Vitoria-gasteiz Travel Guide, Spain

Vitoria-gasteiz, Travel guide – Location

The beautiful medieval city Vitoria-Gasteiz is located in northern Spain and central Alava Province, 32 miles from Bilbao and 54 miles from Pamplona, being one of the main cultural and economic centers in the country. You will find below some of the most important information related to Vitoria-gasteiz travel guide.

Vitoria-gasteiz, Travel guide – Geography

The local topography is marked by the tall plain in which the city is settled, the undulated aspect of this plain, and the surrounding Central Alaves Mountains with their snow capped peaks. The general elevation here is of 500m determining a smooth transition toward the surrounding low hills and mountains.

The general climate is Mediterranean with some oceanic influences characterized by hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. The presence of the mountains moderates temperatures in summer, lowering the number of torrid days thus creating good conditions for tourists to enjoy the balmy Mediterranean air. Winters are cold with numerous rainfalls but only occasional snowy days.

The local hydrographic network is represented by the nearby Zadorra River and its tributaries which finally reach the Ebro far south. Zadorra River is the main fresh water supplier for Vitoria-gasteiz’s inhabitants.

Vitoria-gasteiz, Travel guide - Flora and Fauna

The city is one of the “greenest” in Europe with more than 40 square meters of green space per person. Most of the city’s parks and gardens are concentrated around the city forming the so called “Green Ring” of Vitoria-gasteiz. The five distinct areas that form this Ring are the Armentia, Olarizu, Salburua and Zabalgana. Here the local flora and fauna can develop undisturbed and can be admired by all tourists visiting the city. The public parks are a great place for the locals to meet, relax and practice different outdoor sports.

Some of the most important parks within the city are the La Florida and El Prado, spaces covered with countless tree species, flowers and where numerous species of birds, small mammals and insects found the perfect place to live.

Vitoria-gasteiz, Travel guide – Transport

Vitoria-gasteiz has always been an important stop on a communication road system connecting the city with the capital, Madrid and further with other large European cities. You can travel here by air arriving on Vitoria-Gatseiz Airport, located a few kilometers away from the city and then transfer by bus, car or taxi. If you arrive from inland then you can also choose to travel by train or by bus, both offering reliable services.

The city is located near an important highway and is crossed by several important local roads connecting it with other major Spanish cities and also with Madrid.

Within the city you can choose to travel using the public transportation system mainly by bus. For more flexibility you can rent a car from one of the local companies or can take a taxi which is quite inexpensive. Still, if you decide to visit the city in summer and you are decided to see as much as possible then you can take part of the “Park and Pedal” project, rent a bicycle for free and make the most of your time in Vitoria-gasteiz.

Vitoria-gasteiz, Travel guide – Population and Economy

Population in the city numbers about 226.000 inhabitants, most of which are Spanish followed by other small minorities. The dominating religion is Catholicism, the city housing some of the oldest and most beautiful catholic churches in Spain.

Due to the fact that Vitoria-gasteiz is the capital city of Basque Country, it has developed steadily offering foreign investors the best conditions to settle here. Most of the locals work in the food industry, crafts, commerce and of course tourism, which plays a more important role year after year.

Vitoria-gasteiz, Travel guide – Cuisine

Basque cuisine blends with local cuisine and with French and Mediterranean influences creating the unique flavor of the local dishes. The main ingredients of most of the traditional dishes here are local vegetables and herbs, pork and veal meat, game, fish, the famous Basque cheese and other diary products.

Some of the most popular dishes here are the marmitako, a fish and potatoes stew, pintxos, which are a type of fast-food, made of bread, fish, pickles and peppers, piperade, which is stew made only of vegetables like peppers, onions and tomatoes and many other delicious treats.

Traditional drinks are very appreciated here, especially the local wine, the Basque cider and different types of fruit liqueurs accompanying almost every meal.