There’s a quiet pride running through the Basque Country—an unshakable sense of identity forged through centuries of resistance, cultural expression, and a longing to be seen on their own terms. For LGBT+ travellers, that story may feel familiar. The desire to be recognised for who you are, the fight for visibility, the strength found in community—it’s a narrative many of us know intimately.
At
Wide Awake Holidays, we know these journeys aren’t just about destinations—they’re about dignity.
We’re a proudly gay-owned UK travel company committed to creating genuinely inclusive holidays for LGBT+ travellers. Because “gay-friendly” isn’t always friendly enough—and our trips are about far more than ticking boxes. They’re about choosing places that reflect and respect who we are. That’s why we were honoured to be one of just 35 global brands invited to explore the Basque Country during the 2025 LGBT+ Travel Symposium.
This isn’t just a beautiful region. It’s a place where queer identity is not only welcomed but understood.
Let’s take you there.
A Region with a Rebel Heart
The Basque Country, straddling northern Spain and southwestern France, is fiercely proud of its distinct identity. This is not simply a region within Spain—it is Euskadi, a place with its own language, traditions, cuisine, and soul. For centuries, Basque culture has resisted assimilation, surviving dictatorships, marginalisation, and cultural erasure.
That struggle for self-determination echoes many of the themes found in LGBT+ history. For years, both Basque people and queer communities have faced demands to conform, to stay silent, to disappear into a wider norm. But both have responded in the same way: with creativity, pride, and defiance.
Today, that spirit lives on in the streets of Bilbao, the coastlines of San Sebastián, and the traditions of its rural villages. And it’s in those same streets and spaces that queer life now flourishes—with drag shows, LGBT+ film festivals, inclusive businesses, and visible celebration of diversity.
Bilbao: Bold, Bright, and Queer-Friendly
Bilbao is the beating heart of the Basque Country. Once an industrial hub, it has transformed into a cultural powerhouse thanks to world-class architecture, buzzing nightlife, and its commitment to social inclusion. For Basque Country LGBT travel, Bilbao is a natural starting point.
The city’s Casco Viejo (Old Town) is alive with gay bars, independent bookshops, and rainbow flags draped from balconies. Over in the San Francisco district—known for its alternative, multicultural vibe—you’ll find queer-owned cafés and live performance spaces that champion drag, burlesque, and underground queer art.
But this isn’t just about nightlife. Bilbao has a proud LGBT+ legacy too. The annual Zinegoak LGBT+ Film Festival is a major cultural event that uses cinema as a tool for activism and representation. Meanwhile, Bilbao Pride brings colour and energy to the city each June, drawing locals and travellers alike into the celebration.
And, in a moment of progressive pride, the city has welcomed its first Axel Hotel—a landmark move that places Bilbao firmly on the international LGBT+ travel map.
LGBT+ Rights and Safety in the Basque Country
Spain is one of the most progressive countries in Europe when it comes to LGBT+ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005, anti-discrimination laws are in place, and trans rights have recently been strengthened with a self-ID law passed in 2023.
In the Basque Country specifically, the commitment to inclusion goes a step further - it runs deep. Regional governments actively support LGBT+ organisations, fund Pride events, and promote visibility through public campaigns. Regional government bodies actively support LGBT+ organisations, fund queer cultural events, and run public campaigns for equality. The city of Vitoria-Gasteiz was even among the first in Spain to create a municipal LGBT+ plan back in the early 2000s. Cities like Bilbao and San Sebastián have their own local initiatives, community spaces, and cultural programming designed to support and celebrate LGBT+ people year-round—not just during Pride season.
In practical terms, LGBT+ travellers will find the region safe, welcoming, and easy to navigate. Public displays of affection are common, queer couples are visible, and the local population—particularly in urban areas—embraces diversity.
For visitors, this translates to a high level of safety, acceptance, and comfort. Same-sex couples are commonly seen holding hands in public, queer nightlife is vibrant and respected, and the general atmosphere is warm and affirming. While rural areas may naturally be more traditional, there’s a growing movement for rural LGBT+ inclusion, with community-led events and visibility initiatives making waves beyond the cities.
Whether you’re looking for romance, relaxation, or a culturally rich escape, you can feel confident that Basque Country LGBT travel offers a safe, welcoming, and proudly inclusive experience.
⸻
Jamie Says:
“We were incredibly proud to be one of just 35 travel brands invited to the Basque Country LGBT+ Travel Symposium this year. It was more than a networking event—it was a declaration that this region is ready and eager to welcome queer travellers from around the world. From the moment we arrived, we felt understood. And that’s what travel should be: not just safe, but seen.”
⸻
Our Experience of the Basque Country
We always say the best way to know a place is to walk its streets, taste its flavours, and talk to the people who call it home. That’s exactly what we did this week on an unforgettable familiarisation trip through the Basque Country, as part of the LGBT+ Travel Symposium.
From the moment we arrived in San Sebastián, we were welcomed not just as guests, but as part of something bigger—something proud, inclusive, and deeply rooted in identity.
Our stay began at the elegant Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, perched directly on La Concha Bay. Waking up to the glittering curve of one of Europe’s most celebrated beaches was the perfect prelude to what would become a truly moving experience. Due to our flight arrival we didn't get to join others on the first stop which was GEHITU, the local LGBT+ association. We have been told that it wasn’t just a meet-and-greet—it was a reminder of why we do what we do. Standing in a space dedicated to activism and visibility, colleagues felt the spirit of the Basque LGBT+ community—resilient, vibrant, and determined.
