The Ultimate 10-Day Basque Country Itinerary: Bilbao, San Sebastián, to Biarritz

Published October 7, 2026

From the city of Bilbao to the bustling foodie destination of San Sebastián, and then the relaxed surf capital of Biarritz, I’m putting together the ultimate Basque Country itinerary. I’ve returned back from spending three weeks across the French and Spanish Basque region, taking the very best of my trip and putting it into a concise and curated Basque Country itinerary to follow.

This itinerary focuses on the best of both the Spanish and French Basque region that straddles Spain and France. I had the pleasure of returning to this region again as an adult, as I grew up going to Biarritz with family there. Today, these cities look much different, each unique in its culture and experiences. But what I love most about all of these stops on the itinerary is how much there is to do from each location, which is why I’ve curated this 10-day itinerary with a focus on choosing well-located homebases.

If you’re beginning to explore a trip to the Basque region, these are the places you won’t want to miss. Eat your way through San Sebastian’s pintxo bars, dive into the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and soak in the relaxed surf culture in France’s city of Biarritz. All of this together creates an incredibly balanced trip, a single itinerary that has just enough of everything.

I absolutely adored our time in this special region between France and Spain. We did several day trips from each of our stops, something that added a lot of value to the chosen itinerary. Between hilltop villages like Espelette and seaside charming towns like Saint-Jean-de-Luz, there is a lot in between the major cities to do. Read on to plan your Basque Country itinerary.

The 10-Day Basque Country Itinerary (Bilbao, San Sebastián, to Biarritz)

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What to Know Before Choosing Your Itinerary

How Much Time in Between Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Biarritz?

10 days is the perfect amount of time to do this itinerary between Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Biarritz. With 10 days, you’ll have ample time to see each of the cities alongside multiple day trips utilizing the stops as a base for the greater region.

What is the Best Way to See the Basque Country?

While you don’t need a car in the cities or to travel between them, I recommend one for easily doing all the day trips. I recommend picking up a rental car after your time in Bilbao to get to San Sebastián and continue the rest of the trip with one.

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Spain is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

What is the Best Airport to Fly into for the Basque Country?

The best airport for exploring the Basque Country is Bilbao Airport (BIO), as offers the most flights for international travelers. It’s well connected and acts as a natural starting point. Alternatively, if you begin in Biarritz, Biarritz Airport (BIQ) is a good choice if working this itinerary the opposite way. For those who are already in Spain, you could consider flying into San Sebastián Airport (EAS), which mainly serves domestic flights.

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Practical Tips for Visiting The Basque Country

Where is the Basque Country?

The Basque Country is located in western Europe, straddling the border between northern Spain and southwestern France along the Bay of Biscay and the western Pyrenees mountains. You have the Spanish Basque Country, which includes the Basque Autonomous Community (provinces of Álava, Vizcaya/Bizkaia, and Guipúzcoa/Gipuzkoa). Then the French Basque Country, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of France, with major towns like Bayonne, Biarritz, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

You’ll Need a Rental Car

While you could do much of this itinerary by train and bus, I believe having a rental car for the portion after Bilbao makes a huge difference in being able to explore the Basque Country coastline. It eliminates the need for doing long day trips and shortens travel time, and brings a level of convenience to traveling. The Basque Country is the perfect region for a road trip, with small coastal towns, inland villages, and more to experience with a car.

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Spain is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

Seasons Matter

The Basque region between Spain and France has an entirely different ecosystem with more rainy months than one would consider. On the flipside, summer months have become hotter and more packed. Here’s what to expect:

• September through November — September is still prime for swimming and enjoying beaches, and the crowds start to thin out in October. Come fall, the weather is much more crisp, and coats will be needed.
• November through February — These are the coldest months to visit, but these cities are still very doable as there are ample things to do indoors on rainy days.
• February through May — The early to late Spring still brings frequent rainy days but you’ll have much more sunshine. The crowds don’t really arrive until June so you’re in a sweet spot for this.
• June through August — These are the best months for beach days, but with it comes the crowds. Try to aim for earlier in the summer than later if you want fewer crowds.

