Hello everyone! I’ve just returned from the Basque Country and I have to share a hidden gem of a city that’s relatively off the beaten path: Vitoria-Gasteiz. Many people might only know about Bilbao and San Sebastián, but as the capital of the Basque Autonomous Community, Vitoria’s charm is seriously underrated! It lacks the hustle and bustle of a big city, offering instead a sense of peace and refinement, making it perfect for a few days of leisurely exploration.
Strolling Through the Medieval Old Town
Vitoria’s Old Town is incredibly well-preserved. The entire district is shaped like an almond, with narrow, charming streets. The main highlight of the Vitoria-Gasteiz attractions guide
is undoubtedly the Cathedral of Santa María. What makes this cathedral so special is its ‘open for works’ concept. You get to wear a hard hat and follow a guided tour deep inside the structure, witnessing the restoration process firsthand. The experience is truly one of a kind! It was the inspiration for Ken Follett’s ‘The Pillars of the Earth,’ and there’s even a statue of him at the cathedral’s entrance.
Embracing the “Green Capital”
Vitoria’s most proud title is ‘European Green Capital.’ The ‘Anillo Verde’ (Green Belt) that surrounds the city is a vast network of interconnected parks, perfect for cycling or walking. The per capita green space is astonishingly high, and the air is incredibly fresh. You can feel the harmony between people and nature in any park you step into.
Where Art and Plazas Collide
Beyond its history and nature, Vitoria also has a vibrant modern art scene. The ARTIUM Museum of Contemporary Art is a must-visit, housing works by many Basque and Spanish contemporary artists. The building itself is a masterpiece of design. A short walk from the museum takes you to the city’s ‘living room’ – the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca (White Virgin Square). The monument at its center and the surrounding glass-balconied buildings create one of Vitoria’s most iconic scenes. Sitting here with a coffee, watching the world go by, is truly relaxing.
My Personal Summary
To help with your planning, I’ve put together a simple table summarizing a few places I think are must-sees.
| Attraction | Recommended Time | Tip |
|---|
| Cathedral of Santa María | 2 hours | Be sure to book a guided tour on the official website in advance! |
| Anillo Verde | Half a day | Renting a bike to explore it is highly recommended. |
| ARTIUM Museum | 2-3 hours | Free admission on Wednesdays and during specific times in the last two hours before closing. |
| Plaza de la Virgen Blanca | Anytime | It’s especially beautiful for photos when lit up at night. |
Vitoria is a city that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. If you’re tired of the crowds at popular tourist spots and want to experience a typical different side of Spain, you should definitely add it to your travel list! Highly recommended
! If you’ve been there, feel free to share your experiences too!