The evening led us on a pintxos tour through the heart of San Sebastián’s Old Town. Pintxos aren’t just snacks—they’re a ritual, a social art form, and a delicious way to fall in love with the city. Every bar told a different story, each plate a new chapter in Basque culinary heritage.
The following day, we travelled to Getaria, a coastal gem with deep cultural roots. We visited the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum, paying tribute to the iconic designer whose work continues to shape fashion worldwide. From there, we delved into the sensory side of Basque life at a local Txakoli winery, sipping crisp wines and nibbling on cheese, ham, and tuna while overlooking the vines.
We then explored Zumaia’s epic Flysch cliffs—a natural masterpiece and Game of Thrones filming location—before retreating inland to the stunning Iriarte Jauregia Hotel, a 17th-century palace turned boutique haven. Our dinner that night was a symphony of Basque flavours served in a setting that felt both noble and intimate.
On our final day of the familirisation trip, we stepped even deeper into tradition. In Ordizia, we wandered the historic food market, bursting with local produce and warm welcomes. Later, at a centuries-old sheep farm, we met Eneko, a sixth-generation cheesemaker whose joy and pride in his heritage were as rich as the Idiazabal cheese he shared with us. We finished the journey at a traditional cider house, raising our glasses to the Txotx ritual and indulging in one of the most authentic meals we’ve ever had.
What stood out most wasn’t just the scenery, the food, or the culture—it was the people. Proud, generous, and open-hearted, they reminded us that identity isn’t just personal—it’s something we share, celebrate, and protect together.
One of the most rewarding parts of the trip was the opportunity to connect with fellow LGBT+ travel professionals from around the world. There’s something uniquely powerful about sharing a space with others who not only understand your identity but are also working towards the same goals of inclusion and visibility. Exploring together, eating together, learning together—it created a sense of community that made every moment richer. By the end of the trip, we weren’t just colleagues; we were collaborators, allies, and, in many cases, new friends.
This wasn’t just a research trip—it was a connection. And we can’t wait to help you experience it too.
San Sebastián: Food, Film, and Freedom
Just an hour’s drive from Bilbao lies San Sebastián—a beachy, elegant, cosmopolitan city that somehow balances glamour with grassroots charm. Known for its Michelin-starred food scene and sweeping La Concha beach, it also happens to be a deeply inclusive destination.
The city hosts its own Pride events and supports a number of queer-run cultural projects, including artistic residencies and youth-led collectives. It’s also home to a small but active queer scene, centred around relaxed bars and beachside gatherings rather than nightclubs. Think sunset drinks on Zurriola beach with fellow travellers, not neon lights and pounding bass.
San Sebastián’s famed International Film Festival also frequently champions queer stories, both in its programming and in the dialogues it opens up. It’s a city that knows how to tell stories—and how to listen to them too.
Where Queer Identity Meets Cultural Identity
What makes Basque Country LGBT travel so powerful is the way identity is celebrated in all its forms. Whether it’s through the haunting sound of the txalaparta drum, the preservation of the ancient Euskara language, or the drag queen performing in full Basque traditional costume, the message is clear: identity isn’t something to hide. It’s something to lift up.
As LGBT+ people, we often have to navigate questions of where we belong, how to express who we are, and what parts of ourselves we’re allowed to bring into the room. In the Basque Country, there’s a deep cultural understanding of that complexity. You don’t have to explain why visibility matters here. They already know.
Rural Pride: A Queer Welcome Beyond the Cities
Beyond Bilbao and San Sebastián, the Basque countryside offers lush green mountains, charming villages, and a slower, softer kind of travel. While rural areas are often assumed to be conservative, the Basque Country surprises again.
Thanks to government-supported outreach projects and strong community ties, queer visibility in smaller towns is growing. Initiatives like rural Pride events in places like Tardets and the inclusion of LGBT+ rights in regional cultural programming are paving the way for authentic, open-hearted experiences outside the urban bubble.
For those looking to reconnect with nature while still feeling affirmed and welcome, the Basque countryside offers hiking, gastronomy, and heritage with a side of acceptance.
A Place That Understands Pride
Every flag tells a story. The ikurriña—the Basque flag—is a symbol of defiance, cultural pride, and belonging. The rainbow flag tells a similar story. In the Basque Country, those stories run alongside one another—not competing, but complementing.
So when you walk through the streets of Bilbao and see both flags flying side by side, you know you’re somewhere special. Somewhere that understands that pride isn’t just about parties—it’s about persistence, identity, and joy in the face of adversity.
And for LGBT+ travellers, that makes all the difference.
Travel with Purpose, Travel with Pride
At Wide Awake Holidays, we’re proud to work closely with destinations that don’t just tolerate queer travellers—they celebrate them. That’s why we were honoured to be among that list of 35 global buyers at the 2025 LGBT+ Travel Symposium in the Basque Country. This wasn’t a tick-box exercise. It was a genuine invitation to collaborate, to connect, and to co-create inclusive travel experiences that matter.
From the food to the film, the festivals to the forests, the Basque Country welcomes you in. It sees your story and says, “We understand.”
So if you’re looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and authentic LGBT+ inclusion, your next great escape might just be to Euskadi.
Let us help you get there.
Ready to Explore the Basque Country?
If you’re dreaming of a holiday that speaks to your identity, nourishes your soul, and welcomes you with open arms, the Basque Country is calling. Let us craft a tailor-made itinerary that captures everything this extraordinary region has to offer—culture, cuisine, community, and pride.
Because “gay-friendly” isn’t always friendly enough—but this place truly is.
Get in touch today to start planning your trip:
Email: reservations@wideawakeholidays.co.uk
Phone/WhatsApp: 01495 400 947
Your story belongs here. And we can’t wait to help you tell it.
