2024-09-29
Here is a comprehensive guide on things to do and visit in Tolosa, as well as accommodation suggestions and answers to everything you need to know before traveling to this region of the Basque Country. In other words, your best and most complete travel guide to Tolosa.
Tolosa’s significance isn’t new; it was the capital of Gipuzkoa from 1844 to 1854 before it was moved to San Sebastián.
I was surprised to learn that the city was once an island during the Middle Ages, surrounded by the Oria River and the Erretengibel stream, and located at a crossroads to the Kingdom of Navarre (Royal Road of Navarre), the Kingdom of Castile (Royal Road of Castile), and en route to the Pyrenees in France.
Being a strategic point where all passersby had to pay taxes, it led to the enrichment of the region.
When Tolosa was incorporated into the Kingdom of Castile in 1200, King Alfonso X ordered the construction of fortifications in Tolosa, as well as in the neighboring towns of Ordizia and Segura, as they were border areas with Navarre.
At that time, the urban center had defensive walls and four bridges to enter the city. However, as the houses were made of wood, a major fire in 1256 reduced this once notable place to ashes.
This was followed by a period of reconstruction and resilience, and today we have a city full of history and corners worth exploring.
Best Things To Do An Visit in Tolosa, Basque Country
Explore the Historic Center of Tolosa
The historic center of Tolosa is so beautiful that it’s a must-see on any visit to the city.
Start at the Castile Gate (Puerta de Castilla), a medieval gate and one of the old entrances to the city.
Not far away is the Tinglado, a former market square where local products can still be bought on market days.
Next, check out the Navarre Bridge (Naparzubia), one of the most photographed spots in Tolosa.
Across the Navarre Bridge, the Convent of Santa Clara is a hidden gem with architecture worth admiring. Further along, the Idiásquez Palace stands out for its beauty and is a perfect example of Neoclassical style in Tolosa.
Continuing through the historic center, you’ll find the Mill, the Archaeological Park, the Lizardi Windows with their unique decorative details, and the Aramburu Palace for those interested in local aristocracy.
Additionally, the Church of Santa Maria, the City Hall, the Iturritza Palace, and the Church of San Francisco are must-see landmarks.
To gain a different perspective of the city, it’s worth visiting the Andía Tower, which offers an excellent vantage point.
The Atodo Palace is another historic building not to be missed, and in the Plaza Nueva, the music bandstand is a lively meeting spot.
The Plaza Euskal Herria and the Lapaza House showcase traditional architecture and complete the tour of the historic center.
Discover the markets of Tolosa
Every Saturday, from 8:30 AM to noon, the traditional Tolosa market takes place in three locations: Plaza de la Verdura, Tinglado, and Plaza Euskal Herria.
In Plaza de la Verdura, you’ll find plants and flowers. At Tinglado, local producers sell seasonal fruits and vegetables, while Plaza Euskal Herria is the place for preserves, fruits, vegetables, and textile items.
This market is very important for the city, as it attracts visitors from all over the Basque Country due to the quality of local products from this region.
It is also at these markets that Tolosa’s restaurant owners buy their fresh products: tomatoes from Getaria, peppers from Guernica, Tolosa beans, edible flowers, and more.
A sign at the Plaza reads:
“This space has been a market and warehouse since the Middle Ages, and today, every Saturday, it still hosts a flower and plant market.
The Plaza, with its arcaded buildings, was constructed by Alejandro Múgica in the mid-19th century, while the covering, combining glass and iron, was erected in 1899, following the construction guidelines of the time.
The bust in the center represents Ramos Azcarate, locally known for having written the famous carnival song “Galzaundi.” Behind where the bust now stands was his shoemaker’s shop.”
Visit the International Puppet Museum in Tolosa
The TOPIC – Museo y Centro Internacional de la Marioneta de Tolosa is the only puppet museum in Europe.
It is said that the TOPIC Museum is the ideal place to learn about the history of puppetry and dramatic arts. If this interests you, I recommend adding it to your list of things to do in Tolosa.
The museum features puppets from around the world, and it’s a fascinating activity whether you’re traveling with family or on your own.
