Baketxe Baserria

We stayed for one night on our way through Bolivar on the Camino De Santiago and we had a great stay. The hosts were fantastic and catered to every need, including difficult dietary requirements! They were so welcoming and helpful. We would recommend this home away from home to everyone, and will definitely stay here again if we do the Camino again!

Our party of three arrived at the monastery of Zenarruzako Komentua across the valley late one evening of last June just to find out that the scanty beds had all been taken and our late arrival was not particularly welcome there. Luckily we found a phone number for Baketxe Baserria and called. Naraia was very nice and welcoming; she came to pick us up in her car within minutes and took us to their amazing home; she and her mother treated us to a sumptuos dinner fixed on the spot with all sorts of Basque dishes. Guest rooms and bedding were of the highest standard. Breakfast was so good the following morning that we took our time enjoying the place and the food till late. We had the impression of visiting a doting aunt, not a hostelier. Price was higher than the typical hostel, of course, but it should be compared to that of a 5 star hotel, no less.

Baketxe Basseria is in beautiful a rural setting in the hills midway between Bilbao and San Sebasitan. On arrival, we were immediately made to feel very welcome and at home by the proprietors Mikel and Naiara. We had booked the large family room, which was very spacious, with a double bed, bunk beds, kitchen/bar area, two sofas, table and chairs, television and balcony. It is important to realise that Baketxe Basseria is not a hotel in the conventional sense - for us, it was far better than this. I am struggling to find a category to put it in, but it is somewhere between a guest house and a home stay. The energy and enthusiasm of our hosts was genuinely unique, and the peaceful, friendly atmosphere is second to none. We were welcome to join in with family life when we chose, but but our privacy was respected at other times. The house provides a good base from which to explore Bilbao, San Sebastián and the North Coast, all within approximately 45 minutes driving time, or simply to relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside in which it is set. We were visiting as a family, but the other guests while we were there were single people and couples. The property is well situated for walkers on the Camino, and is also well equipped for cyclists. We hope to return again sometime. We thank our hosts for the very enjoyable days spent with them, and wish them all the very best in their venture.

Returning from an amazing long weekend surrounded by nature in its full splendour, we could never have imagined all the different sensations that we would experience, and all thanks to this lovely family home called 'Baketxe Baserria' situated at the foot of Mount Oiz in the tiny municipality of Bolibar in the Basque country. We were greeted with such warmth and enthusiasm and shared not only the Basque culture but also the cuisine and are - to our shame - somewhat heavier than when we left home! If you are looking for an authentic Basque experience we highly recommend this beautiful place. To wet your appetite we'd like to share a few photos with you. This place really lives up to it's reputation and is somewhere that we wouldn't think twice about returning to. Regardless of whether you want sports or just pleasurable relaxation everything is on offer here. Thank you Naiara, Mikel and your lovely family for such a wonderful stay and as you say 'AGUR' ('GOODBYE') and until next time.

Nosotros fuimos el año pasado y nos quedamos con ganas de más por lo que hemos repetido este año. Lugar acogedor, súper tranquilo, instalaciones fantásticas, vistas espectaculares, servicio y atención inmejorable por parte de Ana, Sorkunde y por supuesto de Goxo, seguramente repetiremos próximamente. Muchísimas gracias por hacernos sentir como en casa. Ana, Adrià, Alejandro y Nuria.