You’ll Want Cell Data

Navigating the Basque Country is easy, but it’s easiest with cell data. Holafly’s eSIM worked great for us while we were there. I’d recommend purchasing your data plan and installing your eSIM before arrival.

Cell Data Travel Tip: Read my Holafly review, which covers why I think they are the best eSIM for Europe.

Make Reservations in Advance

When it comes to accommodations and dining, you’ll want to book these right away once you know your dates. The top hotels in particular book often months in advance, as many of the boutique hotels have limited room capacity. Second to this, the Michelin-rated restaurants in the Basque Region book months out, as particular restaurants release reservations anywhere from 90 days in advance. Consider these first as you plan your itinerary.

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Editor’s Note: How I Structured This 10-Day Itinerary in the Basque Country

As I dove into planning our time in the Basque Country this summer, one thing I knew for certain was that I needed to balance the ease of arriving/departing with what would work as home bases. I narrowed in on Bilbao as a wonderful starting point given its ease with a major airport. From there, I was drawn to two bases on the Basque Coast, San Sebastián in Spain and Biarritz in France. Both places I was familiar with, and knew offered multiple day trips in the region, cutting down on hotel switches.

This itinerary is exactly that — a well-researched trip that offers a dynamic travel experience with only three hotel stays. Focusing on the coast, a pleasant area of the region to stay, it offers a seaside escape with access to the region. This itinerary is designed to be slow, not too fast-paced, but busy enough that you feel like you’ve seen and experienced it.

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Basque Country Travel Itinerary Overview (10 Days): The Coastal Route

This itinerary moves from the southern Basque region in Spain, and then north into the French Basque Country. With both being so close by, it pairs two distinct areas into one concise itinerary.

Trip Logistics

• Start: Bilbao Airport
• Finish: Biarritz Airport (or return to Bilbao)
• Best way to get around: Rental car from Bilbao on
• Trip style: Historic Cities, Beaches, and standout coastal landscapes

10-Day Itinerary Flow

• Days 1-2: Bilbao (1 night)
• Days 2-6: San Sebastián (4 nights)
• Days 6-10: Biarritz (4 nights)

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Stop 1: Bilbao, Spain — Introduction to Pintxos and the Guggenheim

Bilbao makes the most sense for starting any Basque Country road trip as it offers wonderful access with its well-connected airport. The city itself is dynamic, but limited in offering, so it’s a good way to begin before getting on with your trip through the coastal area of the Basque Country. Bilbao, the city today, has changed drastically over the years, largely due to the Guggenheim Museum arriving.

The Guggenheim quite literally changed the city, both its skyline with the dramatic Frank Gehry-designed building, and put the city on the world map as a global destination for art. Bilbao historically was an industrial city, with many manufacturing warehouses that came about in the 19th century. It also has a medieval city that has seen a lot of wars, fires, and floods but remains standing today in the Casco Viejo (the Old Town).

Modern Bilbao is this combination of historic roots as an industrial city, met with the newer art scene. Amidst it, Basque traditions, historic restaurants known for decades-long recipes, and a younger scene that has taken hold in the city. It honestly reminds me of Barcelona back in the mid 2000s in terms of development and atmosphere. So this is Bilbao, a city you can’t overlook when visiting this region, and one worth beginning your time.

Recommended Time: 1 night

I rarely recommend a single night in a city, but in the case of this itinerary, I recommend only one night in Bilbao. I think there are two important experiences to be had in Bilbao: the Guggenheim and one night of pintxo bar hopping. If you have just 10 days in the region, you’ll find more out of time spent on the rest of the itinerary. For those who may have more time, consider adding one extra night if you want to dive deeper into the city.

Getting to Bilbao from Bilbao Airport

It’s about a 25-35 minute drive from Bilbao Airport to Bilbao. For our trip, we pre-booked our airport transfers with Welcome Pickups, as I find pre-arranged transfers much easier on an international arrival. You can also arrive by taxi or Uber to the city center for around €30–€31.

