Most popular anchorages and moorings
(Add a spot)A live ranking of your favorite spots in the area. Keep an eye on the tide and weather forecast, zoom in to avoid seaweed fields, then tap to start your list of favorites.
-
A prime location for a peaceful stopover. The nearby charming village of Mundaka is renowned for its… Read more about this listing
Best-rated marinas and boatyards
(Add a place)Are you looking for a marina or boatyard? Read sailors’ reviews, find a VHF channel, tap to book a berth. No intermediary – 0 commission.
-
Unwelcoming staff and issues with high prices, which can be a bit off-putting. There’ve been reports… Read more about this listing
-
A small yet picturesque marina in Spain’s Basque Country. Located along a rugged stretch of the coas… Read more about this listing
From the forum
- This forum has 3 topics, 8 replies, and was last updated 3 months ago by .
-
- Topic
- Voices
- Last
- You must be logged in to create new topics.
Do you have a question about sailing in Basque Country?
A recent news? An event? Anything specific? Join Spain Sailing Group!
A brief maritime history of the Basque Country
From the earliest days, Basque mariners were known for their skill in navigating treacherous waters. In fact, the Basques were among the first Europeans to regularly fish the rich waters off the coast of Newfoundland long before the voyages of Columbus and Cabot.
The Basques played a key role in the development of the medieval European economy, shipping iron, wool, and salt from their ports. Ports like Bilbao and San Sebastián became gateways to northern Europe, where Basque traders connected Spain to England, Flanders, and beyond.
As the Middle Ages progressed, during the Hundred Years’ War, the Basques were critical allies of the French crown, their ships defending against English raids. Their warships, known for their speed and maneuverability, played a key role in protecting trade routes and securing France’s access to the sea. They were also some of the earliest experts in whale hunting, traveling farther and farther out into the Atlantic to find their quarry. By the 16th century, Basque whalers had established themselves as pioneers, developing techniques that were unrivaled in Europe.
The advent of Spain’s Age of Exploration brought even more recognition to the Basque seafaring tradition. Many of the most celebrated Spanish explorers relied heavily on Basque crews to guide them on their voyages across the Atlantic. Juan Sebastián Elcano, the first man to circumnavigate the globe after Magellan’s death, was a Basque native.
