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With its turbulent and rich history, the Basque region, in Spain's north east, must be regarded as one of it's most interesting regions.  Once a separate kingdom but now absorbed into Spain, Basques are still a fiercely independent and proud race with their own language and cultural heritage.

 

Certainly in culinary circles they have a lot to be proud of.  The area is traditionally regarded as Spain's finest for gastronomy and a seemingly endless production line of top chefs and Michelin stars have maintained the areas reputation as a gourmand's dream.

Food is engrained into the everyday fibre of Basque life and is a very serious business to most people in the region.

Like all good culinary areas, the Basques marry the traditions of sea and land.  Probably more famous for its abundant fish, the hilly interiors of the region produce cheese (often made from Ewe's milk such as Idazabal), green peas and mushrooms.

The spring months see the sprouting of the regions most famous mushroom, the highly sought after and expensive "Zizaks", a particular favourite in the Alava area of the region.

Alava is an eminently industrial province, its chief activities being the manufacture of iron, steel, agricultural machinery, cars, playing cards, furniture, glass-ware and handicraft ceramics.

 

It is also one of three Basque provinces consisting of a plain surrounded by mountains and watered by the Zadorra, a tributary of the Ebro, and extends over 3,007 sq. km.  An agreeable climate is marked by cool temperatures in summer.

The North specialises in ciders, the south, known as Alava Rioja is famous for wine. Lakes Zadorra and Ullivarri are surrounded by green mountains and offer facilities for all kinds of water sports.  Also, fishing can be found in the Rivers Bayes and Zadorra, including trout, cray and many other fish.

 

The provincial capital lies 115km from San Sebastian and 113km from Burgos.  Festivities in honour of the Patroness take place during the first ten days of August and include folklore exhibitions and the traditional torchlight procession.

 

A good point to start excursions is from Vitoria which stands in the centre of the Alava plain and leads to Estibaliz Monastery and the caves of Gorbes.  All the Basque regions are well known for their tasty cuisine and choice selection.

Vitoria's strategic location has allowed its population to keep in contact with other peoples, leading to a cultural enrichment reflected in its monuments.  Both its capital city, Vitoria and the rest of the province of Alava have beautiful examples of urban architecture, medieval design, palaces, fortresses and Gothic and Baroque churches, many of which have undergone major refurbishment to become some of the main cultural attractions of the province.  What is more, Alava's very diverse landscape, with many unspoilt spaces, some of which have become nature parks, allow the development of a whole programme of nature and open-air sport related activities as well as active tourism.

 

Entrepinos Golf Club:

The "Entrepinos" course is 5,200 metres and is located 12 km from Valladolid, on the left bank of the River Pisuerga, surrounded by a huge pine wood.  It is also 2 km from the historic village of Simancas, which is full of natural beauty with buildings such as the XVI century parish church and the bridge over the River Pisuerga.

 

Lerma Golf Club:

The Club Golf de Lerma in Burgos is right next to the Burgos-Madrid motorway so it is very easy to get to.  Designed by Jose Gancedo, it has 18 holes and is located in one of the most interesting parts of Castilla.  Close to Lerma, Santo de Silos, San Pedro de Arlanza and Covarrubias, this is a region well worth visiting, and the local cuisine is famous for its quality.

 

 

 

 

 

Vitoria Gasteiz is a small, provincial airport that only recieved 85,000 passengers during 2005.

This is set to change in 2006 as Ryanair have announced that they are to start a dialy flight between London Stansted and Vitoria from February 27th.

The City of Vitoria is about 10 kms away and the airport is just 64 kms south of Bilbao. This makes it a good alternative way of spending a weekend break either in Bilbao or exploring this beautiful and unspoilt part of Spain.

Taxis can be found outside of the terminal building and we have read that the local taxi companies have an obligation to provide taxis for all flights.

The arrivals hall at Vitoria is small on the same level as the departures hall. In the departures hall you will find 7 check in desks and a cafe serving snacks and drinks each day.