Where to Stay in Bilbao

We tried out two different apartment-hotels in the city, and enjoyed both. We stayed in Enea Living and Batimont Suites and Apartments. I preferred the space of Enea Living, well located to the Old Town. I really enjoyed the neighborhood that Batimont Suites was in, but our space was smaller. There are also some fantastic hotels to consider depending on your needs. See my guide to where to stay in Bilbao for my full list of recommendations.

Hotels

1. Enea Living, for a chic apart-hotel near the Casco Viejo
2. Batimont Suites and Apartments, for a well-designed apart-hotel near the city center.
3. The Artist Grand Hotel of Art, for the best luxury hotel right next to the Guggenheim
4. Meliá Bilbao, for the best family-friendly hotel with a pool
5. Hotel Tayko Bilbao, for a chic boutique hotel in Casco Viejo with a Michelin-star restaurant

Airbnbs

1. Chic Minimal 1 Bedroom Apartment Near Lots of Dining
2. 2 Bedroom Old Town Apartment with Elevator
3. 2 Bedroom Apartment Near the Guggenheim

My Favorite Things to Do in Bilbao

• Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao — The main draw of Bilbao is undoubtedly a visit to the Guggenheim, something that takes at least 3 hours to do properly. I’d focus primarily on this, and absolutely pre-book your tickets as they sell far in advance. Don’t miss the exterior art installations like the Puppy by Jeff Koons and the incredible Maman by Louise Bourgeois. Inside, the permanent installation by Richard Serra, “The Matter of Time,” and the rotating exhibits are fantastic.
• Join a Pintxo Tour in the Old Town — One of the best things I did was join an evening pintxo tour in the Old Town in Bilbao with a local. It went to several stops, and I learned along the way the pintxo history and how to pintxo in the Basque Region. From being informative to getting an understanding of just how important pintxos are to the local culture, I highly recommend this tour.
• Walk Through Casco Viejo — Casco Viejo is the medieval historic part of Bilbao, a primarily pedestrian area with several shopping streets and the famous Plaza Nueva lined with pintxo bars. Come here to shop, stroll, and don’t miss a visit to Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala to see its hidden cloisters.
• Stop into the Erriberako Merkatua — The Ribera Market or Erriberako Merkatua is the historic covered food market just on the Nervión River near Casco Viejo. It’s worth popping into if you’re in the area to check out the food stalls.
• Spot the Bridges of Bilbao — Bilbao is famous for its bridges that connect the two sides of the city over the Nervión River. Puente del Arenal connects the Old Town to the City center. You can’t miss the Zubizuri, Santiago Calatrava’s striking white pedestrian bridge, famous for its curved glass walkway. Then the Puente de La Salve, which is the large red-and-green bridge next to the Guggenheim Museum.
• Ride the Funicular — If you have some spare time, I would ride the Artxandako Funikularraren Geltokia or the funicular de Artxanda up to Mount Artxanda. It offers wonderful views over Bilbao and the region, and it’s a quick 3-minute ride up.
  

Best Restaurants in Bilbao

• Best Pintxo Bars — These are the spots I would go specifically for pintxos: El Globo, Café Iruña, Gure Toki, Café Bar Bilbao, Sorgínzulo, Antxoa Taberna, and Irrintzi.
• Bølge Café – Specialty Coffee — A wonderful modern coffee shop that serves a full breakfast. The food and service were amazing here.
• Víctor Montes — While it can be a pintxo bar, they do have a restaurant where you can reserve a table. The food is amazing here, known for elevated cuisine and modern takes on Basque classics.
• Restaurante Abando — A fantastic spot for pintxos and larger portions, serving the classics here.
• Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao — For a Michelin-star restaurant experience inside a museum, look no further than Nerua inside the Guggenheim. It’s traditional Basque flavors done with an innovative twist. You’ll have to pre-book this one in advance, as it is super popular.

