The Spanish Basque Country by campervan from Biarritz: Hondarribia, San Sebastián, Zumaia
By the Mendi Camper teamPublished 5 min read
The border is about thirty kilometres from Biarritz: by campervan, the Spanish Basque Country (Gipuzkoa and Biscay) is the natural extension of a stay with us. Pintxos, fishing villages and spectacular cliffs: here are our favourite stops.
Hondarribia and the Jaizkibel road
Just past Hendaye and Irun, Hondarribia combines a walled old town with a fishermen’s quarter of colourful houses: perfect for your first pintxos.
Then take the scenic road over Mount Jaizkibel to Pasaia: a ridge road high above the ocean, best driven slowly (it is narrow and winding in places).
San Sebastián (Donostia)
La Concha bay, the old town and its pintxo bars, Mount Igueldo at sunset: San Sebastián deserves at least a day. The centre is best explored on foot; park the van on the outskirts or in a dedicated motorhome area and take the bus.
Getaria and Zumaia, the flysch coast
Getaria, a small harbour where fish is grilled outdoors, is also home to txakoli, the local white wine. A few kilometres further, Zumaia and Itzurun beach reveal the flysch cliffs, millions of years of geological layers in the open air.
The keenest can push on to Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum (about 150 km from Biarritz): for a long loop, the unlimited mileage option is worth considering.
Practical tips for crossing the border
No formalities between France and Spain (Schengen area): just bring your ID and driving licence. Our rental terms allow driving within the European Union; simply tell us your route when you pick up the van.
Some large Spanish cities, such as Bilbao, have introduced low-emission zones: check before driving in with the van, or park on the outskirts. For the night, here too, choose áreas de autocaravanas (motorhome areas) and campsites.