I visited the museum independently, without a guided tour, and had a great time. However, you can choose to explore the museum either independently or with a guided tour.
Try the local cuisine: Chuleta, Tolosa Beans, Ibarra Chilies, Idiazabal Cheese, and other delights
Among the must-try delicacies in Tolosa are Chuleta and Tolosa Beans (alubias de Tolosa), as well as other regional specialties such as Ibarra Chilies and Idiazabal Cheese.
In the 1960s, Julián Ribas began purchasing cattle from local farms because, with the advancement of agricultural mechanization, farmers no longer needed them, despite the animals being robust and well-fed.
Julián Ribas seized this opportunity to create generous cuts of meat (Chuleta, T-Bone), which are still simply grilled over hot coals today.
Another gastronomic treasure of Tolosa is the Tolosa Beans. These beans are cooked with pork, peppers, and blood sausage, creating a hearty and flavorful dish that, although not the most visually appealing, is truly delicious.
On the other hand, Ibarra Chilies (Guindillas de Ibarra) are one of the most iconic snacks of the Basque Country. These small green peppers, also known as “piparras,” are grown in the Ibarra region, where the climate and soil provide ideal conditions for their growth.
Traditionally, the chilies are preserved in vinegar, which enhances their crunchy texture and offers a perfect contrast to other dishes.
Another must-try product is Idiazabal cheese, made from the milk of Latxa sheep. These sheep are raised in the mountainous regions of the Basque Country and Navarra, where their milk acquires unique characteristics, enriched by the local pastures.
The production process of Idiazabal is artisanal and follows traditional methods, giving the cheese an intense flavor and a distinct aroma, resulting from curing in a natural environment.
Take a Guided Tour of the Rafa Gorrotxategi Chocolate Museum
The Rafa Gorrotxategi Chocolate Museum in Tolosa offers a comprehensive view of the world of cocoa, from its production to the tools used in chocolate-making.
However, this is not an ordinary museum; its collection includes very old artifacts, some dating back to the pre-Columbian period.
So, why a chocolate museum in Tolosa, Basque Country? The answer is simple: Rafa Gorrotxategi is a true enthusiast of chocolate, its culture, and its history.
Over the course of about 30 years, he gathered an extensive collection of pieces during his travels, which are now available for visitors at this museum.
The guided tour I took was led by Armintz Gorrotxategi Uriarte, the fourth generation of the Gorrotxategi family.
The tour began with a visit to the exhibition of old tools used to process cocoa and other historical items.
Next, we watched a documentary about how chocolate was made in the 17th century, and finally, we had a chocolate tasting, which was very educational.
At the end of the visit, I recommend not missing the chance to try a cup of hot chocolate, prepared with a special blend of cocoa, water, and milk. The water enhances the cocoa flavor, while the milk adds a creamy texture to the drink.
Additionally, in the museum’s shop, you can purchase various confectionery products, such as artisanal nougats, Tolosa cigars and tiles, pralines, chocolates, and other sweets.
The museum also includes a section dedicated to candle production, as the place was once a candle factory before becoming a confectionery.
Visit the Open-Air Museum: Urmara Museum of Koldobika Jauregi
The Urmara Museum of Koldobika Jauregi, established in 2011, is located in the quiet village of Alkiza, about 10 km from Tolosa.
It is an open-air museum, with installations and artworks spread across a forested area, perfectly harmonized with the surroundings.
The guided tour was led by the artist Koldobika Jauregi and his daughter, who took us along dirt paths to the heart of the forest. Here and there, artworks emerged seamlessly integrated into nature.
At times, I felt as though I was in a Jules Verne novel surrounded by imaginary creatures, such is the magical energy of the place.
However, these sculptures and installations are very real, and the good news is that any visitor can have a similar experience. So, I recommend adding the Urmara Museum to your list of things to do in Tolosa, Basque Country.
Location: 20494, Azaldegi Bailara, 18, 20494 Alkiza, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
Koldobika Jauregi passed away on June 16, 2024, shortly after this visit.
