We love —
- Feeling the quiet charm of a 16th‑century palace nestled in the Basque countryside.
- Tasting the seasonal, locally inspired dishes at Bailara Restaurant, lingered over with ease.
- Unwinding in the garden, then slipping into a slower pace with walks into the surrounding mountains.
Customer reviews —
Iriarte Jauregia 4* —
Just for you:
- Complimentary parking
Set in the verdant valley of Gipuzkoa, this restored 17th-century Basque palace sits just 25 minutes from San Sebastián, offering deep countryside quiet with the city well within reach.
Twenty-one rooms marry original stonework and darkened timber beams with considered modern comfort, each looking out over the garden or the hills beyond. Iriarte Jauregia 4* is made for those who travel slowly and know exactly what they are looking for.
Your room —
Just for you:
- 1 x bottle of Cava (per room, per stay)
Enjoy a stay in an Upgraded Superior Room.
Upgraded Superior Room (30 m²)
Superior Rooms offer soft lighting and a restful atmosphere within the 16th‑century palace. Each room is designed for ease, with a comfortable bed, work area and views that draw your eye to the surrounding Basque countryside.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Bailara Restaurant invites guests to enjoy Fusion cuisine in a setting that overlooks the garden, with the option to dine alfresco when the weather is fine. For a quieter evening, room service is available during limited hours, while the bar lounge offers a relaxed place to enjoy a drink.
Upgrade to half board
Choose to upgrade to half board at the next step of the booking process. Breakfast and your evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (drinks excluded, conditions apply.)
Your time
Begin with a slow breakfast in the garden-view restaurant, then drift into the quiet of the hotel’s grounds before ending the day with a drink at the bar. If you feel like being more active, the property’s mountain setting also places walks and sightseeing within easy reach.
Your journey to Bilbao —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Basque Country —
The Basque Country, straddling the northern coast of Spain between the Pyrenees and the Bay of Biscay, is a region of distinct culture, dramatic landscapes, and a quiet confidence that sets it apart from anywhere else in Europe. From the Atlantic-facing cities of Bilbao and San Sebastián to the green interior valleys of Gipuzkoa, it rewards travellers who take the time to look beyond the obvious.
Must-sees:
- Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Frank Gehry's titanium-clad building is as much the attraction as the contemporary art collection within, and remains one of the most significant architectural landmarks of the last 30 years.
- San Sebastián Old Town (Parte Vieja): A tight grid of lively streets where pintxo bars line every corner, each one a small exercise in culinary precision. This is where the Basque food culture is most viscerally felt.
- La Concha Beach, San Sebastián: One of the finest urban beaches in Europe, this crescent-shaped bay is framed by a graceful Belle Époque promenade and the forested slopes of Monte Urgull.
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: A hermitage perched on a rocky island, connected to the mainland by a winding stone staircase. Striking at any time of day, and particularly so at dusk.
- Hondarribia: A beautifully preserved medieval walled town near the French border, with colourful fishermen's houses, a lively harbour, and a growing reputation for serious dining.
- Vitoria-Gasteiz: The understated regional capital, home to a well-preserved medieval quarter and the Gothic Cathedral of Santa María, still undergoing restoration and open for guided tours through the works.
Culinary culture:
Few regions anywhere can match the Basque Country's depth of food culture. San Sebastián holds more Michelin stars per capita than any other city on the planet, yet the real heartbeat is found in its pintxo bars, where considered small plates are served from the counter throughout the day. Look out for txakoli, the local crisp white wine, and between January and April, seek out a sagardotegi (cider house) for cider poured straight from the barrel.
Dive deeper:
Beyond the cities, forested hills, old farmhouses, and quiet country roads open up across the Basque interior. The valleys of Gipuzkoa are well suited to walking, and the coastline between fishing villages such as Getaria and Lekeitio repays an unhurried drive.
Good to know:
Bilbao Airport is the main international gateway, with good connections from the UK. A hire car is recommended for the countryside and smaller coastal towns, though both Bilbao and San Sebastián are very walkable. Spring and early autumn offer the most comfortable conditions, with summers warm and busy.
