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Buenos Aires to northern Spain: Bilbao, San Sebastián and La Rioja

Buenos Aires → Bilbao → San Sebastián → Logroño (La Rioja)

San Sebastián
"San_Sebastián_-_Ayuntamiento_10.jpg" by Zarateman, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence
Old Town Plaza - Logrono - La Rioja - Spain (14576256386) edited (Logrono)
Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Basque coast & Rioja wine Best season (general guide): May–Oct

Spain's green north is a world away from the beaches of the south. This route follows the Basque coast from Bilbao to San Sebastián and then turns inland to the vineyards of La Rioja. From Buenos Aires you'll connect through Madrid or another European hub to reach Bilbao. The itinerary spends three nights in Bilbao, three nights in San Sebastián and two nights in Logroño (La Rioja).

Its curved titanium walls are worth seeing from both banks. The old town, the Casco Viejo, is a tight grid of streets lined with bars, and a short metro ride downriver reaches the Vizcaya Bridge, a transporter bridge that still carries cars and people across the estuary and is listed by UNESCO.

San Sebastián curves around La Concha, a sheltered bay with a wide beach and a promenade. The Parte Vieja, the old quarter, is packed with bars serving pintxos, small snacks laid out on the counter or cooked to order. Paths climb Monte Urgull, at one end of the bay, for views over the town and the island in the middle of the bay.

Logroño is the capital of La Rioja, one of Spain's best-known wine regions. Calle Laurel and the streets around it are lined with small bars, each known for a single dish.

Good to know: Trains and buses link the three cities, so a car is only needed for the vineyards; many wineries can also arrange a taxi or tour. Bars in the Basque Country fill late, often after 8 pm, so plan a late lunch and a long evening.

Practical notes: Many wineries in the surrounding villages offer tours and tastings if you book ahead. May to October brings the warmest weather and the most reliable days for the beach, but rain can fall in any month, so pack a light waterproof.

Suggested outline

  1. Buenos Aires

    Start

  2. Bilbao

    By air · 3 nights suggested

    The Guggenheim, the old town's Siete Calles and the transporter bridge at Portugalete.

    Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
    "Museo Guggenheim -- 2021 -- Bilbao, Euskadi, España.jpg" by José Ligero Loarte, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

  3. San Sebastián

    Overland · 3 nights suggested

    La Concha bay, the pintxo bars of the Parte Vieja and walks up Monte Urgull.

  4. Logroño (La Rioja)

    Overland · 2 nights suggested

    Capital of Rioja wine country, with the tapas bars of Calle Laurel and nearby wineries.

    Concatedral de Santa María de la Redonda Logroño
    "Calvario, Concatedral de Santa María de la Redonda (Logroño).jpg" by Jl FilpoC, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Bilbao — Arrive; old town (Casco Viejo)· Buenos Aires → Bilbao (by air) — long-haul; may arrive the next calendar day
  2. Day 2 · Bilbao — Guggenheim and the riverside
  3. Day 3 · Bilbao — Vizcaya Bridge at Portugalete
  4. Day 4 · San Sebastián — Along the coast to San Sebastián; La Concha· Bilbao → San Sebastián (overland)
  5. Day 5 · San Sebastián — Pintxo evening in the Parte Vieja
  6. Day 6 · San Sebastián — Monte Urgull or Monte Igueldo
  7. Day 7 · Logroño (La Rioja) — South to Logroño; Calle Laurel· San Sebastián → Logroño, La Rioja (overland)
  8. Day 8 · Logroño (La Rioja) — Winery visit in the Rioja vineyards
  9. Day 9 · Logroño (La Rioja) — Travel home from Logroño, La Rioja· Logroño, La Rioja → Buenos Aires (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

Flights, leg by leg

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Bilbao

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San Sebastián

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Logroño (La Rioja)

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