The land of the Basque people, split between Spain and France, is a “nation without a state”—left off the map when they drew Europe’s national borders. Basque Country is often left out of travel itineraries too, and that’s also a mistake. With sunny beaches, spectacular modern architecture, tasty tapas, and feisty, free-spirited people, this region is filled with cultural treats.
Much unites the Spanish and French Basque regions: They share a striking Atlantic coastline, with the Pyrenees Mountains soaring high above the Atlantic. They have the same flag, similar folk music and dance, and a common language, Euskara, spoken by about half-a-million people. Both, after some struggles, have been integrated into their respective nations—but still enjoy significant autonomy.
