<i>EUSKADI</i>
<i>EUSKADI</i>
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EUSKADI

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This is what Basque Country's called in Basque!

The Basque Country: Simply different and simply fantastic

Euskadi, the Basque Country, is the easternmost part of Spain's Biscay coast – and thus the most easily accessible. The Basque coast is also diverse and beautiful. Much of it is densely forested and bizarrely rugged. It's not uncommon to feel like you're in a fairytale setting. Add to that the Mars-like flysch sections and epic rock gardens, which you'll never forget, just like your first pintxos buffet and your first ride on the waves at Mundaka's tide race. But what exactly is "flysch"? And what are "pintxos"? Find out here...
You've been paddling for a while today, along this incredible coastline, leaving dark coastal forests and fabulous rock formations behind you. Finally, you've landed safely through the surf. What a brilliant day and what a beautiful, warm evening. And because you're still full of energy, you set off on foot, along the small coastal path—because you know there's still something magical to discover here.

Flysch – the Teeth in the Face of the Basque Coast

Long rows of dragon's teeth extend far out to sea at low tide. This is flysch. The beauty and the beast of the Basque coast in equal measure. Layers of ancient seabed, elevated and eroded by the forces of nature, provide a fantastic backdrop for a stroll at low tide. But when the tide has risen and the waves crash over the flat, jagged rocks, you want only one thing: distance.

Flysch is a typical and extremely spectacular rock formation on the Basque coast, which was arranged like puff pastry by sedimentary deposition over a period of more than 100 million years and eroded by the waves into bizarre shapes.

The black flysch of Armintza appears to be the rock most similar to that found on Mars and was therefore used to calibrate analytical instruments in several Mars probes.

Whether Mars or Planet Earth – the Basque Country is From Another World Either Way!

It's not just the flysch that's fascinating on this coast. The Basque Country is special in every way! It's not just its natural beauty that's unique, but also its history, culture, and language, which isn't related to any other in the world. And as a sea kayaking destination, Euskadi is simply "out of this world" and will amaze you from the first to the last paddle stroke.

A Fairytale Coastline

The Basque coast, shaped by the surf and the tides, is a bizarrely rugged wonderland where it's hard to stop marveling – whether on land or at sea. In addition to the beaches and cliffs typical of the Bay of Biscay, you'll find densely forested and mystical cliffs with waterfalls cascading directly into the sea, wild capes, and tranquil bays.
The Basque Country is a dream for sea kayaking. Clearly, this coast isn't for beginners—but it's an incredibly good place to gain experience on a rugged coastline and have a really good time.

Nature and Culture Are Always Close Together in the Basque Country

Just a Stone's Throw From Bilbao:
The Bay of Plentzia and Gorliz

Euskadi is a natural paradise, but not wilderness. The Basques have lived by and from the sea since time immemorial and have shaped this coast. Small, tranquil villages like Armintza and Ea, lively surfing hotspots like Zarautz and Mundaka, and the two bustling cities of Bilbao and Donostia (San Sebastian) characterize this landscape, as do the seemingly almost untouched cliffs and coastal forests in between.

Mundaka and the Ría Urdaibai:
World-Class Surf Spot and Tide Race in the Estuary, Quiet Fjord in the Hinterland

Mundaka in the Basque Country is one of the most famous and best surfing spots in the world. When the outgoing tide from the Urdaibai estuary runs against the swell coming in from the ocean, impressive, long breaking waves build up. On "big" days, these can reach a good four meters. Then it's best to leave the field to the best surfers in the world. On "small" days, however, when the surfers are more likely to be found in the bars than on their boards, the tide race in the Urdaibai estuary is certainly one of the best and most exciting sea kayaking spots on the northern Spanish coast.

Pintxos and Txakoli: Celebrating Life the Basque Way

The Great Art of Small Bites

In the Basque Country, people know how to savour the moment. Pintxos—which, as everyone here agrees, are not to be confused with Spanish tapas—occupy a very special place in the country's unique gastronomic culture. These are small delicacies, limited only by imagination and usually pinched together with a wooden skewer. It's important to understand: pintxos are enjoyed in a bar, not a restaurant. And they're best enjoyed with a glass of txakoli, the young, refreshing white wine of the Basques.

Why We Love Euskadi

The Basque Country is not only a relatively accessible, excellent alternative to much more widely known sea kayaking hotspots in Europe. Not only extremely diverse and beautiful, but also challenging. Although unlike in areas like Anglesey, for example, the swell—rather than the current—is the major issue here, with Mundaka and the Ria Urdaibai, Euskadi also boasts an excellent tide race. Also off the water, the beauty of Basque Country, it's rich culture, cuisine and the hospitality of the warm-hearted people is hard to describe – you must come here and experience it for yourself.

And when do we return to Basque Country?

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In June we're going back to Gorliz for the Upskilling Days Basque Country. Will you be join?

Agur! See You in Euskadi!

Or Another Region Instead?

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