Full Description
This new, thoroughly updated, third edition of The Basque Country and Navarre, Bradt's award-winning guidebook, remains the most in-depth guide to a multi-lingual, multi-cultural borderland that is neither Spain nor France, but straddles the Pyrenees, mountains that divide the two countries. Bradt's guide offers real insights into a profound regional identity, uncovering the peculiarities which imbue the area with intrigue and takes you way beyond the delightful, well-known cities into the heart of the beautiful Basque countryside.
Deep-seated Basque traditions, singular cuisine, world-class wine, strange sports, unique language, bold art and architecture all converge to showcase a land that continues to mystify and reveal itself the more you visit. Secluded valleys and rugged mountains, wild coastlines and the vestiges of industry long gone provide a strange mix that pays homage to a troubled past, a lively present and a constant reinvention that promises an exciting future for the Basques.
Large and sparsely populated, little known and little visited, neighbouring Navarre offers natural attractions ranging from high Pyrenees to arid semi-desert. This former kingdom's troublesome history is waymarked by lonely hilltop castles, but only in the frenetic, bull-running days of Pamplona's San Fermín festival does it announce itself noisily on the world stage, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors to Ernest Hemingway's favourite party town.
With advice on where to walk, cycle, horseride, surf and birdwatch accompanying traditional listings of where to stay and eat, author Murray Stewart guides travellers through this increasingly popular area. Find the best pintxos (tapas) and txakoli wine, the finest chuletón (beef chop) and the freshest fish. From elegant Biarritz, via the French Basque Pyrénées, to the Navarran 'badlands' of Bardenas Reales, travel to fascinating, less-visited places that host thrilling local festivals.
New elements in this edition include a host of elegant hotels in San Sebastián, the city-on-the-beach, transport improvements, new restaurants serving culinary specialities, a major reconfiguration of Bilbao's Bellas Artes museum and constantly evolving wine tourism opportunities. Whether you are a hiker or surfer, foodie or cyclist, spiritualist or golfer, let Bradt's The Basque Country and Navarre help you enjoy a fascinating, rewarding holiday.
Contents
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture, Sport
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, Senior travellers, Travelling with a disability, LGBTQIA+ travellers, Travelling with kids, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Sightseeing and entertainment, Sports and other activities, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART TWO THE BASQUE AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY
Chapter 3 Bilbao (Bilbo) and Bizkaia Province
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Bilbao, Around Bilbao, West of Bilbao: Las Encartaciones (Enkarterri), Inland from Bilbao: Durango and around, The coast east of Bilbao
Chapter 4 San Sebastian (Donostia) and Gipuzkoa Province
San Sebastian, Inland from San Sebastian, East to France, West of San Sebastian, Further west: Deba and Mutriku
Chapter 5 Vitoria-Gasteiz and Alava (Araba) Province
Vitoria-Gasteiz, East of Vitoria: Llanada Alavesa, Southeast of Vitoria: Montana Alavesa,
West and north of Vitoria, Rioja Alavesa (Arabako Errioxa)
PART THREE NAVARRE
Chapter 6 Navarre (Nafarroa)
History, Northern Navarre, Navarre's western sierras: Andia, Urbasa and Aralar, Southern Navarre: La Zona Media and La Ribera, La Ribera: Bardenas Reales and Tudela
PART FOUR THE FRENCH BASQUE COUNTRY
Chapter 7 Biarritz, the French Basque Coast and Inland Labourd
Biarritz (Miarritze), Anglet (Angelu), Bayonne (Baiona), Bidart (Bidarte), Guethary (Getaria), Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure , Urrugne (Urruna) and around, Hendaye (Hendaia), Inland Labourd, Northern Labourd
Chapter 8 Basse-Navarre (Behe Nafarroa)
History, Uhart-Cize Commune, Saint Martin de Arberoue (Donamartiri) Commune, Uhart-Mixe Commune
Chapter 9 La Soule (Xiberoa)
History, Getting there and around, Mauleon-Licharre (Maule-Lextarre), L'Hopital Saint-Blaise (L'Ospitale Pia), Tardets-Sorholus (Atharratze), Sainte-Engrace (Santa Grazi), Soule's southwest
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Further Information
Index
