Vitoria-Gasteiz

Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of Spain's Basque Country, offers a rich blend of experiences. You can climb the 14th-century Santa María Cathedral for city views, cycle through the Green Belt's parks and wetlands, or examine playing cards at the Fournier Museum. The city's commitment to sustainability earned it the European Green Capital title in 2012. In Vitoria-Gasteiz, you'll find Gothic churches alongside Renaissance palaces in the Medieval Quarter. You can sample Basque cuisine at pintxo bars and use the city as a starting point to explore the nearby Rioja Alavesa wine region.

Wandering the Medieval Quarter

The Medieval Quarter of Vitoria-Gasteiz forms the city's historic core. Walk along narrow streets named after ancient trades to see Gothic churches and Renaissance palaces. Visit the 14th-century Santa María Cathedral and join a guided tour that explains its ongoing restoration. Climb to the cathedral's roof for a view of the city. At the San Miguel Church, you'll find the statue of the Virgen Blanca, Vitoria-Gasteiz's patron saint.

Exploring Green Spaces

Vitoria-Gasteiz prioritizes sustainability. The Green Belt, a series of interconnected parks and nature areas, surrounds the city. You can walk or cycle through these spaces using the network of trails. Visit the Salburua wetlands in the Green Belt, a bird habitat with an interpretation center where you can learn about local ecosystems. Within the city, you can relax in the Florida Park, which has flower beds and a 19th-century bandstand.

Visiting Museums

You'll find several museums in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The Artium Museum displays contemporary Basque and Spanish art, including works by Picasso and Miró. The Fournier Playing Card Museum tells the history of playing cards through its collection. The Natural Science Museum, located in a medieval tower, focuses on local geology and wildlife.

Tasting Basque Cuisine and Wine

Try Basque cuisine in Vitoria-Gasteiz's pintxo bars, especially around the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. These bars serve a variety of pintxos, small and often elaborate snacks. For a sit-down meal, you can try one of the city's restaurants serving traditional Basque dishes. Vitoria-Gasteiz's location near the Rioja Alavesa wine region makes it easy to combine your city visit with wine tasting. Some wineries, like Ysios and Marqués de Riscal, are known for their modern architecture.

Attending Festivals and Events

Vitoria-Gasteiz hosts several annual festivals. During the Fiestas de la Virgen Blanca in August, you'll see parades, concerts, and fireworks throughout the city. If you enjoy jazz, visit during the Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival in July, which features international performers. Film enthusiasts might prefer September's FesTVal, which showcases new television productions and attracts celebrities.

Navigating the City

You can explore Vitoria-Gasteiz on foot or by bike. The city has many bike lanes and a public bike-sharing system. For longer trips, use the tram system or city buses. The main bus and train stations connect Vitoria-Gasteiz to other major Spanish cities and to France.

Taking Day Trips

You can use Vitoria-Gasteiz as a base to explore the surrounding region. Drive less than an hour to reach the Rioja Alavesa wine country, where you can visit wineries and medieval villages. Go hiking or watch wildlife in the Gorbeia Natural Park. The coastal cities of San Sebastián and Bilbao, known for their food scenes and the Guggenheim Museum respectively, are within day-trip distance.