Munguía

Day Trips

Begin your journey with a stroll through Mungia’s cobblestone streets, admiring traditional Basque architecture and hidden courtyards. The morning light highlights the centuries-old façades of historic buildings and the serene town square. Local shopkeepers welcome you with warm smiles as you soak in the town’s quiet charm.

Pause for a leisurely lunch at a family-run tavern, sampling freshly made bacalao pil-pil and local cheeses. Afterward, explore the 15th-century Church of San Pedro, marveling at its elegant stonework and stained glass windows. Wander through small artisan shops, discovering handcrafted souvenirs and local produce.

As dusk falls, join the locals for pintxos at a lively bar on Plaza Andra Mari, savoring each bite accompanied by a chilled txakoli. The evening buzz crescendos with Basque chatter and live acoustic music drifting through the square. End the night with a gentle walk under lantern-lit arches, feeling the town’s warm embrace.

Start at the historic chapel of San Juan Bautista, exploring its ancient crypt and serene gardens. The tranquil atmosphere invites reflection as sunlight filters through centuries-old stained glass. Meet a local guide who shares stories of pilgrimages and sacred art.

Enjoy a traditional Basque lunch at a nearby granary-turned-restaurant, feasting on slow-cooked lamb and seasonal vegetables. Continue to the Monastery of Armentia, marveling at its cloister and frescoes. Inhale the scent of aged stone corridors and blossoming rose bushes in the cloistered courtyard.

Return to Mungia for evening mass in the church belltower, listening to melodic hymns echoing off ancient walls. Afterward, join parishioners for a communal meal in the church hall, tasting homemade empanadas and cider. The flicker of candlelight and gentle laughter makes for a soul-soothing end to the day.

Dive into local flavors with a guided tour of Mungia’s vibrant food market, sampling artisan cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal fruits. Watch vendors expertly slice jamón ibérico and offer fresh pintxos for a midday energy boost. Engage with producers and learn about traditional Basque ingredients.

Join a hands-on cooking class in a rustic farmhouse kitchen, crafting classics like txangurro (spider crab) and Gilda pintxos. Under the chef’s guidance, knead dough for homemade bread and simmer sauces in cast-iron pans. Savor your creations at a communal table, comparing notes with fellow food enthusiasts.

Dine at a celebrated local restaurant renowned for its modern Basque cuisine, where each course is a vibrant work of art. Sip local txakoli wine as you indulge in creative interpretations of traditional dishes. Let the evening end with a sweet treat of Idiazabal cheese ice cream paired with coffee.

Take a coastal bus to Plentzia and feel the sea breeze as you arrive at a golden-sand beach framed by gentle cliffs. Spend the morning lounging under a pastel parasol or trying stand-up paddleboarding on calm Bay of Biscay waters. Collect seashells and watch fishing boats drift lazily offshore.

Enjoy a beachfront picnic of freshly caught seafood and crusty bread, washed down with crisp local cider. After lunch, wander to the nearby fishing port, photographing colorful boats and chatting with fishermen mending their nets. Explore hidden coves along the shoreline for a private dip in crystal-clear water.

Return to Plentzia’s waterfront promenade for a sunset walk, where the sky ignites in hues of orange and pink. Sample evening pintxos at seaside bars, letting the sound of waves accompany each bite. Head back to Mungia under a starlit sky, enriched by the sea’s tranquil beauty.

Venture into the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve for a sunrise birdwatching tour among marshlands and oak groves. Listen for the calls of herons and egrets as mist rises from the water’s surface. A naturalist guide points out rare species and explains the delicate ecosystem.

Savor a rustic picnic beside the Oka River, sampling artisan bread, local cheese, and cured chorizo. Then hike along forest trails to the Orbeko view point, enjoying panoramic vistas of estuaries and farmland. Pause at hidden waterfalls and emerald pools for a refreshing dip.

