Coastal Hiking in the Basque Country

Spain's most distinctive landscape is like a country within a country. Here greenery flourishes, the Atlantic breathes fresh air, the food is a delight and not a word is comprehensible on the signs. Yes, Basque is not related to any other language which enhances the feeling of being in a fairyland.

The hiker comes here for the tranquility and the beautiful trails where sea and mountains meet. Several of them have been walked by pilgrims through the ages (the most beautiful, Camino del Norte). The fine sandy beaches are embraced by cliffs and in the villages the special facades stand at attention while fishing boats bob in the harbor and the day's catch awaits in the kitchen.

Best of all might be when it's mealtime: you don't need to go to a starred restaurant (San Sebastian has the most per capita in the world) to enjoy culinary delights, it's just as good to stand shoulder to shoulder with locals with a foaming cider in one hand and an imaginative pintxo in the other. Ongi etorri (welcome)!