Accommodation in Tolosa
I stayed at the Hotel Bide Bide Tolosa, located in Euskal Herria Plaza and right in the heart of Tolosa. In fact, when I opened the window of my room, I had a view of this historic city.
The hotel is quite comfortable and modern. As for the location, it couldn’t be better!
Here are some other suggestions for places to stay in Tolosa:
Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Tolosa
What to Do in Tolosa
Throughout this article, I’ve mentioned various things to do and visit in Tolosa. To have all the main tourist attractions in one place, here is the list:
- TOPIC – Museo y Centro Internacional de la Marioneta de Tolosa
- Mercado del Tinglado
- Puente de Navarra
- Museo del Chocolate Rafa Gorrotxategi
- Iglesia de Santa María
- Oficina de Turismo de Tolosaldea
- Puerta de Castilla
- Plaza de Toros
Is it worth visiting Tolosa?
Yes, it is definitely worth visiting Tolosa for its culture, landscapes, and cuisine.
Additionally, it is a more budget-friendly destination in terms of tourism and receives fewer visitors throughout the year, which makes it quieter and allows for a more authentic local experience.
How to get to Tolosa?
To reach Tolosa, it is best to fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO) and then rent a car. I traveled with Air Europa, spent three days in Bilbao, and then took a bus to San Sebastián.
In terms of driving distances, Tolosa is 28 km from San Sebastián, 78 km from Pamplona, 80 km from Vitoria, and 104 km from Bilbao.
Transport and Car Rental
Although there are buses and trains, the best way to reach Tolosa is by car.
Therefore, if you don’t have your own car, I recommend renting one for your trip.
👉 Check how much it costs to rent a car for your visit to Tolosa.
How Many Days to Visit Tolosa?
I stayed for two nights in the region, which I think is enough time to see the main tourist attractions.
Does Tolosa Have a Tourist Information Center?
Yes, Tolosa has a tourist information center. The Oficina de Turismo de Tolosaldea – Tolosaldeko Turismo Bulegoa is located at Plaza Zaharra Plaza, 10, 20400 Tolosa.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Tolosa?
Tolosa is a place with things to see and do throughout the year, making it hard to pinpoint the best time to visit.
Regarding the weather, you can expect mild and pleasant springs and autumns. During the summer, the city becomes quite lively with festivals and events, while the winter, though colder, has its charm with seasonal festivities and cuisine.
As you can see, it’s difficult to recommend the absolute best time to visit. In any case, I visited Tolosa in June and had a great experience with pleasant weather. I hope this helps!
Where to Try the Famous Local Cuisine?
The best place to taste Chuleta is undoubtedly at Casa Julián, as this is where the innovative technique of grilling meat on an inclined grill was developed.
Unlike traditional flat grills, the incline allows the fat from the meat to drain off, naturally seasoning it and enhancing its flavor.
Regarding Tolosa beans, I tried this traditional dish at the Frontón Tolosa restaurant, which also serves other mouthwatering dishes.
You’ll find these beans on the menus of various restaurants in the Basque Country under the name alubias from Tolosa (Tolosako Babarruna).
It’s a type of stew served in separate parts: a bowl with the cooked beans, and platters with pork meat, pork fat, cooked cabbage, blood sausage, and gindillas (small green chilies).
Everyone adds their preferred condiments to the bowl of beans and it’s ready for tasting.
It’s undoubtedly a dish that provides a lot of energy!
How is the weather in Tolosa throughout the year?
In Tolosa, the summer is mild and the winter is cool, with some precipitation. Additionally, the sky is often partly cloudy throughout the year.
Therefore, the annual temperature ranges between 4°C and 25°C, rarely dropping below -1°C or rising above 30°C.
To enjoy the warm weather, the best time to visit Tolosa is from late June to early September. However, I visited the region in early June and it went very well.
Is it safe to travel alone?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to travel alone to Tolosa, as long as you behave responsibly.
*I visited Tolosa and Goierri on a Fam Trip organized by inbasque DMC and as part of TBEX Europe. I had the support of Brian Cullen Bruneval from Turismo de Tolosaldea, who accompanied the group as a tour guide.
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