Basque Roman town of Oiasso on account
of the vestiges (port, factory, etc.) disclosed lately in the historic
nucleus of Irun, while the name itself may have applied to the whole surrounding
area. One of the biggest towns in Guipuscoa, its border town situation
(it is located on the border between Spain and France, across the Bidasoa
river from Hendaye), has made Irun into a commercial and logistic centre,
with important railway infrastructure, where the SNCF 1,435 mm standard
gauge rails meet the 1,668 mm broad gauge Renfe ones. Currently Irun features
a fair ground provided with modern exhibition and telecommunication facilities
just at some 100 metres away from the actual borderline at the Santiago
Bridge (river Bidasoa). Irun is part of the conurbation of Txingudi
bay with Hondarribia and Hendaye, the town being also involved in the Eurocité
Basque Bayonne-San Sebastián. One of its main festivals is
the Alarde, a parade recreating an episode of the Peninsula War. |
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Hotel
Tryp Urdanibia, Irun
The Hotel Tryp Urdanibia
is located in the town of Irun, Spain, three kilometres from Irun city
center, five kilometres from the beaches at Hondarribia, and 15 kilometres
from San Sebastian. Irun train station is four kilometres away. This
modern hotel offers laundry and dry cleaning services, and there is a meeting
room for small groups. Complimentary newspapers can be found in the lobby.
International dishes are served in the hotel's Ailade restaurant, which
offers breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. The bar serves a range of
drinks and cocktails. Featuring modern decor with neutral tones, the 114
guestrooms are air-conditioned and include wireless Internet access, televisions,
and telephones. |
| LEKEITIO
- BISCAY/VIZCAYO - FEATURED RURAL HOTELS - PAIS VASCO - BASQUE COUNTRY,
SPAIN |
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| Lekeitio is a town and municipality
located in the province of Biscay, in the Spanish Autonomous Community
of Basque Country, 53 km northeast from Bilbao. The municipality has 7,293
inhabitants (2005) and is one of the most important fishing ports of the
Basque coast. Tourism has an important role during the summer seasons,
when the town is a resort with one beach called Isuntza and the nearby
Karraspio beach in the town of Mendexa. The most important monument
is the church of Santa Maria, a gothic basilica from the 15th century.
Lekeitio is also the birthplace of Resurrección María de
Azkue, one of the most important Basque scholars of the 19th century. |
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Rusticae
Hotel Zubieta, Lekeitio
Surrounded by a sea of green,
you step through a stunning stone arch which serves as the entrance to
the Hotel Zubieta. The bamboo path leads you to a late 18th century
building, which was originally the stables of the baroque Zubieta Palace,
with its delightful crisscross timber facade. The interior combines curtains,
textiles and rugs with original terracotta floors, carved wooden doors
and lattice banisters. The whole building has a family feel to it, the
fireplace entices you to sit beside it in the cold weather with a steaming
drink in hand, and the summer sun draws you to the terrace, with views
of the lush surrounds. Although the Hotel Zubieta does not have its own
restaurant, it does have a café with a select choice of hot and
cold dishes using exceptional local produce. |
| MUXIKA
- BISCAY/VIZCAYO - FEATURED RURAL HOTELS - PAIS VASCO - BASQUE COUNTRY,
SPAIN |
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| Muxika is a town and municipality
located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of Basque
Country, northern Spain. "The hotel is located in the Urdaibai Biosphere
Reserve, one of the most accessible natural spots in the Basque Country.
Bird watching on the Guernica-Mundaka estuary, surfing in Mundaka (with
its famous left-breaking wave) and windsurfing on Laida and Laga beaches.
Diving, boat trips and sailing at Bermeo. The Basondo wildlife refuge for
endangered species is 3 km away. There is a Roman village in Fórua
and the Santimamiñe caves in Kortezubi. Visits to Guernica and Bermeo.
The region is a hiker’s paradise." see below.. |
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Rusticae
Aldori Landetzea - Guest House, Muxika
Behind the Aldori’s discrete
farmhouse façade lies an avant-garde interior where imagination
has been allowed to roam free. The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is a well-preserved
natural beauty spot that has wound its path from Guernica to Mundaka since
ancient times; its name means “wild boar river”. Once inside the
house, the first surprise is a tapestry of Kennedy and the White House
hanging in the simple dining room. The family are used to explaining that
this is personal tribute from José Luis Pértica, the paternal
grandfather, to his time spent in the United States merchant navy; he even
made it as far as Vietnam. Outside, the surrounding forest gently envelops
the hotel in a sea of green. The hotel serves simple hot and cold
meat and fish dishes, with an emphasis on traditional farm and garden produce |
| PORTUGALETE,
BISCAY/VIZCAYO FEATURED HOTELS - PAIS VASCO - BASQUE COUNTRY, SPAIN |
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| Portugalete is a town lying
to the west of Bilbao (Basque: Bilbo) in the province of Biscay in the
autonomous community of Basque Country, in the North of Spain. The town
has 51,066 inhabitants (2001 census) and is part of Bilbao's metropolitan
area. It is located at the mouth of the Estuary of Bilbao, on the left
bank. Its land area is only 3.21 km², resulting in a population density
of 15,908.4 persons/km², the fifth-most densely populated municipality
in Spain (following Mislata, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Benetússer,
and Santa Coloma de Gramenet). In 1300 Portugalete became the main
competitor port for Bilbao, but it lost its predominant position in 1511
when the trade privileges were granted to the Port of Bilbao instead of
Portugalete. |
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Husa
Gran Hotel Puente Colgante, Portugalete
The Husa Gran Hotel Puente
Colgante occupies a carefully restored 19th-century property sited overlooking
the Ibaizabal River, ten kilometres from the centre of Bilbao. The Puente
Colgante bridge is 100 metres away and Portugalete station is 500 metres
from the hotel. Bilbao Airport is 12 kilometres away, with an approximate
driving time of 20 minutes. Staff at the Husa Gran Hotel Puente Colgante's
24-hour front desk can offer the use of a safe-deposit box, and complimentary
newspapers are available in the lobby. Drinks are served in the hotel's
informal lounge bar. Other amenities include laundry facilities and onsite
parking (surcharge). The Auntz restaurant serves a range of Basque
specialities in a traditional setting with contemporary furnishings. |
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