Return to Mungia and freshen up for dinner at a riverside inn, where regional produce is transformed into elegant dishes. Share stories with fellow travelers over glasses of Rioja wine, celebrating nature’s bounty. End the night with a peaceful riverside stroll under moonlight.

Attend a lively Basque tamborrada drumming parade as it weaves through Mungia’s streets, stirring the air with rhythmic energy. Locals dressed in traditional costumes greet you with enthusiastic waves and smiles. The infectious beat sets the tone for a day of cultural immersion.

Join a workshop to learn Basque folk dances like the Aurresku, practicing steps and gestures with costumed performers. Break for lunch on hearty stews and seasonal vegetables at a festival food stall, soaking in the joyful atmosphere. Sample homemade sagardoa (cider) poured from barrels in communal style.

As night falls, gather around a bonfire in the town square for communal songs and storytelling. Taste grilled chorizos and chestnuts roasted over open flames, sharing laughter with new friends. Let the crackling fire and folk melodies carry you into a magical Basque night.

Visit a local workshop where master craftsmen carve traditional wooden totems and paint vibrant Basque patterns. Try your hand at carving a small keepsake under patient guidance, feeling the grain of the wood under your tools. The morning light illuminates colorful pottery lining the shelves.

Head to a nearby pottery studio and spin your own ceramic bowl on the wheel, learning glazing techniques from skilled artisans. Enjoy lunch in the workshop’s garden, surrounded by olive trees and the scent of fresh clay. Swap stories with fellow crafters over homemade empanadas.

Return to Mungia for an evening gallery opening featuring local painters and sculptors. Wander among abstract canvases and metal sculptures as you sip Cava from crystal flutes. The creative energy of the night inspires new ideas and deep appreciation for Basque artistry.

Rent a bicycle and set off along scenic rural lanes lined with stone walls and wildflower meadows. Stop for snapshots of rolling hills and grazing sheep as the morning sun warms the landscape. Follow a gentle trail to a hidden hermitage perched on a hilltop.

Pause for a picnic beneath ancient oak trees, enjoying crusty bread, local olives, and artisanal cheese. Continue pedaling through sleepy hamlets, greeting friendly farmers tending rows of potato and corn fields. Explore a historic windmill and learn about traditional milling processes.

Return your bike and unwind at a country inn with a cold beer on the terrace. Watch the sunset paint the sky over patchwork fields as live Basque guitar music drifts through the air. Head back to Mungia feeling invigorated by fresh air and gentle exercise.

Catch an early train to Bilbao and visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, marveling at Gehry’s titanium curves and contemporary art installations. Take a guided highlights tour, learning about groundbreaking works and Basque artistic heritage. Pause at riverside cafes to admire the museum’s reflective façade.

Stroll through Bilbao’s Casco Viejo, exploring the bustling 7 Streets quarter filled with shops, bakeries, and taverns. Savor a leisurely lunch of traditional bacalao a la vizcaína and patxaran at a family-run restaurant. Don’t miss the ornate Ribera Market, where local vendors sell fresh seafood and produce.

Ride the funicular to Mount Artxanda for panoramic city views at sunset, capturing Bilbao’s skyline against the Nervión River. Descend to sample pintxos crawls in the Plaza Nueva under twinkling lights. Return to Mungia satisfied by a day of urban wonders.

Drive to the dramatic islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, crossing its winding stone bridge with 241 steps. Each ascent reveals breathtaking views of crashing waves and rugged coastline. Reach the hermitage at the top and ring the bell three times for good luck.

Enjoy a seaside lunch at a nearby fishing village, tasting freshly grilled fish and a glass of verdant albariño wine. Explore coves and sea caves along the coast, marveling at hidden grottoes formed by centuries of erosion. Capture the wild beauty of the Basque shoreline through your lens.

Return to Mungia for a farewell feast at a renowned local restaurant, where chefs prepare a multi-course banquet showcasing regional specialties. Raise a toast with friends old and new, celebrating ten days of discoveries and cultural connections. End the night with traditional Basque dancing as music carries you into the last hours of your stay.