2024-09-29
The Goierri region is located in the heart of the Basque Country and is easily accessible from Bilbao, Vitoria, or Donostia San Sebastián.
Known as the Basque Highlands, the Goierri region comprises 18 villages. During my trip, I had the chance to visit only five: Ordizia, Idiazabal, Segura, Zerain, and Beasain.
In this article, I will show you what to do and see in these Basque Highlands that I visited.
I also include important information in case you want to explore the other villages.
And you know what? Goierri promised to be an authentic experience rich in Basque culture, and it delivered 100%!
Read this article to the end and discover why this region of the Basque Country is one of the best-kept secrets in Northern Spain.
Visit the Goierri Region in the Basque Country
As mentioned before, the following villages are part of Goierri:
- Altzaga;
- Arama;
- Ataun;
- Beasain;
- Gabiria;
- Gaintza;
- Idiazabal;
- Itsasondo;
- Lazkao
- Legorreta;
- Mutiloa;
- Olaberria;
- Ordizia;
- Ormaiztegi;
- Segura;
- Zaldibia;
- Zegama;
- Zerain.
If you want to learn more about the villages I visited, namely Ordizia, Idiazabal, Segura, and Zerain, check out the following articles.
And although I haven’t written a dedicated article about Beasain, you can see how the experience was further down in this post.
- Ordizia: Discover the Medieval City and Its 500-Year-Old Market;
- Explore the Medieval Charm of Segura in Goierri, Basque Country;
- I visited an Idiazabal cheese factory (Basque Country) and loved it!;
- Discover Zerain, the Iron Mountain That Seems Unreal.
Itinerary for Visiting the Basque Highlands
Firstly, when planning your itinerary, keep in mind that the villages in Goierri are relatively small.
Based on my experience, you can explore a complete village in just a few hours, meaning you can visit several villages in a single day.
So, the first village I visited was Ordizia, which is primarily known for its medieval market that has been operating every Wednesday for over 500 years.
Next, I went to Idiazabal, where I had the opportunity to take a tour of an Idiazabal cheese factory. It was an excellent experience.
On the same day, I also had time to visit Segura, where one of the oldest houses in the Basque Country, Ardixarra, is located, before exploring Zerain and the Aizpea iron furnaces.
To finish the Goierri itinerary on a high note, I participated in a ‘Txakoli and Idiazabal cheese pairing’ tour, which took place near the Igartza monumental complex in Beasain.
Accommodation in the Goierri Region
Since the Goierri region includes 18 villages, it makes perfect sense to choose a base location and take day trips from there.
In other words, you don’t need to keep changing hotels.
I stayed at the Hotel Bide Bide Tolosa, in the city of Tolosa, and I was quite pleased. The rooms were very comfortable, and it has an unbeatable location right in the city center.
However, you can explore other accommodation options in the region on this map:
Everything you need to know before traveling to the Goierri region:
Why is the Goierri region famous?
The Goierri region in the Basque Country is famous for its natural landscapes—lush green mountains and deep valleys that attract nature lovers and adventurers.
Additionally, the local cuisine is another highlight. One of the most recognized products is Idiazabal cheese, produced in the region, renowned for its unique flavor and exceptional quality.
Is it worth visiting?
Yes, it is definitely worth visiting Goierri, or the Basque Highlands, as it is a particularly beautiful region with almost no tourists. This means you will have a much more authentic experience compared to other more touristy areas in the Basque Country.
How many days are needed to visit Goierri?
I dedicated only one day to visit 5 villages in Goierri, which was clearly not enough time. Therefore, I am convinced that you need about 4-5 days to get a better understanding of the region.
How to Get There and Get Around in Goierri
The Goierri region has good road connections, especially if you’re traveling from major Basque cities like Bilbao, Vitoria, or Donostia San Sebastián.
If you choose to travel by car, the drive from Bilbao takes about an hour, offering the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace.
From Vitoria, the journey is even shorter, around 45 minutes by road.
Donostia San Sebastián is also just 40 minutes away, making it easy for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
👉 See how much it costs to rent a car to explore the Goierri region!
But for those who prefer to use public transportation, there are a few options.
From Donostia San Sebastián and Vitoria, regular buses connect to Goierri, stopping at the main villages in the region, such as Beasain, Ordizia, and Idiazabal. These services are frequent and comfortable, making the journey pleasant and accessible.
However, within the Goierri region, a car remains the best option for moving between the various villages and attractions, allowing you to make the most of your time in the area.
For those who do not wish to rent a car, the villages in Goierri are small and quite walkable, and some places offer bike rental options.
Goierri is thus an easy region to explore, with good infrastructure and access, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.
*I visited Tolosa and Goierri on a Fam Trip organized by inbasque DMC as part of TBEX Europe. I was supported by Brian Cullen Bruneval from Tolosaldea Tourism, who accompanied the group as a tour guide.
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