Basque Country Live

Guipúzcoa, nothing wrong with that. But the Basque Country is more than only one province. Time for some change, time for Biscay!

Biscay, Guipúzcoa? Most of the ‘foreigners’ are already lost. Solution? Just a simple map of the Basque Country.

Alakrana

On Friday we’re already in Bilbao (Read: Biscay. Getting a bit bored on writing that name over and over again), so that’s already the perfect reason to stay there. One reason, but of course there is one more: Oihana lives in Bermeo and invited me over to spend some time at the coastal town.

From a journalist point of view that was just one day too late.

On Friday there was a rally to demand the release of Alakrana. Somali pirates overran the tuna boat Alakrana and took 36 crew members for hostage. The pirates are still in control of the boat from the Basque Country in northern Spain. Five members of the Alakrana crew have their residence in Bermeo.

A pity, but fortunately the coastal town has more to offer.

Bermeo is located nearby the sea. Okay on the first view that’s nothing special, plenty of places that borders with the sea over here, but Bermeo takes it to a whole other level. A couple of pictures say more than a thousand words, a small impression:

If you still aren’t convinced, pop in the car and find out for yourself. I can promise you, you won’t regret it. It’s a town –city – where I definitely would spend a nice holiday.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

One of the absolute must-sees is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe © Facebook

Among Bakio and Bermeo, there is an old chapel attached in a rock to the mainland with only a steep stone staircase of 231 steps. It was supposedly founded in the tenth century and originally must have been a Templar monastery. Due to its strategic location, it has been the focus of many legends of pirates, kings and shipwrecks.

For me it was a beautiful place with tons of natural beauty and magical stories.

Unfortunately times goes very quick when you are having a blast. Social and friendly people, agreeable weather and that typical holiday rhythm. The perfect definition of a weekend well spend. But Sunday evening arrived, and school was just around the corner.

Bummer. If there was some sort of subscription to Bermeo, I would seriously consider of getting one.

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