Sample Itinerary for Bilbao

• Day 1 — Arrive in Bilbao, and head to Casco Viejo to explore the old town. Join a pintxo food tour, or pick a few bars along the Plaza Nueva to pintxo hop yourself.
• Day 2 — Start with an early breakfast, and then arrive at the Guggenheim for the opening hour to explore. Eat lunch after in town at Café Iruña, and then pick up a rental car to drive to San Sebastián.

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Stop 2: San Sebastián, Spain — Pintxos and Coastal Exploring

The exciting city of San Sebastián is one that has to be on everyone’s Basque Country itinerary. We actually spent 8 days in the city this summer and absolutely loved our time, as the location and the city itself are wonderful for exploring the Spanish Basque coastline. San Sebastián for me is all things gastronomy. With its location along the Bay of Biscay, the unparalleled access it has to the freshest seafood is wonderful. This, paired with a strong Michelin-restaurant presence and a culture of pintxos, makes it the kind of city you want to eat your way through (see my guide to where to eat in San Sebastián for all of my favorite spots).

Not only known for cuisine, but San Sebastián also sits in a prime location for exploring more of this region. You’re under an hour to several top destinations and hidden gems. From small coastal towns like Getaria and Zumaia, to large internationally-known cities like Pamplona, it sets up well for a home base. I think you’ll love how much there is to do in the city and nearby, and have a plethora of choices in experiences.

Recommended Time: 4 nights

I recommend 4 nights in San Sebastián simply because there is so much to do nearby from the city. You’ll only need 2 days in San Sebastián itself to see the city, but nearby, there are several half-day trips to do in the region.

Getting to San Sebastián from Bilbao

To get from Bilbao to San Sebastián, I recommend booking a rental car at the train station in Bilbao to self-drive. You’ll want a rental car to explore and do day trips from San Sebastián, as it is much easier than having to rely on the bus schedules. It is about a 1 hour 15 minute drive from Bilbao to San Sebastián along the AP-8 highway. There are tolls, which can be paid with a credit card or cash.

Where to Stay in San Sebastián

I have an entire guide on where to stay in San Sebastián after our own 8 days in the city that breaks down neighborhoods and options for exploring the city. I believe for a trip that includes day trips, staying in the city center with a place that has parking or even somewhere in Antiguo (where I stayed) is a wonderful choice for ease of access and day tripping.

Hotels in San Sebastián

1. Hotel Arbaso ($$ / My Top Choice), for amazing design and beautiful interiors
2. Villa Favorita ($$$), for the best adults-only luxury hotel
3. Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra ($$), for the best historic luxury hotel

Airbnbs in San Sebastián

1. 2 Bedroom Apartment with AC and Parking (Where I Stayed / Antiguo)
2. Studio Bright, Cheery Apartment with Self Check-In, for the best designed stay
3. 1 Bedroom Modern Apartment with Elevator Access, for a newly renovated stay
4. 1 Bedroom Cozy Apartment, for an architectural stay

My Favorite Things to Do in San Sebastián

• Go on A Self-Guided Pintxo Hopping Tour — I have an entire guide on how/where to eat pintxos in San Sebastián, but there is nothing better than picking out a handful of bars and going from one to the next a few evenings. The places I recommend are Casa Valles, order gildas; La Espiga, order La Delicia pintxo and croquetas; Bar Txepetxa, order “La Jardinera”; BAR SPORT, order foie gras, baked crab, and sea urchin soup; and La Viña, order tarta de queso.
• Visit the San Telmo Museum — For those wanting to dive into the art scene, San Telmo is a splendid surprise in the city. It’s unassuming from the outside, but inside, the art collection from Miró to José María Sert murals in the historic convent, is fantastic.
• Explore Parte Vieja, the Old Town — While in San Sebastián, you’ll venture into Parte Vieja, its historic old town. This is where most of the action is. Don’t miss the San Vicente Church, the oldest church in San Sebastián, dating back to the 16th century, and the Mercado de la Bretxa, a historic market for regional ingredients, but know that you need to go down the escalator to get to the actual produce market (Note: La Bretxa is being renovated starting November 2026, so confirm the current market access before your trip).
• Take the Funicular to Monte Igueldo for Incredible Views and Rides — Fun no matter what age, riding the funicular to Monte Igueldo is something you have to do once. The views are amazing from Monte Igueldo, and then at the top, don’t miss the historic wooden rollercoaster that goes around the mountain with views of La Concha Bay.
• Stroll the Promenade (Paseo de La Concha) Along La Concha Beach — Make your way one evening for a sunset stroll or even a morning stroll along the bay. You can go as far as the Comb of the Wind (Peine del Viento), a modern sculpture created by Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida.
• Have a Beach Day — There are a few beaches in the city to enjoy; my favorite was Ondarreta, which is tucked up against the mountain and looks back into San Sebastián.
• More Things to Do — There is so much more to do in the city; my guide to the best things to do in San Sebastián has even more to help plan your time.
  

