Euskadi
The Basque Country was not what we expected (warm and sunny Spain), but we fell in love with this beautiful, green autonomous community in northern Spain.
Massive thanks to Visit Euskadi, the LGBT+ Travel Symposium, OutThere, and Queer Destinations for inviting us and to everyone else on the trip for so much rainbow love!
ÁLAVA: Wine Country
Álava is famous for its fabulous wines and charming medieval villages. Although we didn't see much of the capital city, Vitoria-Gasteiz, we hope to return someday to explore its historic center.
Where to Stay
1) Hotel Viura in Villabuena de Álava has a unique architecture and is perfect for trips to wine country!!
2) Parador de Argómaniz, located in Argómaniz, is a Renaissance palace close to Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Rioja Alavesa
A visit to a winery is a must when visiting Rioja Alavesa! And our first full day in the Basque Country was amazing. We saw stunning vineyards and tasted world-class wine. The people at Bodegas Luis Cañas and Bodegas Las Orcas, two family-owned wineries, gave us the warmest welcome.
Rioja Alavesa is lush in every way.
And don't miss the Marqués de Riscal winery which has a building designed by Frank Gehry, the same architect who designed the Guggenheim in Bilbao!
Laguardia
Perched in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, Laguardia is a gem of the Basque Country—where rolling vineyards meet timeworn medieval streets in every direction. Surrounded by beautifully preserved town walls and steeped in history, it’s an unforgettable stop on any northern Spain itinerary.
Climb the Torre Abacial for sweeping views, admire the intricately carved portico of Santa María de los Reyes (the guided tour is worth it!), and don’t miss the golden hour light at the gate by Iglesia de San Juan Bautista.
And you shouldn't leave the city without having dinner in one of Laguardia's underground caves! We visited the caves under the Hospedería De Los Parajes boutique hotel and it was such a unique experience!
Labastida
The Begiratokia/Mirador viewpoint in Labastida offers stunning views of the city. It's a picture-perfect spot that's absolutely worth the climb. Also: don't miss the fossils in the stones along the way!
Añana Salt Valley
In the Añana Salt Valley, we learned about the traditional production of salt in this unique, landlocked landscape—and, of course, we tasted the salt!
A delicious, locally sourced lunch—and fabulous wine—awaited us at ALMAZEN, across the street. Don't miss it if you're in the area!
Azala
If you're creative, Azala should be on your list. It's a beautiful, creative space that's perfect for unwinding or organizing an event.
BILBAO: The Basque Capital
We don't like rain. And if you stop for a minute and think about why Euskadi is so green, you'll understand what we didn't understand until we arrived in the Basque Country—mostly freezing. Plus: Bilbao was the only place we ever visited that had lockers for umbrellas. The rain in this region is no joke, but there's so much that makes up for it. Not least in Bilbao.
Where to Stay
Axel Hotel Bilbao is part of the Axel Hotels chain which caters to the queer community and is hetero-friendly. It's obviously a must for any queer traveler (and our allies)!
Casco Viejo
If you know us, then you know that we usually recommend spending a day exploring the historic center of most cities at a slow pace. And Bilbao is no exception! Casco Viejo, Bilbao's old town, is a vibrant historic district with delicious Basque food and queer bars.
Mount Artxanda
Take the Funicular de Artxanda up the mountain to enjoy spectacular views of Bilbao!
The Guggenheim
This was maybe our favorite experience in Bilbao: stepping into the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao felt like entering a realm where art, architecture, and identity converge. Frank Gehry’s iconic design, with its flowing titanium curves, isn’t just a visual marvel—it embodies the spirit of transformation and breaking norms.
Inside, we were captivated by exhibitions that resonate with our community’s journey. The museum celebrates voices that challenge conventions and inspire change. For queer travelers seeking spaces that honor diversity and creativity, the Guggenheim is a must-visit. It’s not just about art; it’s about feeling seen, celebrated, and connected.