Fodor's Expert Review Castillo de Arteaga
Calle Gaztelubide 7, Gautegiz de Arteaga, Basque Country, 48314, Spain Fodor's Choice
Built in the mid-19th century for Empress Eugenia de Montijo, wife of Napoléon III, this neo-Gothic limestone castle-cum-hotel with rooms in the watchtowers and defensive walls is one of the most extraordinary lodgings in the area (and Relais & Châteaux agrees). Overlooking the Urdaibai Nature Reserve wetlands 30 minutes north of Bilbao, near Gernika, it's a favorite home base for bird-watchers, with excursions by canoe available for exploring the marshes. The excellent restaurant focuses on local products, from seafood to Txakolí, making this a culinary destination as well.
PROS
- market-driven restaurant worth a trip in itself
- views over the wetlands
- palatial interiors
CONS
- isolated from the village and 30 minutes from Bilbao
- spotty Wi-Fi in some rooms
- few restaurants in the area
HOTEL INFO
HOTEL DETAILS
Rate Includes: Closed late Dec.–early Mar., Free Breakfast