Best Restaurants in San Sebastián

• Where to Go for Pintxos: Bar Sport, Bar Borda Berri, Antonio Bar, Casa Valles, La Espiga, Ganbara, Bar Txepetxa, Bar Desy, and Gandarias Taberna.
• La Cuchara de San Telmo — While a lot of people come in for pintxos, I’d make a lunch reservation to sit in the dining room to order their famous txuleta (ribeye).
• La Cepa de Bernardo — The spot for all things Iberian ham; while it has a bar here, I do recommend eating in the restaurant and reserving a table to order off of their menu.
• Elkano — A nearby 1-Michelin-Star restaurant in the town of Getaria, a beloved place of Anthony Bourdain, famous for its grilled turbot and modern seafood dishes.
• Casa Camara — One of the best meals we had in the Basque region, known for fresh seafood. You can take a boat to arrive here and make sure to reserve in advance.
• Bodegón Asador Joxe Mari — Another nearby restaurant we adored is Bodegón Asador Joxe Mari, which we booked months in advance. Famous for how the chef grills and prepares the fish in a special olive oil and vinegar garlic sauce, it was a highlight for us.
• La Viña — The historic restaurant that sells tarta de queso, or burnt Basque Cheesecake. I recommend taking it to go.
  

Day Trips from San Sebastián

• Zumaia and the Flysch Route — My favorite day trip was out to the dramatic beach and cliffs in Zumaia. It’s a short drive from the city, but feels a world away in landscape.
• Getaria — A wonderful small seaside town famous for its fishing port, seafood restaurants that cook traditional grilled fish, and the Balenciaga Museum.
• Hondarribia — A historic seaside town just on the French border; come visit for a few hours to see the historic old town and stroll the colorful streets.
• Pamplona — Famous for the ‘Running of the Bulls’, you’ve likely heard of Pamplona. It’s a more inland city to visit, with historic sights like Pamplona Cathedral and more in its city center.
• More San Sebastián Day Trips in my Guide: 16 Incredible Day Trips from San Sebastián, Spain: By Car, Train, or Tour

Sample Itinerary for San Sebastián

• Day 2 — Arrive in San Sebastián in late afternoon. Go for a stroll along La Concha Bay and explore the Old Town. In the evening, pick out 4-6 pintxo bars to go on a pintxo hopping tour.
• Day 3 — Visit the San Telmo Museum, stroll over to Antiguo neighborhood for early lunch at Bar Desy. Ride the funicular up to Monte Igueldo for an afternoon of riding the rides and views. Late afternoon, spend a few hours at the beach. For dinner, book Casa Camara for a unique experience or one of the restaurants in the city.
• Day 4 — Enjoy a full day out of the city; start with visiting Zumaia and the Flysch route in the morning. After, head to Getaria for a late lunch and an afternoon exploring. On the way back, drive the coastal route and consider stopping in Zarautz. For dinner, book one of the restaurants or go to another set of pintxo bars in town (see my where to eat guide for inspo!).
• Day 5 — Take a full day trip to Pamplona, eat lunch there, and spend the afternoon. Consider stopping for dinner at the fantastic Bodegón Asador Joxe Mari or enjoy more of San Sebastián.
• Day 6 — Depart for Biarritz; along the way, stop into Hondarribia.

