The Basque Country or Pais Vasco or if you're a native Basque Euskadi, is situated on the Bay of Biscay. It is bordered by France to the east and Cantabria to the west. Three provinces make up this region Guipúzcoa (Guipuzcoa), Vizcaya (Bizcaia) and Álava (Araba). Its capital is Vitoria (Gastiez).Little is know about the origins of the Basque people. What is known is that they are the oldest Indo-European ethnic group on the Iberian peninsular. Out of all the autonomous regions in Spain, Euskadi is the most independent minded. For centuries the Basques lived in isolation to the rest of Spain, retaining their unique language and their own laws. Like all regional languages, Basque or Euskera was banned under Franco's regime. It was later restored under the Spanish Constitution of 1978.
Euskera is unusual in that it is not a Latin based language. In fact, no one is too sure of its origins although plenty try to speculate. However, don't worry as Spanish (castellano) is widely spoken throughout the region. For a holiday destination you will find a rugged coastline with a tempting variety of sandy beaches. For a chance to learn more about this unique region a trip to the city museums are a must. Head off to the larger cities of San Sebastián (Donostia) a perennial favourite or Bilbao (Bilbo) which has reinvented itself from a declining industrial city to an optimistic modern European city. The famous Guggenheim museum is testimony to this new and vibrant cultural capital.
Euskadi has 2 international airports. Bilbao, the main one, is served plenty of international airlines including Easyjet. Whilst Ryanair will get you to Vitoria. If you prefer there are regular ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao. The broad gauge RENFE will also take you to the 3 main towns and there is always the scenic FEVE to take you along the coast.
No matter where you go you will find a warm welcome, excellent cuisine and the unique culture that is Euskal Herría.
