Basque Country

The Fiesta de Santo Tomas (21 December) has been a Christmas tradition in the Basque town of Mondragón for 650 years. In the past it was the day for the farmers to come down from the mountains, sell their produce, pay their rents and celebrate the end of the year. In modern times, many elements of this tradition remain, we celebrate with produce and traditional craft markets, eating and drinking and generally having a good time. Let me show you around!

Mondragón, Basque Country, Spain, Europe

The Encartaciones region west of Bilbao is one of the least explored parts of Basque Country. During the middle ages the area was wracked by constant disputes between neighbouring noble familes, known as the Guerra de Banderizas, with at least ten different factions fighting until finally being absorbed by Bizkaia in the 18thC. A region of rural valleys and medieval monuments, it merits a side-trip from Bilbao.

Basque Country, Spain, Europe

Take a step back in time, to medieval times when the Basque Country was split into small territories overseen by feudal lords, forever fighting amongst themselves in a series of conflicts which became known as the guerras banderizas. Many defensive constructions from these days still stand, as a testimony to these troubled times. A work in progress, I'll add more as I visit them...

Basque Country, Spain, Europe

Residence Cafe, Ambigú, Rock Pub Azzurro and 7 other places

Bilbao, PV, Spain, Europe

Bilbao, the former industrial powerhouse of the North of Spain is now reinventing itself as a hip, dynamic and cultural city. The towering factories and docks along the river frontage are making way for architectural masterpieces like the Guggenheim and riverside walks and parks. Come for a weekend and see what this incredible city has to offer.

Basque Country, Spain, Europe

La Concha Playa, Ayuntamiento De Donostia San Sebastian - Centralita, Casco Viejo and 16 other places

Spain, Europe

The monastery of San Sebastian first appeared in records in the 11th century. The settlement later moved to Monte Urgall and the site of the present day parte vieja where defensive fortifications were built, and the city entered a phase as an important military site. Sieged and sacked several times, the walls came down in the 1800s, and the city entered the age of the belle epoque as a fashionable summer resort for royalty. Take a journey with me to uncover some of the historic features of this beautiful basque city.

San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain, Europe