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Stop 3: Biarritz, France — Laidback Surf Culture and the French Basque Region

I personally found Biarritz to be just the perfect change of pace after spending a week in the Spanish Basque Country. Just over the border, but wildly different in terms of culture, as Biarritz and the surrounding area has its French roots, it’s a destination that I adore visiting in France. Biarritz is everything laidback surf culture paired with chic restaurants and hotels.

Biarritz is somewhere I personally grew up going and the kind of place you can settle into. While the city offers a lot to do, you don’t want to miss nearby gems like the riverside city of Bayonne, the cultural capital of Pays Basque (French Basque region). South of the city, charming fishing port towns like Guéthary are there, alongside the stunning city of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Biarritz is wonderful — don’t miss it while visiting this part of the Basque region. Plop yourself down, enjoy what the city has to offer, and explore beyond into the smaller towns and cities that make this part of France so unique.

Recommended Time: 4 nights

I recommend 4 nights in Biarritz to make the most of two days in the city and then saving the other two days to explore nearby.

Getting to Biarritz from San Sebastián

The drive from San Sebastián to Biarritz takes roughly 40-50 minutes via the AP-8 in Spain and the A63 in France, which has tolls. It’s the fastest, you’ll pass the border (you don’t stop) and arrive there.

Where to Stay in Biarritz

There is a variety of options for staying in Biarritz, with three distinct areas within the city center: the Grande Plage, near Les Halles, and then the southern part of the city near Côte de Basque. I recommend staying in any of these depending on what kind of hotel you’d like and how central. For our trip, we stayed in Le Talaia Hotel as it was within walking distance of the main center and had a pool. See my guide to where to stay in Biarritz for my full list of recommendations.

Best Hotels and Airbnbs Near Grande Plage

1. Hôtel du Palais, for the best luxury hotel in Biarritz
2. Regina Experimental, for the best newest hotel
3. Le Garage, for a laidback stay near Grande Plage
4. 1 Bedroom Apartment With Ocean View Terrace
5. Chic 1 Bedroom Apartment by the Ocean

Best Hotels and Airbnbs Near Les Halles

1. Hotel de Silhouette, for the best boutique design hotel
2. Hôtel Roc Seven Biarritz, for the best hotel near Port Vieux
3. Hôtel Saint-Julien, for the best dollar for design
4. Chic 1 Bedroom Apartment Steps from Port Vieux
5. Cozy 1 Bedroom With Parking

Best Hotels and Airbnbs Near Côte des Basques

1. Le Talaia Hotel & Spa Biarritz, for the best overall hotel in Biarritz with a pool
2. 1 Bedroom Luxury Lodge Style Apartment
3. Chic 2 Bedroom Designer Apartment in Bibi

My Favorite Things to Do in Biarritz

• Eat Through Les Halles — The focal point of all things culinary, Les Halles is the large covered market with two halls in the city center. There is so much to love here, from seafood stalls to fresh vegetables and more regional products.
• Stroll to the Rocher de La Vierge — Traverse the bridge across the little rock formations out to the Virgin Mary Statue. The views here are some of the best of the Biarritz coastline!
• Visit the Beaches of Biarritz – Biarritz is home to several wonderful beaches, from La Grande Plage with its promenade and restaurants, to smaller coves like Plage du Port Vieux and Plage du Port des pécheurs. For surfers and surfing, don’t miss the long stretch at Côte des Basque.
• Shop Local Designers and Boutiques in Biarritz — In the city center, there are dozens of local boutiques and shops not to miss. A few favorites for me were Open Me, a wonderful curated home store, Maison Arostéguy for gourmet and culinary items, Artiga for classic Basque linens, Maison Mönik for jewelry, and La Maison des Arts for stationery.
• Ride the Petit Train de Biarritz — A childhood classic and a welcome break off your feet, ride the Petit Train at least once while in Biarritz. The 30-minute scenic train ride takes you around the coast with beautiful views and has an included audio tour in several languages (If you’re visiting outside of summer, confirm the seasonal schedules, as it can vary).
• More Things to Do in Biarritz in My Guide: Ultimate Guide to Biarritz, France: The Best Things to Do
  

