The Spanish Bay of Biscay sprawls languidly across the northern coast of Spain throughout the intriguing, culturally separatist Basque country; a haven of rugged mountains curling softly into green hills and paradisiacal beaches. The stretch encompasses the Spanish Basque region’s two main cites of Bilbao and San Sebastian, as well as numerous picturesque fishing villages and seaside towns.
 
Cruises in the Bay of Biscay
 
Although its waters have a slightly unfair reputation for being rather rough, one of the best ways to see as much of the Bay of Biscay’s astonishing coastal regions as possible is to book onto a cruise. There are a wide range to choose from according to your personal preferences and holiday schedule. A three-day return cruise from Portsmouth to Bilbao on the Pride of Bilbao is considered one of the best on which to spot whales, dolphins and porpoises in the deep waters, while P&O’s Ventura will take you on a more lavish and in-depth seven day cruise around the Bay of Biscay; you every need will be catered to on board and stopover visits are made to France, Spain and Portugal. If you want to set your own course and discover the Bay for yourself however, many companies located around Biscay offer yachts for hire. Chartering a yacht in San Sebastian and continuing along the coast towards Bilbao, you will find many small fishing ports and towns to stop in at, and can choose the pace at which you want to do this depending on your sailing skills and how much you wish to explore. 
 
Beaches
 
The miles of stunning coastline skirting the Bay of Biscay will leave you positively spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the best beach. If you are looking for a seaside location with the added buzz of a lively boardwalk and the convenience of nearby shops and restaurants, La Concha Beach in San Sebastian is a popular choice; with excellent facilities, a lively promenade and the option to rent kayaks and pedalos, La Concha is no less stunning for all these commercial conveniences, and is famed for its impossibly clear waters and clean sand. Located at the base of the bay, the Costa Verde (literally translated as ‘green coast’) stretches the length of the Spanish Basque region until it reaches France, and boasts several less populated beaches. For those who really crave seclusion, Playa Xago is tucked away at the foot of a mountain and can only be reached on foot, making it the tranquil prize of those who trek to reach it, while Cobijeru Beach (also only accessible by foot) is the perfect place for snorkelling and exploring some beautiful remote coves. 
 
Fishing Village
 
A region particularly proud of its strong heritage in fishing, the Spanish Basque country is home to an abundance of small and peacefully scenic fishing villages which lie scattered along its coast. One of the most charming of these is the village of Plentzia; located roughly 30 kilometres northeast of Bilbao and easily accessible via the city’s metro, it is an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet weekend in a picturesque location where they will not be completely cut off from amenities such as a beach, a lively port and excellent restaurants. Boasting a large shell shaped bay, Plentzia Beach is a popular location due to its calm waters and clean sands, making it the ideal place either to swim or while away the hours basking in the Spanish sun. The emerald green ria, dotted with colourful fishing vessels, is always worth a stroll along before venturing through some of Plentzia’s narrow cobbled streets to the Old Quarter, where several well-preserved historical buildings still stand; worth mentioning are the Torre Barri House, which boasts one of the oldest epigraphs written in Basque on its coat of arms, the church of Santa Maria Magdalena and the ancient Santiago’s arch. For those willing to go slightly further afield, a signposted path leads to the imposingly majestic, almost fairy tale-esque Butrón Castle in the nearby town of Gatika – this visually spectacular feat of architecture that is the world’s largest medieval castle. 
 
French Bay of Biscay

No visit to the Bay of Biscay would be complete without experiencing what it has to offer on both sides of the border – and the French side certainly does not disappoint. The luxurious, fashionable seaside town of Biarritz on the bay is the crown jewel of the French Basque country; an internationally recognised haven for surfers (several world championships have been hosted here in the past decade) and a mecca for shopping and fine cuisine, it is easy to see why the town has a history as the choice destination for royalty and aristocracy. Eight kilometres inland is Bayonne, a delightful cathedral city balanced across two rivers. The two towers of its gothic cathedral, completed in 1451, soar above the city grazing the uppermost limits of its skyline, and the intricate stained glass windows are nothing short of exquisite. The city is also renowned as the oldest bullfighting town in the country, and every year is host to the remarkable Fêtes de Bayonne, an extraordinary street festival-cum-parade in which everyone is required to dress in red and white. The festival combines floats, musicians, traditional songs and dances, bodegas, balls, concerts and the famous running of the bulls, and is attended by thousands to make for a riotously unforgettable five days at the end of each summer.  
 

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