Best Restaurants in Biarritz

• Le Saleya — Hands down our favorite elevated meal in Biarritz for refined cuisine at a great price point. Book in advance, and do the tasting menu to sample several dishes off the menu.
• Chéri Bibi — A wonderful neighborhood wine bar and restaurant. Come here for easy dishes and natural wines. No reservations.
• Chez Jérôme — We ate here three times for their freshly grilled clams and shrimp in Les Halles. What makes their food so great is the housemade, tangy persillade they serve over their seafood!
• Bleach Cafe — Our favorite for brunch and cozy French breakfast in the Bibi neighborhood.
• GAZTELUR — One of the best destination meals just 15 minutes inland from Biarritz. You’ll need to reserve this one, and know it’s a multi-hour experience inside the renovated estate that is part restaurant, shop, and gardens.
• Ostalapia — Further south, don’t miss the farm restaurant called Ostalapia. Its terrace with views of the Pyrenees is stunning, and the menu here is just delicious.
• Casa Juan Pedro — Dine at least once in Le Port des Pêcheurs, a small enclave of fishing houses and the port with access to the ocean. There are several seafood restaurants, my pick is Casa Juan Pedro.
• Coin De Table Boulangerie — My favorite bakery in the city, their cinnamon twist rolls are to die for.
• Get coffee at — Cafe Loky and LOBITA Marche
  

Day Trips from Biarritz

• Saint-Jean-de-Luz — My number one choice for a day trip would be Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the charming fishing town and coastal city with a beautiful beach. The town itself is small and compact, with several pedestrian streets lined with shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the restaurant ALCALDE here, alongside shops like Maison Adam.
• Bayonne — Bayonne is often overlooked for Biarritz, but this foodie capital and cultural center for the Pays Basque is stunning. It’s home to artisan chocolate shops, riverfront restaurants, Michelin dining, and a charming old town. It’s well worth a few hours of exploring paired with a meal.
• Espelette — Famous for the production of piment d’Espelette, an AOP chili produced in the countryside, the town of Espelette is nice to stop in. Stroll the streets, shop for chili, and enjoy the countryside views.
• Guéthary — A small but very cute surfing town meets historic fishing port, Guéthary is wonderful for a late afternoon stroll paired with one of its ocean-view restaurants at sunset.

Sample Itinerary for Biarritz

• Day 6 — Arrive in Biarritz by mid-afternoon. Stroll through the downtown area, shop, and make your way to Port Vieux. Soak in the views at the Plage du Port Vieux and continue walking out to Rocher de la Vierge. For dinner, try walking into Casa Juan Pedro or pre-book a dinner at Le Saleya.
• Day 7 — Start your morning off at Les Halles, walking through the market and enjoying a coffee from LOBITA. After, walk down to the Grande Plage and ride the Petit Train for a scenic view. Enjoy the city center, eat at Chez Jérôme for lunch, spend an afternoon at the beach, and catch sunset from Etxola. For dinner, stop in Chéri Bibi.
• Day 8 — Start with breakfast at Bleach Cafe. After, make your way to Bayonne in the mid-morning for a stroll along the river and in the old town. Eat lunch along the river in Bayonne. After, drive to Espelette to enjoy the small town. For the afternoon, head back to Biarritz or drive to a nearby beach like Plage d’Erretegia. For dinner, book in at GAZTELUR in the countryside.
• Day 9 — Wake up and drive down the coast to Saint-Jean-de-Luz to enjoy the late morning and a long lunch in town. After, go to the beach and consider a visit to nearby Hondarribia. For dinner, I’d book in at Ostalapia nearby or make your way to Guéthary for sunset at one of their many restaurants like Paz&Arroz or Pasaia.
• Day 10 — Final morning in Biarritz before departing.

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